Federal: STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
STCs are federal renewable-energy certificates that apply to high-efficiency heat pumps (which is what reverse-cycle aircon is). They typically take $200–$700 off the cost of an eligible high-efficiency split or ducted system. The installer claims the certificates and passes the discount through. Available Australia-wide. Eligibility is by model — your installer or FixerCo quote will show whether the system qualifies.
NSW: Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
NSW's ESS offers rebates on energy-efficient systems including reverse-cycle aircon, with significant uplift since the 2023 expansion. Rebates typically range $300–$1,200 depending on system size and efficiency. Must be installed by an Accredited Certificate Provider — most established Sydney installers are accredited. Available across all of NSW.
Victoria: Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
VEU offers rebates on high-efficiency split systems and heat pump hot water. Rebates of $400–$1,400 are common on eligible aircon installs. Installer must be VEU-accredited. Eligibility expanded in 2024 to include more residential heat pump replacements.
South Australia: Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
REPS rebates apply to high-efficiency reverse-cycle replacements. Typically $300–$1,000 off eligible installs. Installer must be REPS-accredited. Especially valuable for replacing old evaporative or gas systems with reverse-cycle.
ACT: Sustainable Household Scheme
ACT offers interest-free loans (not rebates) of up to $15,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades including reverse-cycle aircon. Combined with low-emission electricity, this dramatically lowers running cost over the loan period.
Queensland
Queensland has no dedicated state-level aircon rebate as of 2026. Federal STCs still apply. Some local councils have minor energy-efficiency grants but they're small.
Western Australia
WA has no major state-level aircon rebate. Federal STCs apply. Synergy occasionally runs targeted efficiency incentives — check current offers when quoting.
How to make sure your quote includes rebates
Ask explicitly: 'Is this quote inclusive of STCs and any state rebates the system is eligible for?' If the installer says they don't do rebates, find one who does — the difference is hundreds of dollars. On FixerCo, request a quote that includes rebate eligibility in the comparison.
Replacing an old system
Many rebate programs specifically incentivise replacing inefficient old systems. If you're swapping out a 15-year-old aircon, ducted gas heater or evaporative cooler for a modern high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit, you're more likely to qualify for the upper end of rebate amounts.