Canberra households are moving away from ducted gas, and the cash incentives are real. If you upgrade to ducted reverse cycle air conditioning through ActewAGL’s scheme, the total value can reach $6,000 for eligible customers: up to $5,000 off the unit and installation plus $1,000 in electricity bill credits spread over three years. Approved installers apply discounts at the point of sale, which keeps the paperwork light.
What the rebate covers
There are two main upgrade paths. If you replace a ducted gas heater with a ducted reverse cycle system, standard customers can receive $2,500 off plus $500 in bill credits. Concession card holders may access the higher tier: up to $5,000 off plus $1,000 in credits over three years. If you replace a flued space heater with a split-system reverse cycle unit, the standard offer is $1,250 off plus $500 in bill credits, with a larger discount available for concession customers. Eligibility requires that you live in the ACT, have an ActewAGL electricity plan, and are replacing qualifying gas equipment.
At a glance
| Upgrade | Standard offer | Concession offer | Bill credit |
| Ducted gas → ducted reverse cycle | $2,500 off | Up to $5,000 off | $500 standard or $1,000 concession over 3 years |
| Flued gas heater → split reverse cycle | $1,250 off | Up to $2,500 off | $500 over 3 years |
Amounts and eligibility can change. Always check current terms before you commit.
Are there other ACT supports?
Yes. The ACT Government’s Home Energy Support program offers separate rebates for eligible homeowners, including up to $2,500 for reverse cycle heating and cooling. It can also be paired with an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 to help cover remaining costs. This is a different stream from the ActewAGL point-of-sale discount. Read the fine print and ask your installer which support applies to your situation.
Why switch from gas to reverse cycle?
Reverse cycle systems provide efficient heating and cooling from one unit, which cuts running costs and simplifies maintenance. You’ll get zoned comfort, better summer performance than evaporative systems, and fewer combustion risks inside the home. Government buyer guides set efficiency thresholds and sizing ranges so households don’t get stuck with an undersized unit that runs hard and wastes energy.
How to claim the rebate without headaches
- Get a compliant quote. Choose an approved installer that works within the ActewAGL program. They should confirm eligibility, product capacity, and ducting requirements up front.
- Expect ductwork upgrades. Older ducts leak heat and often fail current R-value requirements. Replacing them improves performance and is typically part of the eligible scope.
- Confirm bill credits. ActewAGL applies credits quarterly over three years. If you switch retailers, you may forfeit remaining credits.
- Check other supports. If you qualify for ACT Home Energy Support or interest-free finance, decide which option suits your cash flow best. Some supports cannot be stacked for the same item, so ask the installer to map it out for you.
What will it cost after rebates?
Prices vary with house size, ducting condition, and brand. The ActewAGL discount is applied at checkout, so you’ll see the reduced price on the invoice, then receive bill credits automatically each quarter. Concession customers often get the largest net reduction for ducted replacements. If you want a quick sense check: ask for an itemised quote that separates supply, install, ductwork, and the applied incentive.
Practical tips before you remove your gas heater
Schedule a safety check on the existing unit if it’s still in use. A professional gas heater service Canberra can flag carbon-monoxide risks and help you plan a clean decommissioning. If the old system struggles during a cold snap, short-term heater repairs Canberra can bridge the gap until your installation date. And if the unit is past sensible heating repair Canberra, the upgrade rebate often beats throwing good money at a failing heater.
Think about whole-home comfort while you’re at it. Reverse cycle gives you summer cooling with no extra indoor equipment, and modern controls allow zoning and scheduling. Well-sealed ducts and careful return-air placement make a noticeable difference to noise and airflow. Local specialists who deliver end-to-end heating and cooling services can design around your floor plan and insulation level.
Don’t forget hot water
Many households switch space heating and hot water at the same time to lock in bigger energy savings. The same installer can quote a heat pump system and advise on available incentives. If something fails unexpectedly, look for fast Emergency hot water repair from a licensed team. Persistent drips waste money, so book Leaking hot water repair Canberra before small leaks become cylinder replacements.
Who should you call?
Energy People is a Canberra specialist that participates in the upgrade promotion and can coordinate quotes under the ActewAGL program. Our team can walk you through eligibility, manage the ducting work, and apply the discount on your invoice, with credits set up for the next quarter. That keeps the process simple and transparent from day one.
Bottom line
If you’re replacing ducted gas in Canberra, the reverse cycle rebate can cut thousands off your upfront cost and trim bills for years. Start with a compliant quote, check which program you’re eligible for, and make sure the design covers ducting and zoning. Do you need cooling next summer as well as reliable winter heat? Reverse cycle gives you both, and the current incentives make the numbers stack up.
