Why Victorian's are ditching gas, and what Emerald Programs has to do with it
Energy prices are rising. Gas bills are creeping higher each quarter. And for many Victorian households, the old ducted gas heater that’s been running for a decade is starting to feel more like a liability than a comfort. The good news? There’s never been a better time to make the switch to electric, and Emerald Programs is making it easier, and more affordable, than ever before.
If you’ve recently heard about Emerald Programs or the Electrify Heating Program, you’re not alone. More Victorians are exploring this program to reduce energy bills, improve home comfort, and access government rebates.
But what exactly is Emerald Programs and why are so many homeowners switching? In this guide, we explain what Emerald Programs are, how they work, eligibility requirements, government rebates, and why more Victorians are making the switch.
What is Emerald Programs?
Emerald is an Australian company, founded and operated out of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a mission to help households use energy more efficiently. Their product range covers reverse-cycle air conditioning, hot water heat pumps, and a suite of smart home technology, including the Emerald App, Solar Soaker, and Electricity Advisor, all designed to help Australians cut their energy costs and their carbon footprint at the same time.
Emerald Programs is the initiative sitting at the heart of their community impact work. Designed to help 1,000 Victorian households transition toward energy-efficient electric homes, Emerald Programs connects homeowners with modern heating and cooling, bundling product, installation, and access to government incentives into one streamlined experience.
This program will help Victorians:
- Replace gas heating with electric air conditioning.
- Access government rebates and incentives to bring down the cost of upgrading.
Why Emerald Programs is becoming popular in Victoria
Victorian’s are increasingly moving away from gas heating due to:
- Rising gas prices
- Government push toward electrification
- Energy efficiency incentives
- Environmental benefits
- Better heating & cooling performance
Emerald air conditioning and heat pump systems are engineered to reduce energy use while maintaining consistent comfort, helping homeowners cut both running costs and emissions.
Victoria is one of Australia’s most well-supported states when it comes to home electrification, with schemes covering everything from hot water systems and solar to EV charging, batteries, and heating. What sets Emerald Programs apart is its exclusive approach: offers and incentives you simply can’t access anywhere else.
The Electrify Heating Program: what you need to know
For Victorian homeowners looking to replace gas heating with electric air conditioning, the Emerald Electrify Heating Program offers a simple and cost-effective solution. Unlike standard upgrades, Emerald Programs combines product, installation, and incentives into one simplified offering, removing the usual headache of navigating rebates, finding installers, and comparing products separately.
The program is specifically focused on helping households ditch outdated gas ducted heating systems in favour of modern reverse-cycle electric air conditioning. These systems don’t just heat, they cool in summer too, giving homeowners year-round comfort from a single, efficient unit.
What Does Emerald Programs Typically Include?
Depending on eligibility, Emerald Programs can include:
- Gas Ducted Heating Replacement
Upgrade your old gas ducted heating system to:
- Reverse cycle air conditioning
- Multi-head split systems
- Ducted electric air conditioning
These systems provide both heating and cooling, meaning you only need one system for year-round comfort.
- Exclusive offers
Only Emerald Programs includes;
- Smart technology included to help you monitor your new system from your phone.
- Extra warranty on installation
- Cashback offers of $100 back in your pocket post-installation.
The financial benefits of switching from gas to electric
Post installation savings:
The numbers make a compelling argument on their own. Victorian households making the switch are seeing average savings of over $2,500 per year on their energy bills. Through Emerald Programs, eligible households can access government-backed incentives that could save them up to $9,000 on their installation costs.
On top of that, for a limited time, homeowners who upgrade their gas heating through Emerald Programs can receive an additional $100 cashback on top of the existing government incentives available for eligible installations.
It’s worth noting that some Victorian rebate programs allow renters to participate, although landlord approval is generally required before installation can proceed — creating opportunities for both tenants and landlords.
Upfront cost savings:
Split system reverse cycle air conditioners typically range from $2,500 to $7,500 installed for one unit, depending on size and brand.
Multi-split or ducted reverse cycle systems cost more but offer whole-home solutions.
The good news? Victorian households may be eligible for government rebates, reducing the upfront cost significantly of up to $9K.
Programs like the Victorian Energy Upgrades and Emerald Program provide incentives to install energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioners, often covering a significant portion of the purchase and installation costs. This means what might have once felt like a large investment can become a much more affordable upgrade.
By lowering the initial expense, these rebates not only make reverse cycle systems competitive in the gas vs reverse cycle cost comparison but also help homeowners start saving sooner through lower running costs, making it one of the cheapest ways to heat your home in the long term.
Why upgrade now?
The Emerald Electrify Heating Program currently has limited availability, with only 1,000 spots across Victoria. Once those spots are filled, the additional cashback offer and current incentive structures may no longer be available. With energy costs continuing to rise, there has never been a better time to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling.
If you currently have gas ducted heating or an older air conditioning system, there’s a strong chance you qualify.
Who is eligible to upgrade?
Victorian residents:
- With gas heating,
- In a property that is over 2 years old
- Your new system is installed by a licensed and accredited professional through the program.
The process is straightforward: check your eligibility, get connected with a certified installer, and let Emerald handle the rest.
Emerald Programs follow a simple 4-step process:
- Check eligibility
- Speak with our experts
- Installation by accredited installer
- Enjoy lower energy bills and improved comfort
Is Emerald Programs right for you?
Emerald Programs may be ideal if you:
- Have gas ducted heating
- Want to reduce energy bills
- Want heating and cooling in one system
- Want to access rebates
- Are planning a home upgrade
- Want a more energy-efficient home
Final thoughts
Making the switch from gas to electric is an investment in your home, your comfort, and your future energy savings. Whether you’re looking to lower your bills, improve your home’s efficiency, or reduce your carbon footprint, Emerald’s Electrify Heating Program provides an easy path to a more sustainable home.
With rising energy costs and increasing support for electrification across Victoria, there has never been a better time to upgrade. Discover how much you could save and take the first step towards a cleaner, more comfortable home with Emerald Programs.
Emerald Programs are designed to help Victorians upgrade to energy-efficient heating and cooling, reduce energy bills, and access government rebates. With gas prices rising and winter approaching, more homeowners are exploring energy-efficient electric upgrades for long-term savings and comfort.
Check Your Eligibility Today
If you’re considering upgrading your heating and cooling, now could be the ideal time to explore Emerald Programs and available rebates.