Replace Gas Ducted Heating with a Braemar Dominator in Melbourne

Many Melbourne homes still rely on ageing ducted gas heating systems installed 10–20 years ago.

With rising gas prices and the shift toward all-electric homes, more homeowners are replacing ducted gas heating with energy-efficient electric reverse cycle systems like the Braemar Dominator.

If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Braemar Dominator?

The Braemar Dominator is a ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling system designed to replace traditional gas ducted heaters.

Unlike gas systems, it:

• Runs entirely on electricity
  
• Provides both heating and cooling
  
• Uses efficient heat pump technology
  
• Can often connect to existing ductwork
  
• Allows for zoned temperature control
  

It’s a popular upgrade option for Melbourne homeowners wanting one modern climate solution for year-round comfort.

Why Melbourne Homeowners Are Switching from Gas to Electric

New legislation from the Victorian government means all new homes built must rely only on electricity and have no gas appliances. This shift is now moving into existing housing, with more and more homes moving away from Melbourne’s traditional gas ducted heating. 

Lower Running Costs

Reverse cycle systems use heat pump technology, meaning they transfer heat rather than generate it. This makes them highly efficient compared to older gas systems.

For many households, this can reduce winter energy costs.

Heating and Cooling in One System

Older homes often have:

• Ducted gas heating for winter
  
• Separate split systems for cooling
  

The Braemar Dominator replaces both.

Move Toward an All-Electric Home

Victoria is moving toward electric-only homes, and many homeowners are upgrading:

• Gas hot water → Heat pump hot water
  
• Gas heating → Reverse cycle systems
  
• Gas cooking → Induction
  

Replacing your ducted gas heater is often the next logical step in reducing reliance on gas.

Access VEU Rebates When Replacing Gas Heating

Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, eligible homeowners may receive rebates when replacing inefficient gas ducted heating with approved high-efficiency electric systems.

Because Harley Plumbing participates in the VEU program, customers may be able to reduce the upfront cost of installing a Braemar Dominator system.

Rebate amounts depend on:

• The existing system being replaced
  
• The size and efficiency of the new system
  
• Installation compliance requirements
  

A proper assessment can confirm eligibility.

How Much Is the VEU Rebate for Replacing Gas Ducted Heating?

Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, eligible homeowners can receive significant rebates when replacing an old ducted gas heater with an approved high-efficiency electric reverse cycle system, such as the Braemar Dominator.

In many cases, rebates can range from approximately:

$2,500 up to $5,500+

Depending on:

• The size (kW rating) of the new system
  
• The existing gas system being replaced
  
• The efficiency rating of the new unit
  
• Current VEEC certificate values at the time of installation
  

In some larger whole-home ducted upgrades, rebates can be even higher depending on the configuration.

Because Harley Plumbing participates in the VEU program, eligible rebates are typically applied upfront, helping to reduce the initial installation cost.

The best way to confirm your exact rebate amount is through a heating upgrade assessment, where system size and eligibility can be properly calculated.

Contact us now so we can get you the best rebate available!