Top Air-con under the VEU rebates

If you live in Victoria, there is nothing more challenging than deciding which air conditioner suits you and your home the best. With the air conditioner rebate in Victoria offered through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, you have an incredible opportunity to upgrade to a modern, energy-efficient system. But with so many eligible models on the market, how do you find the right one for your needs?

This detailed review provides an in-depth analysis of seven of the most popular and VEU-eligible air conditioning systems available today, giving you the insights you need to make an informed decision for a permanent solution for heating and cooling in Melbourne and Victoria.

Table of Contents

1. Midea 18 kW Multi-Head Split, Model: MULMI0618B
2. Midea VRF Multi-Split, Model: MDV-V235WN1(AU)-A
3. Rinnai 18 kW Multi-Head Split, Model: MON6H18B
4. Rinnai Mini VRF Multi-Split, Model: MVRFON6H20
5. Emerald Ducted System 20 kW, Models: ACV200U / ACV200D
6. Panasonic High Static Ducted System 18 kW, Model: S-180PE4R / U-180PZH3R5
7. Daikin 16 kW Ducted System, Model: FDYUA160A9-2V4AL24
8. Summary Table
9. Understanding Your Victorian Energy Rebate
10. Final Thoughts
11. Frequently Asked Questions

A trusted workhorse across Australian homes.

1. Technical Specs: Supports up to four indoor units (e.g., 8 kW + 3.5 kW + 2.5 kW + 2.5 kW), connected to one outdoor inverter. Uses R32 refrigerant and inverter-driven compression for efficiency.
2. Best For: Large open-plan living, multiple connected rooms under one roof, ideal for townhouses or open-plan living areas.
3. Standout Feature: Modular flexibility – design your split to precisely fit your layout, with independent zones and minimal ducting.
4. ‍Additional Offerings: Offers smart connectivity (Wi-Fi control and scheduling).

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Highly scalable. Great for phased installations. Reviews consistently praise its durability and low running cost.

1. Technical Specs: Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, enabling dynamic capacity control across multiple zones and superior energy efficiency.
2. Best For: Multi-unit homes or small commercial setups seeking precision temperature control and minimal energy wastage.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Zone-by-zone temperature control without turning on full power, plus quieter operation due to adaptive compressor function.

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Note: this model uses R410A refrigerant.

For a deep dive into the features, benefits and how to claim rebates on MDV-V235WN1(AU)-A installation, read all about it here.

Rinnai is widely used in ducted systems; this multi-split option brings that quality to split installations.

1. Technical Specs: Inverter-driven unit connecting up to six slimline wall-mounted indoor units to a compact outdoor condenser. 7-year warranty standard.
2. Best For: Homes needing up to six distinct zones, for example, living/dining, bedrooms, study, kids' room, and guest area.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Wi-Fi control and smart scheduling, strong brand reliability in Australian split systems.

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Offers the efficiency of VRF with a lower cost and streamlined installation compared to full-scale systems.

1. Technical Specs: Compact, lightweight VRF variant designed for flexibility and discreet installation while operating across multiple zones.
2. Best For: Retrofit projects or spaces with limited outdoor unit capacity, also perfect where aesthetics matter as much as performance.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Mini VRF keeps the sleek ducted look with a split-like footprint, great for maintaining clean external building lines.

Read a detailed review of the Rinnai MVRFON6H20 Mini VRF Multi Split System before you make the decision.

Not as commonly seen as the big brands, but exceptional for its efficiency-to-cost ratio.

1. Technical Specs: Ultra-efficiency inverter ducted unit, designed for large-area coverage (100 m²⁺), using smart inverter control to adapt cooling to load requirements.
2. Best For: Entire-floor zone control in apartments, large open-plan areas, or multi-room ducted configurations.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Whisper-quiet operation and smart zoning deliver seamless heating and cooling.

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Read this comprehensive review of the Emerald Energy Ducted ACV200U model before taking a final decision.

Highly praised by installers for its flexibility in large homes throughout Melbourne and wider Victoria.

1. Technical Specs: High-static pressure ducted solution that delivers seamless air across long duct runs and multiple outlets.
2. Best For: Homes or buildings that require deep ducting, for example, multi-room flats, extended hallways, or attic conversions.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Strong static pressure makes this perfect for retrofitting duct systems without upgrading builders' work.

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Read a detailed review about the features of the Panasonic 18kW Ducted S-180PE4R/U-180PZH3R5 here.

A favourite among architects and spec-builders throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

1. Technical Specs: Premium-grade ducted system using R32 refrigerant and Daikin's inverter technology, covering the 16–24 kW range.
2. Best For: Luxury homes, boutique venues, or high-end custom builds demanding reliable, quiet heating and cooling.
3. ‍Standout Feature: Built for discretion – super-quiet performance, refined aesthetics and Daikin's renowned durability.

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Victoria actually has one of the strongest programs in Australia regarding energy upgrade incentives. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides rebates on energy-efficient products, such as air conditioners, to assist Victorians in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering power bills. You might be eligible for a substantial air conditioning rebate if you install a VEU-approved system.

What is the VEU Scheme?

The VEU scheme is a Victorian Government initiative that assists Victorians in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering power costs. You might be able to obtain a substantial air conditioning rebate if you install a VEU-approved split system.

To be eligible for this rebate:

1. The system should meet at least the minimum energy performance standards
2. It should be installed by an accredited provider
3. You should replace an existing (inefficient) heater or cooler

Okay, now that you understand what kind of system will be appropriate for your home, let's discuss how exactly to claim the rebate.

You'll need to source through an approved provider like EcoOrigin. We're VEU-approved and assist Victorian homeowners in sourcing approved systems, completing the paperwork, and ensuring that you receive the maximum rebate you're eligible for.

How EcoOrigin Assists You:

1. Free consultation and eligibility check
2. Recommending VEU-approved units based on your requirements and size of your home
3. Expert installation with no upfront payment
4. Processing your rebate claims from beginning to end

It's a seamless, dependable, and totally stress-free process.

Selecting the right air conditioner balances specific needs, brand reputation, and budget. You can choose a Midea system for its impressive value, a Rinnai unit for its robust reliability, an Emerald ducted system for large, whole-home solutions, or the Panasonic system that focuses on air purification for a healthier environment.

Ultimately, you cannot go wrong with any of these models, as they are all leaders and approved for the air conditioner rebate in Victoria. Beyond the initial rebate, a high-efficiency system is a smart, long-term investment that will reduce your running costs and carbon footprint. As the leading accredited provider in Victoria, EcoOrigin wants you to get the best permanent heating and cooling solution available in the market. To ensure you receive the correct rebate, always use an accredited installer and verify the product on the official Essential Services Commission (ESC) register.

1. Which brand of AC is most reliable?

Daikin, Rinnai, and Mitsubishi Electric are consistently rated as highly reliable brands in Australia, known for their durability and performance.

2. Which AC is best for electricity saving?

The most energy-efficient models use inverter technology and have a high Energy Star rating. Look for top-rated units from brands like Panasonic and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

3. Which is the No. 1 AC brand in the world?

By revenue and market share, Daikin is consistently cited as the world's largest air conditioner manufacturer. Other major global players include Gree and Carrier.

4. What is the Peak Smart air conditioner rebate?

The PeakSmart air conditioner rebate is a specific program offered by Energex in south-east Queensland, not Victoria. The program offers incentives of up to $400 for purchasing a PeakSmart-enabled air conditioner, which allows the energy provider to remotely manage its energy consumption during periods of high demand to help stabilise the grid.