Choosing the right air conditioner for your Melbourne home is a big decision — especially with Victoria’s scorching summers and chilly winters. Two of...
Choosing a VEU-Approved Air Conditioner? Here’s How COP and EER Impact Your Rebate
If you’re planning to upgrade your air conditioning system in Melbourne, chances are you’ve heard about COP & EER Affect Your VEU Aircon Rebate. These terms may sound technical, but they directly affect how much you’ll save — both on your electricity bills and through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate.
At Melbourne Aircon Specialist, we help homeowners make smart, energy-efficient choices that not only improve comfort but also maximise government rebates. In this blog, we’ll break down how COP & EER Affect Your VEU Aircon Rebate ratings work and why they’re essential when choosing a VEU-approved air conditioner.
Understanding the VEU Program
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program is a government initiative designed to help Victorians reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut energy costs.
Under the program, households can receive rebates or discounts when they install energy-efficient appliances, including reverse cycle air conditioners and heat pumps.
However, not every system qualifies. To be eligible, the air conditioner must meet certain efficiency benchmarks — and that’s where COP and EER come in.
What Are COP and EER?
These two metrics measure how efficiently your air conditioner converts electricity into heating or cooling output.
| Term | Full Form | Measures | Higher Value Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| COP | Coefficient of Performance | Heating Efficiency | Better heating performance |
| EER | Energy Efficiency Ratio | Cooling Efficiency | Better cooling performance |
Both are expressed as ratios — comparing output energy (heating or cooling) to input energy (electricity).
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
EER shows how efficiently your air conditioner cools your space.
For example, if an air conditioner produces 5 kW of cooling using 1.5 kW of power, its EER = 3.33.
A higher EER means the system delivers more cooling for each unit of electricity consumed — saving you money during Melbourne’s summer months.
COP (Coefficient of Performance)
COP measures heating efficiency.
If a system provides 4.5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity, its COP = 4.5.
This is especially important for reverse cycle air conditioners, which double as heaters in winter — making them a great replacement for gas wall heaters under the VEU scheme.
How COP and EER Affect Your VEU Rebate
The Victorian Energy Upgrades Program rewards energy-efficient systems.
When you install an air conditioner with a high COP and EER, you can earn more VEECs (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates) — which directly increases your rebate value.
Simply put:
Higher COP/EER = More VEECs = Bigger Rebate
This means that by choosing a more efficient system, you’re not just saving on your energy bills — you’re also getting a larger government-backed discount.
Why It Matters for Melbourne Homes
Melbourne’s climate demands both effective cooling in summer and reliable heating in winter.
A high-COP, high-EER system ensures:
- Lower running costs year-round
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Improved indoor air quality
- Long-term savings through efficiency
With electricity prices rising, investing in a VEU-approved system with strong efficiency ratings is one of the smartest decisions for your home.
Typical COP and EER Ratings by Efficiency Level
| Efficiency Category | Typical COP | Typical EER | Example Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard System | 3.0 – 3.5 | 3.0 – 3.5 | Meets minimum requirements |
| High Efficiency | 4.0 – 4.5 | 4.0 – 4.5 | Lower bills, higher rebate |
| Premium Efficiency | 5.0+ | 5.0+ | Maximum rebate and savings |
When comparing models, look for systems with COP or EER above 4.0, especially those listed under VEU-approved products.
Maximising Your Rebate with Melbourne Aircon Specialist
At Melbourne Aircon Specialist, we make your upgrade simple.
Our team helps you:
- Choose a VEU-approved, high-efficiency air conditioner
- Decommission your existing gas or electric heater (if required)
- Handle all installation and paperwork for your rebate
We supply and install major brands that meet or exceed VEU efficiency standards — ensuring you get the best performance and maximum rebate possible.
Example: High COP = Higher Savings
Let’s say you replace an older 2.5 EER system with a modern 4.5 EER model:
- You could reduce your cooling energy use by up to 45%.
- Over a year, that could save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill.
- Plus, your higher efficiency rating could qualify you for a bigger VEU rebate during installation.
It’s a win-win — better comfort and real financial savings.
Why Choose Melbourne Aircon Specialist
✅ VEU-compliant installations
✅ Expert guidance on rebates and paperwork
✅ Licensed and insured technicians
✅ Quick, clean, and professional service
✅ Trusted by homeowners across Melbourne
We make energy-efficient upgrades hassle-free — helping you breathe cleaner air, enjoy better comfort, and save more every day.
Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Make It Simple
Switching to a VEU-approved, energy-efficient air conditioner is one of the easiest ways to cut your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Contact Melbourne Aircon Specialist today!
1300 001 690
info@melbourneairconspecialist.com.au
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Melbourne Aircon Specialist – Smarter Systems. Bigger Savings. Better Comfort.
1. What do COP and EER mean for air conditioners?
COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures heating efficiency, while EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. Higher ratings mean your system performs better and uses less power — saving you money.
2. How do COP and EER affect my VEU rebate?
The higher your air conditioner’s COP and EER, the more VEECs (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates) it earns — leading to a larger rebate under the VEU Program.
3. What is considered a good COP or EER rating?
A COP or EER of 4.0 or higher is typically considered efficient for Melbourne’s climate. Systems above 5.0 deliver premium efficiency and qualify for the highest rebate tiers.
4. Can I replace my gas heater with a VEU-approved air conditioner?
Yes. Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, you can replace an old gas or electric heater with an approved reverse cycle air conditioner — often receiving a generous rebate for doing so.
5. How can Melbourne Aircon Specialist help me get the rebate?
Our team handles everything — from checking your eligibility and selecting a VEU-approved system to installation and rebate paperwork. We make the entire process quick, compliant, and stress-free.





