Victorian businesses now have an un-missable opportunity to upgrade their old gas-powered hot water systems to energy-efficient heat pumps at no cost. It comes courtesy of the Victorian State Government’s Commercial Heat Pump Rebate program.

This initiative is part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, which aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the state. Victoria has a 2050 net-zero carbon target.

Efficient Energy Group – Victorian Energy Upgrades Partner

Efficient Energy Group (EEG) says it is committed to helping Victorian businesses switch to energy-efficient hot water systems. The company offers a free upgrade to a heat pump system in commercial buildings with gas hot water systems that are at least 10 years old. This offer is exclusive to commercial properties. Home offices do not qualify.

CEO Joshua Liptak encourages all eligible Victorian businesses to take full advantage of this rebate, which covers both the cost of the heat pump system and its installation. He explains, “Switching from gas to a heat pump is a win-win for businesses. It reduces your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. This is a very simple but very effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and future-proof your business against rising energy costs.”

Maximise Energy Efficiency with Heat Pumps

Why heat pumps? Liptak explains, “Heat pumps heat water using ‘thermal transfer’. So, essentially, they extract heat from the air, and transfer it to the water. This makes them significantly more energy-efficient than traditional gas systems.”

He adds, “By only using electricity as part of the heat extraction process and not to directly heat water, these pumps can produce up to three times more heat energy for the electrical energy they consume! This not only lowers operational costs but also helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint.”

Key Benefits of the Commercial Heat Pump Rebate

Heat pumps offer a range of benefits for commercial properties.

• Energy savings – gas hot water systems, particularly older ones, waste a lot of energy heating water. This adds to the energy bills! Heat pumps are far more efficient because they use electricity for less energy-intensive processes. This results in significantly lower energy consumption overall, and lower power bills for the business.
• Encourages a reduction in environmental impact – gas is a fossil fuel, and gas systems produce carbon emissions as part of their operation, thus contributing to a business’s environmental footprint on several fronts. Heat pumps, on the other hand, use a minimal amount of electricity, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
• Free upgrade – if your building still uses an inefficient gas hot water system that is over a decade old, Liptak says his company can replace these outdated systems with energy-efficient heat pumps at no cost through the Victorian Commercial Heat Pump Rebate. This is a great way to reduce your energy use and expenses with virtually no upfront costs.
• Adds value – Liptak also points out that a heat pump hot water system upgrade will improve the value of a property.

“As businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency, properties with modern, energy-efficient equipment and appliances, like a heat pump HWS, will be more attractive to tenants and potential buyers. This not only increases the value of the property but can also lead to potentially higher rental income. So, getting this upgrade done now, especially while it’s still free, can help future proof commercial properties in terms of their market value.”

How to Apply for the Rebate

Businesses can apply for the rebate by visiting the Efficient Energy Group website. EEG will handle everything from eligibility checks to installation, making the process seamless for busy business owners.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Upgrade

With the Victorian Government committed to cutting down on energy waste and encouraging electrification, the timing couldn’t be better for businesses to make the switch. As Joshua Liptak states, “Upgrading your hot water system to a heat pump is not only free, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to reduce both energy costs and your carbon footprint. There has never been a better time to embrace sustainable business practices.”

For businesses looking to take the next step toward energy efficiency, the free commercial heat pump upgrade represents an exceptional opportunity.

About Efficient Energy Group

Efficient Energy Group is one of the few companies in Victoria that can upgrade existing gas hot water systems to heat pumps free of charge, provided the system is at least 10 years old and the property is a commercial building (home offices do not qualify). EEG specialises in energy-efficient solutions that help businesses lower their operational costs while reducing environmental impact.

September 2024