If you have an old gas ducted heating system, there's a very good chance you qualify for one of the most generous government rebates currently available in Victoria — and the Braemar Dominator is one of the premium systems you can replace it with.
Here's what the Braemar Dominator actually is, why it's one of the best ducted heating upgrades available, and exactly how the rebate works.
What is the Braemar Dominator?
The Braemar Dominator is a premium electric ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling system — manufactured by Seeley International, an Australian company that has been producing heating and cooling equipment since 1972.
Unlike gas ducted heaters, the Dominator runs entirely on electricity, using the same reverse cycle technology as a split system air conditioner — but delivering whole-home heating and cooling through a central ducted system. This means:
• One system heats AND cools your entire home — no separate air conditioning needed
• No gas connection required — and no ongoing gas bills
• Significantly more energy efficient than gas heating, particularly when paired with solar
• Quiet, consistent whole-home comfort year-round
• Designed and built specifically for Australian conditions
Why does it matter that it's electric?
This is the key point. The Victorian government's Energy Upgrades (VEU) program exists specifically to help households move away from gas heating and toward more energy-efficient electric alternatives.
If you currently have a gas ducted heating system and replace it with an eligible electric reverse cycle system like the Braemar Dominator, you may qualify for a rebate of up to $5,530 — applied directly to your installation invoice on the day. No claim forms, no waiting, no income test.
That's a substantial contribution toward the cost of a premium whole-home heating and cooling upgrade.
Who qualifies for the rebate?
Eligibility for the VEU rebate when replacing gas ducted heating with an electric system is straightforward:
• Your property must be in Victoria
• The property must be at least 2 years old
• You must be replacing an existing gas ducted heating system
• The new system must be an eligible energy-efficient electric reverse cycle system
There is no income test. Most Victorian homeowners with an existing gas ducted system will qualify. Alby Cool confirms your eligibility as part of every quote — there are no surprises.
Why the Braemar Dominator specifically?
There are several electric ducted systems that qualify for the VEU rebate. The Braemar Dominator stands out for a few reasons:
• Premium build quality — Seeley International is an Australian company with a 50-year track record
• Designed for Australian winters — the Dominator performs effectively even in Victoria's colder conditions
• Whole-home solution — heats and cools every room through the existing duct network
• Quiet operation — significantly quieter than many comparable systems
• Authorised dealer supply — not every technician can supply and install the Braemar Dominator
What does 'authorised dealer' mean and why does it matter?
Braemar restricts supply of the Dominator to authorised dealers only. Alby Cool is one of the few local technicians in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula area who holds this authorisation.
Buying through an authorised dealer matters because:
• Your manufacturer warranty is fully protected from day one
• Installation is carried out to Braemar's factory specifications
• You're getting a genuine product — not a grey market unit
• Warranty claims and after-sales support go through the proper channels
What about my existing ductwork?
In many cases, the existing duct network from your gas system can be reused or adapted for the Braemar Dominator installation — reducing the cost and disruption of the upgrade significantly. Alby Cool assesses your existing setup as part of the quote process and gives you a clear picture of what's involved before any work begins.
Is it the right time to make the switch?
If your gas ducted heating system is more than 10 years old, the answer is almost certainly yes. Here's why:
• Gas prices have increased significantly and are unlikely to fall
• Older gas systems are increasingly expensive to repair and maintain
• The VEU rebate of up to $5,530 makes the switch more affordable than it has ever been
• A Braemar Dominator installation gives you both heating AND cooling from one system — so you're also getting rid of the need for separate air conditioning
• If you have solar panels, running an electric system becomes even more cost-effective
Get a free assessment and rebate quote
Alby Cool provides free, no-obligation assessments for homeowners considering replacing their gas ducted heating system. We confirm your VEU rebate eligibility, assess your existing ductwork, and give you a complete quote with the rebate already factored in — so you know the real cost upfront.
We service Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Langwarrin, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, and all surrounding suburbs.
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd