Heat Pump Rebates Australia 2026 VIC $1,000, NSW $300-$1,000, SA $300-$500

**Current state rebates for heat pump hot water (2026):** **Victoria - Solar Homes Program (Best Rebate):** Rebate: **$1,000** for heat pump hot water, Eligibility: Combined household income under $210,000, property value under $3 million, owner-occupier replacing electric or gas, How to apply: Online pre-approval at solar.vic.gov.au before purchase, 1-2 week approval, **Most generous rebate available**. **New South Wales - Energy Savings Scheme:** Rebate: **$300-$1,000** depending on climate zone and system replaced, Zone 1 (hot - western Sydney): $800-$1,000, Zone 2 (temperate - coastal): $500-$700, Zone 3 (cold - highlands): $300-$500, Eligibility: NSW residents, accredited installer required, How to claim: Installer arranges Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) on your behalf, deducted from invoice. **South Australia - Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS):** Rebate: **$300-$500** via participating energy retailers, Eligibility: SA residents, check with retailer (AGL, Origin, etc.), How to claim: Through retailer when purchasing system, varies by retailer. **Queensland:** Previous $1,000 rebate ENDED June 2024, May return in future budgets - monitor QLD government climate action website. **ACT, WA, TAS, NT:** No direct heat pump rebates currently available, May offer interest-free loans or other assistance (check state government websites). **Federal incentives:** No direct federal rebate for heat pumps, STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) only apply to solar hot water (not heat pumps). **Rebate impact on cost (270L heat pump, 4-person household):** Base cost: $4,500-$6,000 installed, **Victoria:** $4,500 - $1,000 = **$3,500 final cost**, **NSW (Zone 1):** $4,500 - $800 = **$3,700 final cost**, **SA:** $4,500 - $400 = **$4,100 final cost**, **QLD/WA/TAS/NT:** $4,500 full cost (no rebate). **Low-income specific programs:** VIC: Interest-free loans for concession card holders (Solar Homes), NSW: No-interest loans through various community programs, Check local council for additional support. **Recommendation:** VIC has best rebate ($1,000), NSW good zone-dependent rebate ($300-$1,000), SA modest rebate ($300-$500), Other states: Still worth installing (4-5 year payback even without rebate).

**Step-by-step process for VIC Solar Homes heat pump rebate:** **Step 1: Check eligibility BEFORE purchasing** **Must meet ALL criteria:** Combined household income under $210,000/year (all adults in household), Property value under $3 million (council valuation), Owner-occupier (must own and live in property - not investment/rental), Existing property (built and occupied), Replacing electric resistance OR gas hot water system, Victorian resident (primary residence). **Step 2: Create Solar Victoria account** Visit solar.vic.gov.au, Create account with myGovID, Verify identity (driver license or passport). **Step 3: Submit online application** Log into Solar Victoria account, Select "Hot water rebate" option, Provide: Property details, household income proof (recent tax return or payslips), proof of property value (council rates notice), current hot water system details (type, age). **Step 4: Receive approval (1-2 weeks)** Solar Victoria reviews application, Approval emailed with rebate code (valid 120 days), Code entitles you to $1,000 rebate when purchasing system. **Step 5: Get quotes from approved installers** Find approved installers at solar.vic.gov.au/find-a-provider, Must use SAA Accredited installer (Solar Accreditation Australia), Get 3+ quotes for best price, Provide rebate code to installer. **Step 6: Installation scheduled** Installer deducts $1,000 from invoice (you pay remaining amount), Example: $4,500 system - $1,000 rebate = **you pay $3,500**, Schedule installation (typically 1-4 weeks). **Step 7: Installation completed** Licensed installer removes old system, installs heat pump (5-8 hours), Tests system, explains operation, Provides documentation. **Step 8: Installer claims rebate** Installer submits paperwork to Solar Victoria, Receives $1,000 from government, **You already received benefit via discounted invoice**. **Common mistakes to avoid:** ✗ Purchasing system BEFORE getting approval (rebate denied), ✗ Using non-approved installer (not SAA Accredited), ✗ Exceeding income or property value limits, ✗ Investment property (owner-occupier only), ✗ Letting approval expire (120-day validity). **Required documents:** Proof of income: Last 2 years tax returns (all household adults), OR 12 months payslips, Proof of property value: Council rates notice (shows property valuation), Proof of ownership: Rates notice or title deed, Current system proof: Photo of existing hot water system. **Timeline:** Application: 1-2 weeks for approval, Quote phase: 1-2 weeks to get quotes, Installation wait: 1-4 weeks depending on installer availability, **Total: 3-8 weeks** from application to installed system. **Can I combine with other rebates?** Yes! Can combine with: Solar panel rebate ($1,400 VIC Solar Homes - separate application), Battery rebate (if eligible), **Potential: $1,000 heat pump + $1,400 solar = $2,400 total rebates**. **Interest-free loan option:** VIC Solar Homes also offers interest-free loans, Can borrow up to $1,000 for heat pump (covers portion after rebate), Example: $4,500 system - $1,000 rebate = $3,500 remaining, Borrow $1,000 interest-free + pay $2,500 upfront = easier cash flow, Repay over 4 years ($250/year). **What if application denied?** Check reason (income, property value, eligibility criteria), Reapply if circumstances change, Consider interest-free loan through other programs if income too high. **Approved installers:** Must be SAA Accredited and registered with Solar Victoria, Find list at solar.vic.gov.au/find-a-provider, Check reviews, get 3+ quotes, Ensure installer includes rebate deduction in quote. **Contact Solar Victoria:** Phone: 1300 363 744, Online: solar.vic.gov.au, Live chat available on website. **Victorian rebate is best in Australia** - $1,000 makes heat pump $3,500-$5,000 vs $4,500-$6,000 elsewhere, excellent value.

**NSW ESS (Energy Savings Scheme) heat pump rebate explained:** **How it works (different from VIC):** NSW uses Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs), not direct rebates, Installer calculates ESCs based on: Climate zone, Size of system, System being replaced (electric vs gas), **Rebate value: $300-$1,000** deducted from installation invoice. **Rebate amount by climate zone:** **Zone 1 (Hot climate - western Sydney, western NSW):** Replacing electric: $800-$1,000, Replacing gas: $600-$800, Includes: Penrith, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Dubbo, Broken Hill. **Zone 2 (Temperate - coastal NSW, Sydney):** Replacing electric: $500-$700, Replacing gas: $400-$550, Includes: Sydney CBD, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Newcastle, Wollongong. **Zone 3 (Cold climate - highlands, alpine):** Replacing electric: $300-$500, Replacing gas: $250-$400, Includes: Orange, Bathurst, Armidale, Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains. **Eligibility requirements:** NSW resident (any household income - no income limit), Any property type (owner-occupier or investment), Replacing electric resistance or gas hot water, Accredited installer required (must be ESS-approved), Minimum efficiency standards (COP 3.0+ for heat pump). **How to claim (easier than VIC):** **No pre-approval required** (major difference from VIC), Contact ESS-approved installer for quote, Installer calculates ESC value, deducts from invoice, You pay reduced amount, **Example:** $4,500 system - $700 ESCs = **you pay $3,800**, Installer handles all paperwork with ESS registry. **Step-by-step process:** **Step 1:** Find ESS-approved installer (check installer credentials), **Step 2:** Get quote including ESC discount (should show ESC value on quote), **Step 3:** Accept quote, schedule installation, **Step 4:** Installer completes work, you pay discounted price, **Step 5:** Installer claims ESCs from registry (you don't need to do anything). **Why rebate varies:** **Climate zone:** Hot climates = higher rebate (greater energy savings potential), Temperate = moderate rebate, Cold = lower rebate (heat pump less efficient in cold). **System size:** Larger systems (315L vs 250L) = slightly higher ESCs, Difference usually $50-$150. **System replaced:** Replacing old electric = maximum ESCs (biggest savings), Replacing gas = moderate ESCs, Replacing solar/heat pump = no ESCs (already efficient). **Heat pump efficiency:** Higher COP (3.5-4.0) = more ESCs vs minimum (3.0), Premium brands may get extra $50-$100. **Finding your climate zone:** Check NSW climate zones map at energysaver.nsw.gov.au, Ask installer (they know all NSW zones), Western suburbs/inland = Zone 1 (best rebate), Coastal = Zone 2 (moderate), Highlands = Zone 3 (lower). **ESC calculator:** Installers use official ESS calculator, Factors: Address (climate zone), current system type, new heat pump specs, Provides exact ESC value. **Approved installers:** Must be accredited with NSW ESS, Check: energysaver.nsw.gov.au/approved-providers, Verify installer registration before proceeding, Get 3+ quotes comparing ESC values. **No income or property value limits:** Unlike VIC ($210k income limit), NSW has NO income limit, Any property value (VIC has $3m limit), **Easier to qualify than VIC** but lower maximum rebate. **Can I get ESCs for DIY install?** No - must use accredited installer, DIY forfeits ESC rebate, Also voids warranty and illegal (requires licensed plumber + electrician). **ESC value changes:** ESC values update every 1-2 years based on electricity prices, Current values valid until next review, Check current ESC multiplier at energysaver.nsw.gov.au. **Combining with other incentives:** Can combine with: Energy retailer switching credits ($200-$500), Local council rebates (some councils offer $200-$500), Interest-free loan programs. **Example cost after ESCs (270L heat pump, Zone 2 Sydney):** Base cost: $4,500, ESC rebate: -$650, **Final cost: $3,850**, Annual savings vs electric: $840, Payback: 4.6 years. **NSW vs VIC rebate comparison:** **VIC:** Maximum $1,000 (better), but income limit $210k, property limit $3m, pre-approval required (2 weeks). **NSW:** Maximum $1,000 (Zone 1) to $300 (Zone 3), no income/property limits, no pre-approval (easier), processed by installer (simpler). **Advantages of NSW ESS:** No pre-approval wait (install immediately), No income limit (anyone eligible), No property value limit, Simpler process (installer handles everything). **Disadvantages:** Lower rebate in temperate/cold zones ($300-$700 vs $1,000 VIC), Zone-dependent (inconsistent across state). **Bottom line:** NSW ESS provides $300-$1,000 rebate depending on location, No pre-approval or income limits (easier than VIC), Installer handles all paperwork (simple for homeowner), Best rebate in western Sydney/western NSW (Zone 1: $800-$1,000), Coastal/Sydney residents get moderate rebate ($500-$700).

**Queensland heat pump rebate status 2026:** **Previous QLD rebate program (ENDED June 2024):** Offered: $1,000 rebate for heat pump hot water, Ended: June 30, 2024 (budget exhausted), Replaced: No direct replacement announced. **Current QLD situation (2026):** **No direct heat pump rebate available**, Alternative: Interest-free loans for combined solar + battery + heat pump projects, Focus shifted to broader household energy efficiency. **QLD Interest-Free Loan Program:** **What it covers:** Solar panels, battery storage, heat pump hot water (must be bundled), Loan amount: Up to $10,000 interest-free, Repayment: 5-10 years depending on amount. **How it works:** Apply for loan at qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/household-programs, Approved for up to $10,000, Use funds to install: Solar panels ($6,000-$8,000), Heat pump hot water ($4,500-$6,000), Battery storage (optional, $8,000-$12,000), **Example:** $7,000 solar + $4,500 heat pump = $11,500 total, Borrow $10,000 interest-free + $1,500 upfront, Repay $1,000/year for 10 years (no interest). **Eligibility:** QLD resident, Household income under $180,000, Owner-occupier (primary residence), Property value under $2 million. **Advantages vs direct rebate:** Larger total benefit ($10,000 loan vs $1,000 rebate), Enables combined solar + heat pump installation, No interest = significant savings (equivalent to $2,000-$3,000 in avoided interest), Easier cash flow (spread cost over 10 years). **Disadvantages:** Must bundle projects (can't get loan for heat pump alone), Still need upfront funds (loan doesn't cover full cost), Debt obligation (10-year repayment commitment). **Will QLD rebate return?** Uncertain - government hasn't announced new program, Previous program successful (oversubscribed, budget exhausted), **Possible but not guaranteed** - monitor QLD government website. **What to do in QLD without rebate:** **Option 1: Install now without rebate** Cost: $4,500-$6,000 full price, Still saves $840/year vs electric, Payback: 5.4-7.1 years (acceptable without rebate), Benefit immediately from savings. **Option 2: Wait for potential rebate return** Risk: Rebate may not return, or may be smaller, Cost: Lose $840/year in savings while waiting, **Not recommended** - savings while waiting exceed potential rebate. **Option 3: Bundle with solar for interest-free loan** Solar panels: $7,000 (after STCs), Heat pump: $4,500, Total: $11,500, Borrow $10,000 interest-free + $1,500 upfront, **Best option if can afford** - maximizes savings and uses available program. **Other QLD incentives:** **Federal STCs for solar:** $2,500-$4,000 rebate on solar panels (reduces solar cost to $5,000-$7,000), Heat pump can piggyback on solar project using interest-free loan. **Energy retailer credits:** $250-$500 sign-up bonuses (AGL, Origin, Powershop), Available for QLD residents, Switching providers offsets some heat pump cost. **Local council grants:** Some QLD councils offer $200-$500 for energy efficiency upgrades, Check with local council (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast may have programs). **QLD climate advantage:** **Hot climate = maximum heat pump efficiency:** QLD heat pumps run COP 4.5-5.0 (vs 3.5-4.0 southern states), Better performance = lower running costs ($300-$340/year vs $360 national average), **Natural advantage even without rebate**. **Fast payback in QLD heat:** Replacing electric: $4,500 cost ÷ $880/year savings = **5.1 years payback** (acceptable), Replacing gas: $4,500 ÷ $300/year savings = 15 years (marginal). **Cost comparison with/without rebate:** **With old $1,000 rebate:** $4,500 - $1,000 = $3,500 cost, $880/year savings, Payback: 4.0 years. **Without rebate (current):** $4,500 cost, $880/year savings, Payback: 5.1 years (only 1 year worse). **Difference not significant** - still excellent value even without rebate. **Recommendation for QLD residents:** **Best choice:** Bundle heat pump + solar using interest-free loan ($10,000), Maximizes savings, spreads cost over 10 years, Uses available QLD program. **Budget choice:** Install heat pump now at full price ($4,500), Still excellent ROI (5.1 year payback), Don't wait for rebate (may never return). **Watch for:** New QLD rebate announcements (check qld.gov.au quarterly), Potential future programs as EV adoption grows. **Monitoring for rebate return:** Subscribe to QLD Government climate action updates, Check qld.gov.au/environment/climate quarterly, Ask installer about upcoming programs. **Bottom line for QLD:** No direct rebate currently (ended June 2024), Interest-free loans available for bundled solar + heat pump projects (best option), Installing without rebate still good value (5.1 year payback in QLD climate), Don't wait - savings while waiting exceed any potential future rebate, QLD hot climate provides natural efficiency advantage (COP 4.5-5.0).

**Rebate eligibility for renters and investment properties:** **Victoria (Solar Homes) - Owner-occupier ONLY:** Rebate: $1,000, Eligibility: Must own AND live in property (owner-occupier), **Renters: NOT eligible** (even with landlord permission), **Investment properties: NOT eligible** (must be primary residence), Exception: Landlords can apply if they temporarily live there (proving residency difficult). **New South Wales (ESS) - Flexible:** Rebate: $300-$1,000 (zone-dependent), Eligibility: Any property type, **Renters: Eligible** (with landlord written permission to modify property), **Investment properties: Eligible** (landlord or tenant can arrange, depending on lease), **Most flexible program** for non-owner-occupiers. **South Australia (REPS) - Any property:** Rebate: $300-$500, Eligibility: SA residents, any property type, **Renters: Eligible** (with landlord permission), **Investment properties: Eligible**. **Other states:** QLD/WA/TAS/ACT/NT: Check specific program requirements if/when available. **Renter considerations:** **Landlord permission required:** Must get written permission to modify property (install heat pump), Landlord owns heat pump (fixture to property) unless agreement states otherwise, Landlord benefits from increased property value ($1,500-$3,000). **Who pays installation cost?** Tenant pays, landlord benefits (not ideal), Negotiate: Ask landlord to cover half ($2,000-$3,000), rent reduction ($20-$40/week temporary), OR landlord pays, tenant benefits from lower electricity bills (fairer). **Recommended approach for renters:** Propose to landlord: "I'll arrange heat pump install ($3,700 after NSW rebate), I benefit from $70/month lower electricity bills, You benefit from $2,000+ property value increase, Win-win scenario." **Who claims rebate?** NSW ESS: Tenant or landlord (whoever pays for system), VIC Solar Homes: Must be property owner (renter can't claim). **Lease length matters:** Short lease (under 3 years): NOT worth it for renter (won't recoup cost), Medium lease (3-5 years): Marginal (close to break-even), Long lease (5+ years): Good value (will recoup via savings + more). **Investment property owner (landlord) considerations:** **Why landlords should install heat pumps:** Increase property value: $1,500-$3,000 (heat pump adds value), Attract quality tenants: Modern, efficient property, Charge higher rent: $10-$20/week premium for efficient property, Energy rating boost: Higher star rating attracts renters. **Rebate eligibility by state:** VIC: NOT eligible (owner-occupier only), NSW: Eligible (landlord claims ESCs via installer), SA: Eligible, **NSW best for investment properties**. **ROI for landlords (NSW investment property example):** Cost: $4,500 - $700 ESCs = $3,800, Benefit: Rent premium $15/week × 52 = $780/year, property value increase $2,000 (immediate), ROI: $3,800 cost vs $2,000 value + $780/year = **break even in 2.3 years**, Then profit $780/year ongoing + easier tenant retention. **Tax deductions for landlords:** Heat pump is capital improvement, Depreciation: Can depreciate over 10-15 years, Tax benefit: $200-$400/year depending on tax rate, Further improves landlord ROI. **Tenant incentive (NSW):** Tenant benefits: $70/month lower electricity bills, Tenant cost: $0 if landlord pays (only benefit), If tenant pays $3,800: Break even in 4.5 years, good if long lease (5+ years). **Best structure for rental properties:** **Landlord pays installation, tenant enjoys savings:** Fair: Landlord pays upfront, gets property value increase + rent premium, Tenant pays no upfront but gets lower bills, Incentivizes tenant to stay longer (reduces turnover). **Tenant pays, rent reduced:** Alternative: Tenant pays $3,800, landlord reduces rent $30/week for 2 years (rebate equivalent), Tenant breaks even, landlord gets free property upgrade after 2 years. **Shared cost model:** Landlord pays half ($1,900), tenant pays half ($1,900), Tenant breaks even in 2.3 years, landlord gets property value boost, **Fair compromise**. **Lease agreement considerations:** Include heat pump clause in lease: Who owns system (typically landlord as fixture), Who maintains system (typically landlord), What happens at lease end (tenant doesn't take it), Who pays electricity (tenant - bills are lower). **Strata/apartment considerations:** Body corporate approval required (rentals too), Landlord must apply to strata committee, Typically approved (benefits building), May need to use building's preferred installer. **Recommendation by situation:** **VIC renters:** Can't access $1,000 rebate (owner-occupier only), Negotiate with landlord: Offer to pay $4,500, landlord applies for rebate, splits $1,000 = you pay $3,500, landlord pays $1,000. **NSW renters:** Can access $300-$1,000 ESCs, Arrange with landlord written permission, You pay $3,800 (after ESCs), save $840/year, 4.5 year payback, **Only do if 5+ year lease or ownership likely**. **SA renters:** Can access $300-$500 rebate, Similar to NSW but smaller rebate (5.2 year payback). **Landlords (NSW investment):** Install heat pump using ESCs ($3,800 cost), Increase property value $2,000 + charge $15/week more rent, Break even 2.3 years, then profit ongoing, **Excellent investment for rental property**. **Landlords (VIC investment):** NOT eligible for $1,000 rebate (owner-occupier only), Full cost $4,500, Property value increase $2,000 + rent premium $780/year, Break even 3.2 years, **Still worthwhile without rebate**. **Bottom line:** **Renters:** NSW/SA eligible for rebates (with landlord permission), VIC not eligible (owner-occupier only), Only worthwhile if 5+ year lease or likely to buy property, Negotiate landlord contribution (they benefit from property value increase). **Landlords/Investment properties:** NSW best (eligible for ESCs $300-$1,000), VIC not eligible, SA eligible ($300-$500), Excellent investment: Property value boost + rent premium + tenant retention, Pays for itself in 2-3 years, then profit ongoing.

**Total savings comparison by state (270L heat pump, 4-person household, 10-year ownership):** **Victoria (Best overall savings):** Base cost: $4,500, VIC rebate: -$1,000, **Final cost: $3,500**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $8,600**, Savings vs electric ($1,200/year × 10): $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $3,400** (best), Payback period: 4.2 years. **NSW Zone 1 (Western Sydney/inland - hot climate):** Base cost: $4,500, NSW ESC rebate: -$800, **Final cost: $3,700**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $8,800**, Savings vs electric: $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $3,200**, Payback period: 4.4 years. **NSW Zone 2 (Coastal/Sydney - temperate):** Base cost: $4,500, NSW ESC rebate: -$600, **Final cost: $3,900**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $9,000**, Savings vs electric: $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $3,000**, Payback period: 4.6 years. **NSW Zone 3 (Highlands - cold climate):** Base cost: $4,500, NSW ESC rebate: -$400, **Final cost: $4,100**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $9,200**, Savings vs electric: $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $2,800**, Payback period: 4.9 years. **South Australia:** Base cost: $4,500, SA REPS rebate: -$400, **Final cost: $4,100**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $9,200**, Savings vs electric: $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $2,800**, Payback period: 4.9 years. **Queensland (no rebate):** Base cost: $4,500, No rebate: -$0, **Final cost: $4,500**, Running cost: $340/year × 10 = $3,400 (lower due to heat), Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $9,400**, Savings vs electric ($1,220/year in QLD heat): $12,200, **Net 10-year savings: $2,800** (climate compensates for no rebate), Payback period: 5.1 years. **Western Australia, Tasmania, NT, ACT (no rebates):** Base cost: $4,500, No rebate: -$0, **Final cost: $4,500**, Running cost: $360/year × 10 = $3,600, Maintenance: $150/year × 10 = $1,500, **Total 10-year cost: $9,600**, Savings vs electric: $12,000, **Net 10-year savings: $2,400**, Payback period: 5.4 years. **Savings ranking (net 10-year savings):** 1. **Victoria: $3,400** (best - $1,000 rebate), 2. NSW Zone 1: $3,200 ($800 rebate), 3. NSW Zone 2: $3,000 ($600 rebate), 4. NSW Zone 3: $2,800 ($400 rebate), 4. South Australia: $2,800 ($400 rebate), 4. Queensland: $2,800 (no rebate but hot climate compensates), 6. WA/TAS/NT/ACT: $2,400 (no rebate). **Difference between best and worst:** VIC ($3,400) vs WA/TAS/NT ($2,400) = $1,000 difference over 10 years, **But ALL states still highly profitable** ($2,400+ net savings minimum). **Annual savings vs electric (year 1):** All states except QLD: $840/year, QLD (hot climate): $880/year, **Consistent across Australia** regardless of rebate. **How rebate affects payback only:** **Payback period by state:** VIC: 4.2 years (fastest due to $1,000 rebate), NSW Zone 1: 4.4 years, NSW Zone 2: 4.6 years, NSW Zone 3: 4.9 years, SA: 4.9 years, QLD: 5.1 years (no rebate but excellent climate), WA/TAS/NT/ACT: 5.4 years (slowest but still good). **All states break even in under 6 years** - excellent ROI everywhere. **15-year ownership savings (more realistic lifespan):** **Victoria:** Net 15-year savings: **$6,500** (best), **NSW Zone 1:** Net 15-year savings: **$6,300**, **NSW Zone 2:** Net 15-year savings: **$6,100**, **NSW Zone 3/SA:** Net 15-year savings: **$5,900**, **QLD:** Net 15-year savings: **$5,900** (climate efficiency compensates), **WA/TAS/NT/ACT:** Net 15-year savings: **$5,500** (still excellent without rebate). **Impact of rebate on total value:** VIC rebate ($1,000) adds $1,000 to lifetime value (faster payback + same ongoing savings), NSW rebate ($300-$800) adds $300-$800 to lifetime value, **But non-rebate states still save $5,500+ over 15 years** - rebate is bonus, not necessity. **Key insight:** Rebate improves payback speed (4.2 years vs 5.4 years), But doesn't dramatically change total savings (all states $2,400-$3,400 net over 10 years), **Don't skip heat pump due to lack of rebate** - savings still excellent. **Comparing to not installing:** **Victoria (with rebate):** Install: $3,400 net savings over 10 years, Don't install: $0 savings, **Advantage: +$3,400** choosing heat pump. **WA/TAS/NT (no rebate):** Install: $2,400 net savings over 10 years, Don't install: $0 savings, **Advantage: +$2,400** choosing heat pump. **Even without rebate, saving $2,400 over 10 years is excellent**. **Monthly savings breakdown:** All states: $70/month average savings on electricity bills, VIC: Pays off in 50 months (4.2 years) then pure profit, No-rebate states: Pays off in 65 months (5.4 years) then pure profit, **15 months longer payback** - not a dealbreaker. **Real household budget impact:** **Year 1-4 (payback phase):** VIC: No net benefit until month 50, No-rebate states: No net benefit until month 65, But bills $70/month lower (immediate cash flow benefit). **Year 5-15 (profit phase):** All states: $840/year net profit (electric bills $1,200 vs $360 heat pump), VIC gets 11 years of profit (4.2 payback), No-rebate states get 9.6 years of profit (5.4 payback), **Difference: 1.4 years** - not huge. **Bottom line by state:** **Best rebate states:** VIC ($1,000), NSW Zone 1 ($800), **Install immediately, excellent value**. **Moderate rebate states:** NSW Zone 2/3 ($400-$600), SA ($400), **Install now, very good value**. **No rebate states:** QLD (hot climate compensates), WA/TAS/NT/ACT, **Still install** - $2,400-$2,800 net 10-year savings excellent, 5.4 year payback acceptable, Don't wait for rebate that may never come. **Recommendation:** Rebate makes heat pump better value (4.2 vs 5.4 year payback), But heat pumps excellent investment regardless (all states $2,400+ net savings), **Don't skip installation due to lack of rebate** - losing $840/year while waiting costs more than rebate saves, Move to VIC or NSW if heat pump rebate is life priority (joking - but seriously, install anyway!).