If you own a rental property in Ballarat, the Victorian Government's new minimum energy efficiency standards are worth planning for now. Ballarat's cold winters mean most rentals already have some kind of heating, but many have no cooling at all, and that's the part catching a lot of landlords out.
What's changing and when
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria:
- Heating, from 1 March 2027: if the existing fixed heater fails and can't be repaired, it must be replaced with an energy-efficient fixed electric system with an outlet in the main living area. Portable heaters don't count. A working heater that meets the existing standard doesn't need replacing.
- Cooling, from 1 March 2027: an energy-efficient fixed cooling system is required in the main living area at the start of a new rental agreement, when a periodic agreement begins, or when an existing fixed cooling system fails and can't be repaired.
- Cooling, from 1 July 2030: all rental properties must have cooling, whatever the lease status.
There are exemptions and extra detail in the regulations, so check the official guidance or talk to your property manager about your specific property.
Why a reverse-cycle split system is the simple fix
Consumer Affairs Victoria notes that a reverse-cycle air conditioner can satisfy both the heating and cooling standards. For most Ballarat rentals, one correctly sized split system in the main living area is the most cost-effective way to comply. It heats efficiently through winter, cools in summer, and is far cheaper to run than old resistive electric heaters.
Sizing it for a Ballarat living room
Ballarat gets properly cold, so size for winter heating, not just summer cooling. As a rough guide, a small living area often suits a 3.5kW unit, and larger or open-plan spaces may need 5kW to 7kW or more. Ceiling height, insulation and window size all matter, which is why we measure up on site. Our split vs ducted guide covers the bigger picture.
Don't leave it until February 2027
Installers get busy before deadlines and summer. If you've got a lease renewing in 2027, getting a split system installed early means you're compliant on day one and can tell prospective renters the property already has heating and cooling. Our split systems start from $1,499 + GST for a 2.5kW unit supplied and installed. Larger units are quoted for free.
While you're at it: electrical safety checks
Victorian rentals also need electrical safety checks every two years and smoke alarms tested every 12 months. We can do both on the same visit as your air con install. See our rental safety check guide.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new rental cooling rules start in Victoria?
From 1 March 2027, an energy-efficient fixed cooling system is needed in the main living area at the start of a new rental agreement, when a periodic agreement begins, or when existing cooling fails. From 1 July 2030 all rentals need cooling.
Does a reverse-cycle split system meet the heating and cooling standards?
Consumer Affairs Victoria says a reverse-cycle air conditioner can satisfy both the heating and cooling standards, provided it is energy efficient and serves the main living area.
Do I have to replace a working heater?
No. Under the new standard, a working fixed heater that meets the existing minimum standard doesn't need replacing. The change applies when it fails and can't be repaired.
Need this sorted properly?
We're happy to talk it through over the phone or come out for a free, no-obligation quote across Ballarat and surrounds.
