In early March 2025, a homeowner in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs took a step that many Victorians are now considering: replacing their ageing solar hot water system with a gas booster with a modern, energy-efficient æther heat pump.
What followed was a measurable drop in gas usage—and a powerful example of what’s possible when you make the switch to all-electric hot water.
The Starting Point: A Hybrid System with Ongoing Gas Usage
The customer’s previous system was a solar hot water unit supported by a gas booster. While these systems are marketed as energy-saving, they still rely heavily on gas—especially during colder months or periods of high demand.
At first glance, the home looked fairly efficient:
- Rooftop solar panels were already installed
- Gas cooktop and ducted heating were still in use
- Only the hot water system was replaced
This made it easy to isolate the results of the switch.
The Result: A 65%+ Drop in Daily Gas Use
The impact of switching to an æther heat pump was immediately visible in the customer’s next gas bill
Time Period
Same time last year
This bill (post-installation)
Average Daily Gas Usage
49.17 MJ
17.27 MJ
Reduction:
Only change made:
Over 65% in daily gas consumption
Replacing the hot water system
This demonstrates how even homes with solar hot water systems can significantly reduce energy use and gas costs by upgrading to a high-performance heat pump.
Why the æther Heat Pump Outperformed a Solar-Gas Hybrid
Gas-boosted solar systems often appear efficient on paper, but in real-world usage they:
- Rely on fossil fuels during peak demand
- Perform inconsistently in winter and cloudy weather
- Prevent full utilisation of rooftop solar systems
By switching to an all-electric æther heat pump, this household gained:
- Reliable hot water year-round, regardless of weather
- Significant gas savings
- The ability to run hot water using rooftop solar, increasing their solar self-consumption
More Value from Their Solar System
With a rooftop solar PV system already installed, the switch to a heat pump helped the customer:
- Use free solar energy to heat their water
- Offset more of their electricity usage
- Reduce gas bills while increasing energy independence
This is a practical example of how heat pumps help households get more out of their solar investment.
Nationwide Rebates and Approval
æther heat pumps are approved for rebates in all Australian states and territories, including:
STCs (Federal Rebate)
- Available across Australia
- Typically worth $800–$1,000 (depending on system size and climate zone)
Solar Victoria Rebate
- For eligible Victorian homeowners
- Fixed rebate of $1,000
- Must use an authorised installer
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program
- Additional discount of $600–$1,000
- Automatically applied by approved providers
Combined, these rebates can reduce the upfront cost of an æther heat pump by well over $2,000.
The æther Advantage
æther heat pumps are engineered in Australia for Australian conditions. With best-in-class performance, advanced features, and a smart, quiet design—they offer a future-proof solution for households looking to cut bills and embrace energy efficiency.
Every system is backed by:
- Comprehensive product and labour warranties
- Technical support and rebate assistance
Installation by qualified ætherPro Certified Installers
What This Means for Your Home
Whether you’re:
- Replacing an ageing gas or solar-gas hot water system
- Wanting to maximise solar savings
- Preparing for Victoria’s 2027 phase-out of gas hot water
- Or simply looking to cut energy bills without compromising comfort…
Switching to an æther heat pump could be one of the smartest upgrades you make.
Ready to Take the First Step?
- 💧 Cut your gas usage—even with solar hot water
- 💸 Access up to $2,600+ in rebates
- 🔧 Work with trusted ætherPro Certified Installers
👉 Get a Free Quotes from Local Installer