What we looked for
We looked for a current Queensland heat pump or hot water rebate and didn't find one. That isn't proof there's nothing: programs change, and our research has limits.
The official place to check is the Queensland Government's hot water systems page on the Business Queensland site. It's the first link in our sources below. If a program has opened since we wrote this, that's where it should show up.
STCs: the discount that does apply
STCs come from a federal scheme, so Queensland homes can use them like anyone else. Two kinds of water heater are eligible: air source heat pumps under 425 L and solar water heaters under 700 L, as long as the exact model is on the Clean Energy Regulator's register.
Owners often hand the right to create the certificates to an agent, in return for a discount or a delayed cash payment. Certificates are issued until the scheme ends in 2030. See how STCs work.
Who can install a heat pump in Queensland
A heat pump or solar system in Queensland has to go in through a hot water installer who holds the QBCC's solar and heat pump endorsement. For STCs, the install also has to meet the state's installer licensing rules.
You can look a plumber up on the QBCC's registers, the "QBCC licensee register" and the "Occupational plumber and drainer register", which are searched through myQBCC. See how to check a plumber's licence.
Rules on a new or replacement system
- A temperature control device. The Queensland page says one "must be fitted to all new and replacement hot water systems".
- Stored hot. Queensland says water must be heated to at least 60°C to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella.
- Delivered cooler. Its plain-language wording is a maximum of 50°C at the taps. Nationally, the 50°C limit is for fixtures used for personal hygiene.
- Thermostat changes. Leave them to a licensed electrician: that's Queensland Health's advice.
- No ban on standard electric. The Queensland page sets no restriction on electric resistance water heaters, and no replacement restriction.
New homes
If you're building, the rules are different. For new dwellings, the Queensland page says hot water energy performance is counted in the National Construction Code's Whole of Home energy budget, so your builder and plumber will work it into the design.
Paperwork worth asking about
Some plumbing in Queensland is "notifiable work". The licensee registers it with the QBCC within 10 business days of invoicing, and a copy goes to the customer within 20 business days of registering. Ask the plumber whether your job is notifiable.
Questions to ask the plumber
- Do you hold the QBCC solar and heat pump endorsement?
- Is this model on the STC register, and is the discount on the quote?
- Which temperature control device will you fit?
- Is this notifiable work, and will I get a copy once it's registered?
What we would do
Don't let a missing state rebate stop you comparing options. Get the STC discount shown on the quote, check the installer's endorsement on the QBCC register, and look at the Queensland Government's hot water page again in case a program has opened. Then pick a plumber who specialises in hot water and holds the endorsement for the system you want.