Draughty homes waste heating and cooling energy. Weather sealing, also called draught proofing, is the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) activity that rewards fixing it.
How it works
An accredited provider arranges sealing of gaps around openings such as external doors, windows, and in some cases exhaust fans and chimneys, using products that meet the Essential Services Commission (ESC) requirements. The savings are estimated from the work done and details of the dwelling, such as its climate zone and heating and cooling type. VEECs are created for each tonne of CO2-e abated.
What typically decides the count:
- Which openings are sealed and how much.
- The home’s heating and cooling, because the savings depend on what is being kept in or out.
- Product compliance. Materials need to meet the rules.
- The installer. Competence or accreditation requirements apply.
The discount for a household
The customer pays less because the provider expects to create and sell VEECs. Roughly, count x price x the share passed on. VEECs have been roughly $85 to $95 in 2026. Weather sealing jobs are generally small, so the discount is modest per home, though it can cover a significant share of a small job. It is indicative and price-dependent, so compare total cost.
Pitfalls
- Evidence. Photos of each sealed opening before and after.
- Consent. Signed forms that match the provider’s records.
- Scope creep. Work outside the activity’s definition does not earn certificates.
- Rule changes. Activity requirements are updated periodically, so verify before each campaign.
What this means for installers
Weather sealing is a volume activity, so cash flow and rejection rates matter more than a few dollars on the rate. Lodge in consistent batches and keep the register check in the file. See VEEC trading, pricing and how VEECs work. To see how long payment takes, read VEEC payment times.