From the State Energy Conservation Office

April could mean substantial rebates for Texas residents looking to replace certain older appliances with new ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. The state of Texas received more than $23 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish an Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, the first of its kind in Texas.

Here are important dates to remember:

• April 5, 2010 — Appliance rebates can be reserved either by phone or online starting April 5, 2010.
• April 16-25, 2010 — The mail-in rebate program is only good on qualifying purchases made during this time frame.

Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program Details:

Summary: Texas will use approximately $23 million in federal stimulus funds for a mail-in rebate program for consumers who purchase certain energy efficient household appliances. For additional information, see our Appliance Rebate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Who Qualifies: The U.S. Department of Energy approved the rebates for consumers who buy eligible ENERGY STAR appliances and replace the same type of old appliance that’s functional. The Texas program will also offer an additional incentive to recycle old appliances. You can qualify for rebates for up to two appliances from the approved rebate appliance list below.

Timing: The rebate reservation period will begin on April 5, 2010. The mail-in rebates will apply to eligible appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, 2010. The 10-day period will coincide with Earth Day. Consumers will have 60 days from reservation date to install the appliance(s) and submit their paperwork for the rebate.

• NOTE – The rebate program will not be retroactive. It will only apply to purchases made during the April 16 to April 25, 2010, purchase period.

Rebate Process: Consumers will have an opportunity to reserve an appliance rebate by calling a toll-free number or registering online starting on April 5, 2010. When all of the guaranteed rebates are reserved, consumers may continue to sign up for a waiting list to receive rebates on a first-come-first-served basis. Consumers must give their name, address and appliance type when making a reservation. Consumers must be on the guaranteed rebate reservation list or the waiting list to be able to print or receive the forms they will mail in to claim rebates. Shoppers will be limited to two appliance rebates and two recycling rebates per household.

• NOTE – Reservations are not currently available. They will commence on April 5, 2010.

Rebate Amounts: The rebates will be as follows:

• If you have any additional questions regarding whether an appliance is ENERGY STAR qualified, please feel free to contact the ENERGY STAR Hotline at: hotline@energystar.gov or 1.888.STAR.YES (1.888.782.7937).

SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
EER = Energy Efficiency Ratio
HSPF = Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

Recycling: SECO will be working with retailers and recycling facilities to create a system to help consumers replace functional old appliances and recycle them where available.