Texas Appliance Rebate Program Returns

The state of Texas has added an additional $18.5 million to the ENERGY STAR® appliance mail-in rebate program that was first offered last April to allow more Texans to take advantage of the rebates. The funds are part of the federal stimulus program designed to encourage consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances and properly dispose of their old ones.

The purchase period for the Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program begins on Monday, December 20. After installation of the new appliance, consumers must mail in a completed rebate application form and a copy of the receipt to apply for the rebates. Rebate applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funds are distributed.

The rebate application form is available at http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/. A link to the form has also been forwarded to retailers to assist customers at stores or consumers can call a recorded customer information line at (855) 556-1312 and leave a message to have a form mailed to their home.

The form is not required at the time of purchase, but is needed at the time of installation and disposal/recycling for signatures. The purchase receipt and the postmark on the rebate application form envelope must be dated on or after Dec. 20, 2010.

Not only must consumers buy a new an ENERGY STAR® appliance, they must have proof of disposal or recycling of the old appliance of the same type to be eligible for a rebate. An additional $75 rebate is available for recycling the old appliance.

More than 70 percent of the energy used in our homes is for appliances, refrigeration, space heating, air conditioning and water heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones can help homeowners save significantly on their utility bills and reduce U.S. energy usage.

Rebates are as follow:

Eligible ENERGY STAR® Appliances     Rebate Amount

Modified Energy Factor 2.0 or greater and Water Factor 6.0 or less

** 14.5 cubic feet or greater

*** As of Sept. 1, 2010, qualifying ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters was upgraded; only those appliances that meet this current standard will be eligible for this program.