Retailers/Contractors
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Fraud Prevention
See Fraud Prevention for fraud, waste or abuse information.
Winter 2010 Appliance Rebate Program FAQs
Appliance, Recycling & Installation Questions
Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program (April 2010) Questions
General Program Questions
- Is there going to be another appliance rebate program in Texas? When will the new appliance rebate program start?
- Yes, there will be a new Texas appliance rebate program. Approximately $10 million of unclaimed rebate funds will be available for additional rebates. The new appliance rebate program is planned to start this winter.
- How can I learn more about the new appliance rebate program?
- The best way to be informed is to sign up for e-mail updates and follow us on Twitter to be the first to learn about new program details and updates. Additional information will be posted on the www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org website when available. No additional details are available at this time by phone.
- Will there be a reservation system to reserve the new rebates before purchasing appliances?
- No, rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through a purchase and mail-in rebate program. There will not be an online or phone reservation system.
- Who is eligible for an appliance rebate?
- Texas residents with a valid Texas residential address qualify for a rebate if they follow all program rules, to be announced prior to the program launch this winter.
- Will rebates be available for new homes?
- No, U.S. Department of Energy requires all states to restrict the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP) to replacement of existing appliances.
- How will rebate fraud be detected? What will be done about it?
- Texas has taken a number of steps to prevent fraud, including limiting the number of rebates per person and requiring that only consumers, not retailers, apply for and receive these funds. See Fraud Prevention for additional information about preventing and detecting fraud, as well as channels to report fraud, waste and abuse.
Appliance, Recycling & Installation Questions
- What types of appliances will be eligible for rebates?
- The eligible appliance categories will include refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps and water heaters. These are the same categories as the April 2010 rebate program, though rebate amounts may change slightly. Details will be announced as the program launches.
- How do I know if an appliance is ENERGY STAR qualified?
- Current lists of qualifying models for each appliance category can also be found at www.ENERGYSTAR.gov. If you are unsure, ask a sales associate for help with identifying appliances that are ENERGY STAR qualified. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the ENERGY STAR Hotline at hotline@energystar.gov or 1.888.STAR.YES (1.888.782.7937).
- What is so special about ENERGY STAR qualified appliances?
- To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label an appliance must meet rigorous energy efficiency and water efficiency standards set by the Federal government. These appliances use less energy and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.
- Do I have to replace an existing appliance to be eligible for a rebate?
- Yes, because this is an appliance replacement program, participants must agree to replace and dispose of existing functional appliances with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model of a similar appliance category.
- Do I have to dispose of my old appliance?
- Yes, participants must dispose of the old appliance, either by recycling or providing to a disposal center. The old appliance cannot be resold, donated or moved to another house.
- Yes, participants must dispose of the old appliance, either by recycling or providing to a disposal center. The old appliance cannot be resold, donated or moved to another house.
- Should I recycle my old appliance?
- While it is not required, Texas residents are encouraged to recycle their old appliance in accordance with state and local laws. This will help keep scrap metal out of landfills and avoid contaminating Texas natural resources. An additional rebate will be available to residents who provide proper proof of recycling.
Purchasing Questions
- Can I get a rebate for an appliance that I have already purchased?
- No, the energy efficiency appliance rebate program will only apply to purchases made once the program officially begins.
- Where can I buy eligible appliances?
- Residents are required to purchase appliances in-store from a Texas retailer or from a Texas contractor. Online purchases do not qualify for a rebate.
- Why are online purchases not allowed?
- The goal of the appliance rebate program is to stimulate the Texas economy and provide savings to Texas residents. Retailers usually attribute online sales to the sales headquarters’ location, often located in another state. To make sure that the sales and revenue are attributed to Texas-based stores, the program requires in-store purchases. Purchases made online and picked up in-store are considered on-line purchases and are not eligible for a rebate.
- Can I apply for the new appliance rebate program in addition to other rebates offered on the same appliance?
- Yes, Texas appliance rebates can be combined or stacked with other rebates offered by manufacturers, retailers and utilities. However, keep in mind that each rebate sponsor has unique rules and application instructions. All materials provided for the Texas appliance rebate become the property of the state and will not be returned. Because original receipts may be required for other promotions, copies of receipts are accepted for this program.
- Can I purchase the appliance in another state if I'm going to install it in my Texas residence?
- No, the appliance must be purchased in Texas and installed in your Texas residence. The rebate will be sent to the residence where the appliance was installed, no exceptions.
- Can I get a rebate on an appliance I’ve put on layaway?
- Yes, if the final payment and proof of purchase occurs after the program starts and rebate funds are still available.
Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program (April 2010) Questions
- How much was spent during the first rebate program in April 2010?
- Over $12 million was distributed to Texans during the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program (April 2010).
- I was on the waitlist for the Texas Trade Up rebate program. Will I get my rebate?
- If you submitted your paperwork by the original program deadline, your application would have been reviewed and fulfilled if all program rules were followed. If you did not turn in your paperwork by the original deadline, the waitlist reservation is no longer applicable.