Texas powerful smart rebate

1. When does the program start and end?
   • The program opens for rebate reservations on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. A limited number of rebate reservations will be available, however Texans can request to be on the rebate waiting list once reservations have closed. In the event additional funds become available, rebate applications for those on the waiting list will be processed in the order they are received. The same purchasing rules apply for waiting list participants. The purchase period begins April 16, 2010, and the rebate program ends when all funds are exhausted. All rebate applications must be postmarked within 60 days of the reservation or waitlist request date. See Texas Rebate Eligible Appliance Chart (PDF, 336KB) for details.
2. Who is eligible for a Texas Trade Up rebate?
   
   • Texas residents with a valid Texas residential address qualify for a rebate if they follow all program rules. All payments will be mailed to the residential address, with no exceptions. P.O. Boxes are not accepted without a street address.
3. Which specific categories of appliances are eligible for a rebate?
   
   • See our Eligible Appliances for appliance categories that are eligible for a Texas Trade Up rebate. Efficiency criteria and rating specification listed are the minimum required to qualify for a rebate. More efficiency or higher rated appliances may qualify for a higher rebate amount.
4. How do I know if a product is ENERGY STAR or CEE qualified?
   
   • See our Eligible Appliances for links to Qualified Models. Current lists of qualifying models for each appliance category can also be found at www.ENERGYSTAR.gov and www.cee1.org. If you are unsure, ask a sales associate for help with identifying appliances eligible for Texas Trade Up rebates. 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).
5. What is so special about ENERGY STAR or CEE qualified appliances?
   
   • To qualify for the ENERGY STAR or CEE 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.
6. 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 between the eligible purchase period beginning April 16, 2010. (See Texas Rebate Eligible Appliance Chart (PDF, 336KB) for details.)
7. If I reserved a rebate for a refrigerator but bought a dishwasher instead, can I apply the reservation to a different appliance?
   
   • No, you must submit a rebate application for the category of appliance rebate you reserved. However, if funds are still available , you can try to request a rebate reservation for a different appliance, or if it is before April 25, you can sign up on the waitlist for an appropriate appliance category. Please note, however, that funds are expected to go quickly and waitlist applications will only be processed pending available funds.
8. Where can I buy eligible appliances?
   
   • Residents are required to purchase appliances in-store from a Texas retailer. Online purchases do not qualify for a rebate. Purchases of central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps and hot water heaters can also be made from a Texas contractor.
     A "Texas contractor" for the purpose of this program means a person or business that engages in air conditioning, refrigeration or hot water heating system contracting for the public. Contractors installing a residential air conditioning or heating system must have a valid Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) number and a Texas business address. Contractors installing a residential hot water heating system must have a valid Texas business address. Contractors will have to sign the rebate application form at the time of installation.
9. Where do I mail the rebate form?
   
   • Once you reserve a rebate starting Wednesday, April 7, 2010, you will either print out a rebate application online or one will be sent to you in the mail if you reserved by phone. Details on when and where to mail the rebate form will be included on the form.
10. Can I receive more than one rebate?
    
    • Yes, Texas residents may apply for up to two rebates per address; however, each rebate must be for a different appliance category. For example, you could receive one refrigerator rebate plus one dishwasher rebate. Applications for two dishwasher rebates would not qualify. Please note: you must submit a separate reservation or waitlist request for each appliance. This means you will need to log out of the online reservation system and log back in. Callers will need to re-dial the reservation phone number for a second request. This process is to help ensure more Texans have a fair chance at requesting at least one rebate.
11. I bought two appliances eligible for rebates. Can the rebate applications be mailed in the same envelope?
    
    • No. To avoid delays in processing, separate applications must be completed for each appliance purchased and mailed in separate envelopes.
12. 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 existing functional appliances with a new ENERGY STAR or CEE qualified model of a similar appliance category. Proper disposal of the old appliance and a signature certifying proper disposal is required. The rebate application provides information on how to verify this information.
13. Are there any specific eligibility requirements regarding Central Air Conditioning and/or Air-Source Heat Pumps?
    
    • Consumers must turn in a functional central air conditioning unit, gas furnace, or air-source heat pump to be eligible for a rebate on a new air-source heat pump or central air conditioning unit. Replacing room air conditioners (window units) with a central air conditioning system would be considered a new-category purchase, not a same-category replacement, and therefore would not be eligible for a rebate under the program rules.
14. Will I be required to provide proof of appliance replacement?
    
    • Yes, you will be required to certify by signature that you are replacing a functional appliance of the same type for which you are requesting a rebate.
15. Will rebates be available for new homes?
    
    • No, U.S. Department of Energy requires us to restrict the program to replacement of existing appliances.
16. Does the old appliance have to be recycled to be eligible for a rebate?
    
    • No, participants are only required to properly dispose of the old appliance to be eligible for a rebate. However, an additional $75 bonus rebate is available to residents who provide proper proof of recycling. See Recycling Details for more information on proof of recycling.
17. Can I apply for the Texas Trade Up Applianc Rebate Program in addition to other rebates offered on the same appliance?
    
    • Yes, the Texas Trade Up 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 Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program 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.
18. How do I check on the status of my rebate?
    
    • Once you have reserved a rebate or added your name to the waiting list for a rebate either online or by phone, you will receive an ID number. You can use this number to check the status of your rebate either online or by phone after you have mailed in your rebate application. To check the status online, go to www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org and follow the link to the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program. To check via phone, call (877) 581-1993.
19. How will rebate applications be verified?
    
    • Every rebate application and the data it contains will be audited to verify the qualifying purchase and other requirements.
20. What are the installation requirements for the appliances?
    
    • Most appliances can be installed by the retailer or yourself, such as room air-conditioner, refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer and dishwasher. For improved efficiency and safety concerns, we recommend to have hot water heaters installed by a professional, but it is not required. Central air-conditioners and air-source heat pumps must be installed by a contractor with a valid TDLR ACR license.
21. 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.
22. Can a consumer put the appliance on layaway?
    
    • Yes, if the final payment and proof of purchase occurs within the appropriate purchase period for your eligible appliance.