PROGRAM CLOSED

Thank you for your participation.

Already Applied?

To follow up on your rebate request, you can:

• Check your Rebate Status
• Review Application Errors
• Contact Customer Service

Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program FAQs

General Program Questions

Appliance, Recycling & Installation Questions

Purchasing Questions

Application Form Questions

General Program Questions

1. How does the new Texas Appliance Mail-in Rebate Program work?
   • The Texas Appliance Mail-in Rebate Program is a traditional mail-in rebate program, and Texas consumers do not reserve funding for an appliance rebate. Rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed.
   • The program started on Monday, December 20, 2010.
   • The program closed to NEW applications on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.
   • Texas residents with a valid Texas residential address may apply for an appliance rebate if they follow all program rules.
   • To participate, you would first research and select your new appliance and then, on or after December 20, 2010:
     1. Purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR® appliance starting Dec. 20 from a Texas retailer or contractor and retain your receipt.
     2. Install the new, qualifying appliance in your valid Texas residential address.
     3. Properly dispose of or recycle the old appliance of the same type that is being replaced. For a list of Recycling Partners, view the Appliance Recycling Details.
     4. Completely fill out a Rebate Application Form (PDF, 116KB), including the appliance disposal or recycling information.
     5. Complete checklist on the Rebate Application Form to ensure you have fulfilled the rebate requirements. Make a copy of the application and supporting documents for your files.
     6. Mail in the completed application form with your receipt and any other required documentation, such as disposal or recycling verification, to:
        1. Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program
           Support Center
           P.O. Box 2013
           Austin, TX 78768
        Application forms will be placed in the queue by the postmark date on the rebate application envelope. If a postmark is missing, the application will be placed in the queue based on the day it arrives at the processing facility. New applications must be postmarked on or before March 9, 2011 to be considered for funding.
     7. Due to the volume of applications received, it may take approximately four weeks from the postmark date for your rebate application to be received, processed and entered into our system. It may take up to eight weeks for the support center to fully verify and process your rebate application and mail a rebate check or letter with resubmit requirements.
2. What appliances are eligible for a rebate?
   
   • See details on eligible appliances. Rebates are offered for appliances in eight categories.

   • Air-Source Heat Pumps	Central Air Conditioners
     Clothes Washers (Jan. 1, 2011 ENERGY STAR qualifications)	Dishwashers
     Freezers (14.5 cubic feet or greater)	Refrigerators (14.5 cubic feet or greater)
     Room Air Conditioners	Water Heaters

3. What is the maximum number of rebates I’m allowed?
   
   • A residential consumer may only receive one rebate for each appliance category, for a maximum of two rebates total. This includes any rebates received during the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program (April 2010). If a consumer received one appliance rebate through the April program, he/she is only eligible for one appliance rebate during the new mail-in program launching on December 20, 2010. If a consumer received two appliance rebates through the April program, he/she is not eligible for a rebate during the new mail-in program. A family unit living in a household is considered a residential consumer such that the household is collectively entitled to two rebates total. For example, a husband and wife with two children living in a household are entitled to two rebates; not eight rebates; not four rebates; just two. Each family member is NOT entitled to two rebates each.
4. How can I learn more about the new appliance rebate program?
   
   • The best way to be the first to learn about new program details and updates is to sign up for e-mail notifications and follow us on Twitter. Additional information will be posted on the www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org website when available. No additional details are available at this time by phone.
5. Will rebates be available for new homes?
   
   • No, per federal rules, appliance or recycling rebates cannot be used for new construction.
6. Will rebates be available for commercial properties?
   
   • Per federal rules, appliance or recycling rebates cannot be used by businesses. In addition, a landlord purchasing appliances for his or her properties is purchasing products not as a residential consumer, but as a commercial or business consumer. Providing rebates to a landlord for purchases made in the landlord's business or commercial capacity is not allowed.
7. 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. Applications will be manually reviewed for evidence of post-dated invoices and application forms. See Fraud Prevention for additional information about preventing and detecting fraud, as well as channels to report fraud, waste and abuse.

>> Back to Top

Appliance, Recycling & Installation Questions

1. Why are rebate amounts different than in the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program (April 2010)?
   
   • Rebate amounts have been slightly reduced and simplified to give more Texans the ability to receive a rebate while still providing an incentive for consumers to purchase more energy efficient appliances.
2. How do I know if an appliance is ENERGY STAR® qualified?
   
   • ENERGY STAR qualified appliances are on the Energy Star list at www.ENERGYSTAR.gov. Please note that there may be products that meet the current energy factor that are not ENERGY STAR qualified due to warranty or other performance issues; these products are not on the ENERGY STAR qualified list. If you are unsure, ask a sales associate for help with identifying appliances that are ENERGY STAR qualified.
     NOTE: Only clothes washers meeting January 1, 2011 ENERGY STAR criteria will be eligible. Also, as of September 1, 2010, ENERGY STAR criteria for high-efficiency gas storage water heaters was upgraded; only appliances that meet this current standard will be eligible.
3. 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 or less water than standard appliances, and thus help consumers save money each month on their utility bills.
4. What do I do with my old appliance?
   
   • Because this program is an appliance replacement program, participants must replace their existing appliances with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model from the same appliance category (e.g., dispose of a clothes washer by replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer). You must replace your old appliance by either recycling it or providing it to a disposal facility. The old appliance cannot be re-sold, donated, moved to another house or otherwise remain in use.
5. Why should I recycle my old appliance?
   
   • Recycling helps keep scrap metal out of landfills and avoids contaminating Texas natural resources. While recycling is not required as the disposal method, Texas residents are encouraged to recycle their old appliance in accordance with state and local laws. As an incentive, an additional $75 rebate will be available to residents who provide proper proof of recycling their old appliance.
6. If I want to recycle my old appliance, what should I do? Who will recycle it?
   
   • If you purchase a new appliance from a retailer or contractor and they install it in your home, you can inquire if they will haul-away your old appliance and handle the recycling for you. There are other recyclers that will allow you to drop off an old appliance without prior purchase. We suggest that you contact your retailer, contractor or recycler prior to appliance purchase to confirm their recycling policy. While you are not required to use a Recycling Partner, you can also search our courtesy list of Recycling Partners.
7. Do I have to replace an entire central air conditioner or air-source heat pump system in order to be eligible for a rebate?
   
   • Yes, for central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps, a complete system must be replaced and the old unit must be disposed of or recycled properly to qualify. A complete system is defined as follows:
     • Complete gas systems include a condenser, evaporator coils and furnace.
     • Complete electric systems include the outdoor condensing unit and indoor fan coil.
   • Applicants must purchase the complete system to get the AHRI certificate (see next question). Replacing just part of a system, such as the condenser or coils, does not qualify.
8. 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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration contractor (ACR) with an ACR Contractor License #. The contractor will be responsible for providing an Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certificate for central air conditioning and air-source heat pump appliances.
     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 (ACR) Contractors Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) number and a Texas business address. Contractors will have to sign the rebate application form at the time of installation.
9. I'm interested in purchasing a gas storage water heater but cannot locate one that meets the specifications? What should I do?
   
   • On Sept. 1, 2010, ENERGY STAR upgraded the minimum specification for gas storage water heaters and Texas is required to use this federal specification for the rebate program. While ENERGY STAR qualified gas storage water heaters are in limited supply in Texas, there are other types of water heaters eligible for the same rebate amount in this program. If you need a gas water heater, you can also research gas tankless water heaters. If you specifically want a gas storage water heater, work with your retailer, contractor or plumber to request a specific appliance with the understanding that rebates will be processed first-come, first-served as long as rebate funds are still available.

>> Back to Top

Purchasing Questions

1. Can I get a rebate for an appliance that I purchased or installed prior to December 20, 2010?
   
   • No, the energy efficiency appliance rebate program will only apply to appliances purchased, installed and disposed/recycled once the program officially starts on or after December 20, 2010.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Can I get a rebate on an appliance I’ve put on layaway?
   
   • Yes, if the final payment and proof of purchase occurs on or after Dec. 20, 2010, and rebate funds are still available.

>> Back to Top

Application Form Questions

1. Where can I get a rebate application form?
   
   • An Official Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program Application Form (PDF, 116KB) is available on this website.
2. What information is required for the rebate application form?
   
   • The rebate application form has four different sections that must be completed in order to be eligible for a rebate:
     
     1. Customer Information: Contact information such as name, address and phone number.
     2. Appliance Information: Product details such as manufacturer and model number and installation information.
     3. Disposal/Recyling Information: Details about the disposal or recycling of your old appliance.
     4. Rebate Checklist: Form reminders and a place for your signature.
3. Who completes and signs the "Disposal/Recycling Information" section of the application form?
   
   • The authorized signature for the "Disposal/Recycling Information" section of your application form depends on how you decide to get rid of your old appliance. This section must be completely filled out to be eligible for a rebate. If you do NOT select an option under the "Disposal/Recycling Information" section, then "Option One: Disposal" will automatically be selected for you and you will NOT qualify for the additional $75 bonus recycling rebate.
     • Consumer Haul Away - If you haul-away your own appliance and drop off at a disposal or recycling facility, an agent or employee from that facility must complete and sign the Disposal/Recycling Information section of the application form.
     • Retailer or Contractor Haul Away - If the retailer, contractor or installer hauls away your old appliance, they are responsible for the proper disposal or recycling of the appliance. An agent of the party that hauls away the appliance (retailer, contractor or installer) must complete and sign the Disposal/Recycling Information section of your application form.
4. Can I fax or e-mail my completed rebate application form?
   
   • No, faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted at the processing center.
5. Is there 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 mail-in rebate program after the appliance is purchased. There will not be an online or phone reservation system for this program.
6. Can I submit more than one rebate application form in the same envelope?
   
   • No, each appliance rebate application must be submitted individually in a separate mailing.
7. After purchasing a qualifying appliance, how many days do I have to complete the application form and submit it with supporting documentation?
   
   • Due to low fund availability, the program will not accept new applications after March 9, 2011. Appliance purchase, installation and recycling must have occurred on or after Dec. 20, 2010. Rebates will be awarded on a first-received, first-issued basis until the allocated program funds are depleted. Submit your rebate application and supporting documentation as soon as possible to ensure funds are still available.
8. What supporting documentation is required?
   
   • Along with a completed rebate application, you must include proof of purchase (legible sales receipt/invoice) with the appliance model number circled, payment verification, and disposal or recycling certification.
     
     Sales receipts/contractor invoices must indicate the retailer/contractor name and address, the purchase price, date of purchase, proof of purchase, and the appliance make and model.
     
     Air-source heat pumps and central air conditioners must be installed by a contractor certified and licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), who must sign the rebate application at the time of installation and provide an Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certificate, which the consumer needs to mail in with the rebate application.
9. I’m concerned about my rebate application being delayed in the mail. Should I send it using an express mail service?
   • No preference is given to overnight packages. This is to ensure equal opportunity to all areas of Texas. You can send your application through an express mail service that delivers to post office boxes. However, all applications are placed in queue based on the postmark date, not delivery date.
10. I sent my rebate application via an overnight mail services that requires a signature. When will it be signed for/received?
    • Due to the volume of mail received daily, you may see a 24-48 hour delay for packages requiring a signature confirmation. This does not mean that your rebate application will be delayed in any way. It will be placed in queue based on the postmark date, not delivery date. If your package is not signed for after 48 hours, please contact customer service.
11. I mailed my rebate application form several days ago. Why doesn’t my application show up when I check the status?
    • Due to the volume of applications received daily, it may take approximately four weeks from the postmark date for your rebate application to be received, processed and entered into our system. Please allow this time for your rebate to be marked as received. Please note that it may take up to eight weeks to fully verify, process and finalize your rebate application. SEARCH TIPS: enter your data exactly as you listed it on your application form (i.e, include middle initial, street abbreviation, full zip code - #####-####, etc.) and use UPPERCASE.
12. When I check the status of my rebate, what does my status mean?
    • Once your rebate has been received, processed and entered into the system (please allow up to four weeks from postmark date), you can check your status online or by calling toll-free (855) 556-1312. Your rebate will be classified as one of the following:
      • Received, Pending Verification: Your rebate application has been received and entered into the system. It will be validated next.
      • Processing: Your rebate application is being reviewed for eligibility and incomplete/missing information.
      • Valid: Your rebate application has been processed and is valid.
      • Approved: Your rebate application has been approved.
      • Payment Sent: Your rebate check has been printed and sent to the address provided.
      • Rejected: Your rebate application has been rejected. This could be due to missing or incomplete information, which may be able to be resubmitted, or your application could be denied for not following program rules. See Invalid Submission Information for more details.
13. My rebate status says my application was rejected. What does that mean?
    • A “Rejected” status reflects either an incomplete or denied application. See Invalid Submission Information for more details.
14. What is my Rebate ID number?
    • Your Rebate ID number is a unique number assigned to your rebate application once it has been received, processed and entered into our system. If additional documentation or clarification is needed to validate your rebate application, please write your Rebate ID number on the top of any resubmitted application forms or any other communications to ensure your rebate will be processed quickly and accurately. You can check your Rebate Status online to retrieve your Rebate ID number or contact customer service to request it.

>> Back to Top