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Comptroller announces appliance rebates
By Monique Oaks, moaks@acnpapers.com
Texans looking to replace their decrepit dishwashers, ancient air conditioners and wimpy water heaters with eco-friendly models are in luck.
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced recently that the state will use approximately $23 million in federal stimulus funds for rebates to consumers who purchase certain energy efficient home appliances and replace the same type of working appliance.
"We want to create a program that works for Texas - one that stimulates retail, helps consumers save money and energy and conserves our natural resources by responsibly disposing of as many old appliances as possible," Combs said. "The rebates will focus on the appliances that will save the most energy and water for Texas."
Consumers will be able to reserve a rebate by phone or online approximately two weeks prior to the 10-day purchasing window. Updates about the program will be posted on the State Energy Conservation Office Web site at www.secostimulus.org/rebate; those eager to learn about the rebate process as it develops can sign up now at the site for e-mail updates.
"This would include updates on reservations or other information," said R.J. DeSilva, Texas Comptroller spokesperson. "The e-mail notification lets subscribers know of any such updates or news that go on the Web site."
Smart Texans should sign up for the alerts and start looking for their new fridges and dryers now, suggests Steve Massey, Allen's community services director.
"The state has $23,341,000 to award as rebates, and that is really not that much money, so you have to plan to act as soon as the reservation window opens," he said. "My bet is within two hours it'll be gone."
The program will also offer an extra incentive - to the tune of $75 - to recycle old appliances, Combs said. SECO is working with retailers and recycling facilities to make the swaps easier.
In addition, certain energy-efficient appliance purchases from the approved SECO rebate list might also qualify buyers for a federal income tax credit if makes and models match on both lists. The credit for approved heat pumps, central air conditioning units and water heaters is for 30 percent of cost up to $1,500, according to the Energy Star Web site (www.energystar.gov/). The credit expires Dec. 31, 2010, and would apply to 2010 taxes.
And Allen residents who are in the market for a clothes washer - and who do their homework - could win a trifecta: SECO rebate, federal tax credit and city water conservation credit.
Rebates offered through the city's H20me Improvement Rebate Program are for irrigation equipment, pressure reducing valves, rain and freeze sensors, rain barrels, low-flow toilets - and water-efficient clothes washers. The washer rebate is based on the type of machine and can be up to $125.
All of the rebates, which are credited to the resident's water bill, are part of the city's budget and are not subject to expire, according to Massey.
"Washing machine rebates have been our most popular rebate the last several years," he said. "Should we 'get wind' that we will have a greater demand for the rebates, we will reprogram funds to keep the rebate program alive when we do the mid-year budget adjustments."
But all Texans have an opportunity to save some green while going green this year, if they investigate and time their purchases wisely.
"People have to take the initiative to research it," said Massey of the SECO rebates. "Step One is clearly to register for the e-mail alert information."
His advice to those wanting to upgrade: use the time between now and April to find out if the appliance they want will qualify.
"I would just like the citizens to know it's out there," Massey said. "Everybody needs one of those things, don't they?"
See SECO rebate table, below
| Appliance | Rebate | With $75 Recycling rebate |
| Refrigerator | $240 | $315 |
| Freezer | $180 | $255 |
| Room air conditioner | $45 | $120 |
| Clothes washer | $150 or $180* | $225 or $255 |
| Dishwasher | $110 or $140* | $185 or $215 |
| Central air conditioner | $600, $800 or $1,000* | $675, $875 or $1,075 |
| Heat pump | $1,200 - $1,600* | $1,275 - $1,675 |
| Water heater | $255 - $640* | $330 - $715 |
Depending on appliance type and energy efficiency of model purchased
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