Dec 12 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Walt Nett Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas


Texas has been allotted $23 million in federal stimulus funds to pay rebates in April for the purchase of Energy Star-rated household appliances, Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs said Friday.

Qualifying appliances include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dishwashers, water heaters, heat pumps, central air-conditioning units and clothes washers.

Appliances would have to be purchased between April 16 and April 25.

Consumers will be able to reserve an appliance rebate online or by calling a toll-free number up to two weeks in advance of the program's starting date.

The state also will pay a rebate of $75 per appliance for older appliances in working condition that are being replaced.

Rebates on new appliances will be a flat fee, and buyers can collect rebates for only two appliance purchases.

After reserved rebates are mailed out, any remaining money can be applied to rebates requested on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here are the rebate amounts:

--Refrigerator: $240.

--Freezer: $180.

--Room air conditioner: $45.

--Clothes washer: $150 or $180, depending on type and energy efficiency of the model.

--Dishwasher: $110 or $140, depending on type and energy efficiency of the model.

--Central air conditioner: $600, $800 or $1,000, depending on type and energy efficiency of the model.

--Heat pump: $1,200-$1,600, depending on type and energy efficiency of the model.

--Water heater: $255-$640, depending on type and energy efficiency of the model.

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