Jan 2 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Tom Fowler Houston Chronicle


Texans will get some of the country's most generous rebates for new appliance purchases under a federal stimulus program, including up to $315 for a new energy-efficient refrigerator.

But don't hit the store quite yet, as the deals don't kick in until April and the money may go fast.

The rebates are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus program that has doled out billions of dollars through programs such as the "cash for clunkers" new car purchase program and "smart grid" electric infrastructure investments.

Of the $300 million set aside to encourage the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances, Texas received $23.3 million, which will be administered through the office of state Comptroller Susan Combs.

"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 in a statement.

Many of the details of the plan are still up in the air, since the state hasn't chosen a contractor to coordinate the program. But the dollar amounts and dates are set.

Of the 56 states and territories taking part in the program, Texas rebates will be among the highest.

For example, a new Energy­Star-labeled refrigerator is eligible for a $240 mail-in rebate. Purchasers who recycle their old refrigerators and provide proof can get an additional $75.

The EnergyStar label indicates the product has met energy-efficiency guidelines under a program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

In California, meanwhile, rebates for new refrigerator are just $75 and consumers are required to recycle their older appliances.

Of the plans that have been approved and formalized, only Kansas is providing larger refunds, with up to $700 for refrigerators and $800 for clothes washers.

Only a few days

The rebates apply only to EnergyStar-labeled appliances purchased from April 16 to April 25.

Texas consumers will be able to reserve their rebates in the two weeks before the purchase window by applying online or by phone, but details aren't yet available.

Appliance rebate programs have been in place for a number of years, but this is the first year the federal program has been funded so heavily.

The stimulus refunds probably won't lead many consumers to make purchases they weren't planning anyway, said Doug Moore, president of appliances for Sears. But the rebates may encourage purchases of higher-end units that are more efficient, particularly in Texas where the rebates can equal up to 15 percent of a new appliance's purchase price.

"It's a very significant amount per unit," Moore said. "Texas is going to spend that money fast. And it won't be like 'cash for clunkers' where more cash will be handed out if they run out."

The $75 appliance rebate could trigger a boom for Texas appliance recyclers like the Jaco Environmental facility a few miles east of downtown.

Jaco has been working with the city of Houston for several years, tearing apart refrigerators that homeowners drop off at city recycling centers. It recycles 95 percent of the parts and materials.

"The Texas program is very unique because of the $75 recycling rebate," said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for Jaco. "I expect the response will be huge."

tom.fowler@chron.com

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