On May 19, 2009 Governor Crist signed House Bill 167. This bill marks a continuation of his commitment to increasing energy efficiency and stimulating the economy. House Bill 167 enables the Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) to develop and manage guidelines, consistent with federal regulations, designating eligible appliances, rebate amounts and the process for issuing rebates. The rebate program will help Floridians buy appliances at discount rates, lower utility costs, and benefit Florida businesses by stimulating sales of energy-efficient appliances.
Pending final approval from the United States Department of Energy, there will be six residential appliances that qualify for Florida’s 20% ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program:
- refrigerators
- freezers
- washing machines
- dish washers
- room air conditioners, and
- gas tankless water heaters
Florida’s program is anticipated to last for ten days in April 2010 and run in conjunction with Florida’s Earth Day events.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of this program?
The United States Congress approved the ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program to assist consumers in replacing their old energy inefficient appliances for ones that use less energy and water. This program was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to stimulate the economy by encouraging consumers to purchase new appliances. Purchasing new appliances will help create jobs for appliance manufacturers and retail stores. The program also encourages consumers to save energy, and to lower their monthly bills through the use of a more efficient appliance.
How much money did the State of Florida receive from the United States Department of Energy to conduct an ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program?
Florida received $17,585,000 to conduct the Florida ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program. A small portion will be used administer the program and the remaining will be used to provide consumer rebates on purchases of ENERGY STAR appliances and for incentives to recycle old appliances.
Florida received $17,585,000 to conduct the Florida ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program. A small portion will be used administer the program and the remaining will be used to provide consumer rebates on purchases of ENERGY STAR appliances and for incentives to recycle old appliances.
What is so special about ENERGY STAR 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 and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.
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 and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.
Who can apply for these rebates?
Anyone residing in the state of Florida may purchase an appliance for their personal use in their home.
Anyone residing in the state of Florida may purchase an appliance for their personal use in their home.
I own an apartment building, why can’t I qualify for these rebates?
We represent a condo association, why do we not qualify for these rebates?
The Guidance Documents provided to the state by the United States Department of Energy were very specific that the program is intended for personal use in a residence and is not to be used for commercial purchase. They believe that commercial business owners have other opportunities to save money at retailers that are not available to regular consumers.
We represent a condo association, why do we not qualify for these rebates?
The Guidance Documents provided to the state by the United States Department of Energy were very specific that the program is intended for personal use in a residence and is not to be used for commercial purchase. They believe that commercial business owners have other opportunities to save money at retailers that are not available to regular consumers.
When will the ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program occur?
To qualify for the rebate the ENERGY STAR appliance must be purchased during the time period from April 16 through April 25, 2010. There are no retroactive rebates.
To qualify for the rebate the ENERGY STAR appliance must be purchased during the time period from April 16 through April 25, 2010. There are no retroactive rebates.
Am I guaranteed a rebate if I purchase an appliance during the program open period?
No guarantee of a rebate is given; appliances will be rebated on a first come first serve basis as long as the money lasts.
No guarantee of a rebate is given; appliances will be rebated on a first come first serve basis as long as the money lasts.
Why are you waiting until April 2010 to run theENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program?
We are waiting until April 2010 at the request of the appliance manufacturers and retail stores. Because the economy has been in a slump many manufacturers have had to cut back on production and many retailers have reduced their inventory. With every state in the United States offering this ENERGY STAR appliance rebate the manufacturers and retailers need time to ramp up production and stock the stores before the program launch date.
We are waiting until April 2010 at the request of the appliance manufacturers and retail stores. Because the economy has been in a slump many manufacturers have had to cut back on production and many retailers have reduced their inventory. With every state in the United States offering this ENERGY STAR appliance rebate the manufacturers and retailers need time to ramp up production and stock the stores before the program launch date.
Why is the program only 10 days long?
Based on our nation’s experience with the Cash for Clunkers program, the retailers and manufacturers have requested we limit the time of the initial program to ensure those who really want to take advantage of this program have the opportunity to do so. If there is money left over, another smaller rebate program will be offered six months later.
Based on our nation’s experience with the Cash for Clunkers program, the retailers and manufacturers have requested we limit the time of the initial program to ensure those who really want to take advantage of this program have the opportunity to do so. If there is money left over, another smaller rebate program will be offered six months later.
Which appliances qualify for theENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program?
Florida will offer rebates on the following ENERGY STAR appliances: (1) Refrigerators, (2) Freezers, (3) Washing machines, (4) Dishwashers, (5) Room air conditioners, and (6) Gas tank-less hot water heaters. These six appliances were selected because they offer consumers in the state the largest energy and water savings and there are no other state rebate programs on these particular appliances.
Florida will offer rebates on the following ENERGY STAR appliances: (1) Refrigerators, (2) Freezers, (3) Washing machines, (4) Dishwashers, (5) Room air conditioners, and (6) Gas tank-less hot water heaters. These six appliances were selected because they offer consumers in the state the largest energy and water savings and there are no other state rebate programs on these particular appliances.
How much of a rebate will I receive for each appliance?
The rebate will be 20% of the purchase price before taxes. The total amount of rebates and recycling fees that a residential address may receive is capped at $1,500.
The rebate will be 20% of the purchase price before taxes. The total amount of rebates and recycling fees that a residential address may receive is capped at $1,500.
How many appliances can I receive a rebate on?
Consumers may receive a rebate on the purchase of one of each type of appliance. They can receive a rebate on each appliance if they purchase 1 refrigerator, 1 washing machine, 1 dishwasher, 1 freezer, 1 room air conditioner, and 1 gas tankless water heater.
Consumers may receive a rebate on the purchase of one of each type of appliance. They can receive a rebate on each appliance if they purchase 1 refrigerator, 1 washing machine, 1 dishwasher, 1 freezer, 1 room air conditioner, and 1 gas tankless water heater.
How do I apply for the rebate?
The rebate application will be a paper application to be mailed in along with the original purchase receipt.
The rebate application will be a paper application to be mailed in along with the original purchase receipt.
What do I have to do to prove I purchased the appliance?
You must submit an original purchase receipt. Most stores will provide you with two receipts, one to save for warranty work and the other to use for the rebate.
Is this program like the automobile cash for clunkers where I have to turn in my old appliance?
No, you are not required to trade in your old appliance to receive the rebate, however, we strongly encourage you to do so and we will pay you an additional $75 on top of your rebate if you do. On the same rebate application there will be a section to indicate that you wish to take advantage of the recycling bonus. You must also provide evidence of having recycled your old appliance by providing a receipt from your retailer indicating that they will deliver your new appliance and take away your old appliance. Or you may take your old appliance to any certified landfill in the state of Florida and get a receipt from them indicating the type of appliance you are recycling, the serial number, the date it was delivered, and their signature as confirmation.
No, you are not required to trade in your old appliance to receive the rebate, however, we strongly encourage you to do so and we will pay you an additional $75 on top of your rebate if you do. On the same rebate application there will be a section to indicate that you wish to take advantage of the recycling bonus. You must also provide evidence of having recycled your old appliance by providing a receipt from your retailer indicating that they will deliver your new appliance and take away your old appliance. Or you may take your old appliance to any certified landfill in the state of Florida and get a receipt from them indicating the type of appliance you are recycling, the serial number, the date it was delivered, and their signature as confirmation.
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