Real Estate Blog

The energy-efficient appliance rebate fast facts:

What is it?

20 percent mail-in rebates on six types of major appliances that earned a federal Energy Star rating.

Anything more?

A $75-per-appliance rebate for properly disposing of the appliances being replaced.

Which appliances qualify?

Energy Star-rated refrigerators, freezers, tankless gas water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and room air conditioners.

Which appliances do not qualify?

Ovens, dryers, central air-conditioning units.

Who qualifies?

Buyers of appliances bought for personal use. First-come, first-served mail-in rebates until all $17.6 million is claimed, an estimated 66,000 appliances in Florida.

What does not qualify?

Appliances bought for commercial use, including landlords and condo associations. Any appliance purchased online.

What limits apply?

The limit on the total rebates one household may claim is $1,500.

Can I get a rebate for an Energy Saver appliance I already purchased?

No. The purchase must be made April 16 through 25.

Where can I find more information?

myfloridaclimate.com

Sources: Florida Energy and Climate Commission, U.S. Department of Energy

Rebates, step by step

•Shop appliance retailers ahead of time and write down the exact type of appliance, model and price.

•Starting at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16, register what you are buying online at the state priority rebate Web site (the address has not been revealed and the site not yet activated) in hopes of being among the expected first roughly 66,000 appliance sales to qualify for a piece of the $17.6 million rebate cash. The state suggests you buy first. A priority reservation number is not required to get a rebate. But people who secure them go to the head of the line until the rebate money is gone when processing claims.

•Execute the purchase April 16 through April 25. The states says buy first, then apply for a priority number.

•Secure written confirmation that the replaced appliance was disposed of properly.

•Submit all the rebate paperwork by May 10.

•Wait several weeks for an American Express debit card to be mailed with your rebate payment.