About three dozen states, including Texas, will soon offer buyers a rebate of as much as $250 to trade in outdated clothes washers, refrigerators or water heaters for more efficient models. Besides the money back, buyers might welcome the savings on their electric bills.
A primer on the program:
When: Nearly three dozen states will roll out appliance rebate programs over the next 2½ months, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can find the schedule and a link for Texas on the Energy Department's Web site (www.energysavers.gov/financial/rebates/state_TX.cfm).
Why: The Obama administration is trying to stimulate economic activity while also encouraging consumers to be more efficient in their energy use. Under the federal stimulus act, the government has allocated $300 million to the states and seven U.S. territories for appliance rebates.
What: Eligible trade-ins will vary by state. In Texas, the rebates will range from $45 for room air conditioners to $1,000 for some air conditioners and $1,600 for some heat pumps. Texans can receive another $75 if they also recycle the appliances they are replacing.
