Home appliance rebate program begins

Missouri’s $5.6 million Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program that gives rebates for five appliance categories begins today.

The federally-funded home appliance rebate program offers rebates for space heating, space cooling, water heaters, clothes washers and dishwashers. The program is intended to improve energy efficiency and stimulate the economy by using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). States are giving rebates to consumers to replace inefficient home appliances with energy-efficient models. Every state has specific energy needs, so rebate programs may differ.

Consumers can qualify for rebates from $75 to $500 with a maximum of $575 for multiple appliances. Rebate reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Experience in other states shows the program is very popular.

Missouri has scheduled its rebate program to coincide with the “Show Me Green” ENERGY STAR® sales tax holiday. Consumers who want to take advantage of the rebate program and the state sales tax holiday must purchase the ENERGY STAR appliances between today and April 25 in participating retail and installation contractor businesses.

ENERGY STAR qualified appliances are designed to use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances, resulting in savings for the consumer, as well as reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Eligible consumers must be a Missouri resident and age 18 years or older. They must own the property where the appliances will be installed, although renters are eligible for buying washing machines.

Only one appliance per category is eligible for a rebate.

Consumers must purchase ENERGY STAR appliances to replace older, less efficient models and must recycle the old appliance to qualify for a rebate. 

Beginning today, consumers may visit a participating retailer or installation contractor partner to buy ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances and reserve a rebate. Starting Wednesday, a limited number of rebates will be available for consumers to reserve directly online at http://www.MissouriApplianceRebate.com or by phone at 877-541-4848. The program’s online reservation system will enable consumers to quickly and easily reserve a rebate and print out their rebate application.

Participation in this program is expected to be high, which could result in longer wait times if consumers try to reserve a rebate on the phone instead of at the store or online.

Consumers will have 60 days after reserving a rebate to purchase a qualified appliance from a participating retailer or installation contractor. Most participating retailers and installation contractors will collect and recycle the old appliance when they deliver the new one. Consumers also can recycle their old appliance at a recycling facility or turn-in event. Visit the Web site at http://missouriappliancerebate.com for details on recycling.

Buyers must show proof of recycling for the rebate and should make a copy of the required documents. Sign and mail the completed rebate application form along with the proof of purchase, residency and recycling to Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program, Dept. 21282 P.O. Box 3688, Medina, Ohio 44258-3688 within 60 days of making a reservation. Rebate checks for valid claims should be received within four to six weeks.