(AUSTIN) — Texans who want to save money on ENERGY STAR® appliances will soon have a chance to apply for mail-in rebates on those purchases. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced the purchase period for the Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program will start on Dec. 20.

Approximately $10 million is available for the traditional mail-in rebate program, which will remain open until all funds are distributed.

“As Texans buy appliances that can help cut their energy bills, they can also save on the price of the appliances with these rebates,” said Combs. “Consumers can start buying the appliances on Dec. 20 and, after installation, mail in their completed rebate application form and a copy of the receipt to be eligible for the rebates.”

Rebates are available for energy efficient appliances in eight categories:

Eligible ENERGY STAR® Appliances	Rebate Amount
Air-Source Heat Pumps	$1,000
Central Air Conditioners	$1,000
Clothes Washers*	$100
Dishwashers	$85
Freezers**	$100
Refrigerators**	$175
Room Air Conditioners	$40
Water Heaters	$300

* Modified Energy Factor 2.0 or greater and Water Factor 6.0 or less
** 14.5 cubic feet or greater

Rebate forms will be available for consumers to download and print closer to the start of the purchase period on Dec. 20. The state is also working with retailers to make the forms available at stores at that time.

Both the purchase receipt and the postmark on the envelope submitting the rebate application must be dated on or after Dec. 20, 2010. The mail-in rebate applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis based on the postmark on the rebate application envelope.

After the program starts, a daily countdown calculator of rebate funds will be available online to help consumers gauge the amount of funds processed and amount available for rebates.

Consumers who buy an ENERGY STAR® appliance must replace and dispose of an old appliance of the same type to be eligible for a rebate. An additional $75 rebate is available for recycling the old appliance. Proof of disposal or recycling is required, and details will be provided on the rebate application form.

To qualify for a rebate, applicants must have a valid Texas residential address and follow all program rules. Texas consumers are limited to a maximum of two rebates per household, which includes any rebates received from the April 2010 program. Each rebate applied for must be from a different appliance category. Residents are required to purchase appliances in-store from a Texas retailer or from a Texas contractor. Online purchases do not qualify for rebates.

A list of frequently asked questions and other helpful consumer information is available at www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org. This website will be updated regularly, as information is available, and also offers an e-mail sign-up to be notified of rebate-related updates.

The $10 million available for the Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program is unclaimed stimulus funds from the April 2010 rebate program, which used a reservation system.