Frequently Asked Questions

• We have contacted manufacturers, and have received the following guidance to pass along to customers:


• The official model number and serial number are generally both found on a common "nameplate" affixed to the unit. For assistance in locating these nameplates, please try these links:


• For Whirlpool models:
  http://whirlpool.com/service/modelnumber.jsp


• For Maytag models:
  http://www.maytag.com/support/model_number_popup.jsp


• For Kitchenaid models:
  http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/model_number_popup.jsp


• For Amana models:
  http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/product_literature/model_number.jsp?siteCd=AMA


• For all other models:
  Appliance manufacturers generally place their nameplates in similar locations to the above, for consistency. As other manufacturers provide us with similar links we will add them here.

CONSUMER QUESTIONS

• When does the program start?
  • The Cash For Appliances program starts on April 22, 2010 (Earth Day). On July 29, 2010 more appliances became eligible including: Heating and Cooling systems (HVAC), Water Heaters, including solar water heating, freezers, and dishwashers.



• How long will the program last?

  • Rebates for Home Appliances end December 6, 2010 This includes applications for refrigerators, clothes washers, room air-conditioners, freezers, and dishwashers. Note: Home appliance applications MUST be postmarked by December 6, 2010.

  • Rebates for Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning units, and water heaters end December 31, 2010. All HVAC and Water Heater applications received after this date will be placed on the waiting list. NOTE: THE WAITING LIST FOR THE HVAC AND WATER HEATER REBATE PROGRAM WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 31, 2011. APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND WILL BE AWARDED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE BASIS, IF FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE.

  • Rebates are first-come, first-serve and applications will be processed as received. Complete and valid claims will receive rebates until deadline date.

• Who qualifies for a rebate?
  • The rebates are available to all California residential consumers who do the following:
    

    • For home appliances, purchase a new, qualified appliance model in-store at a California retail location.

    • For water heaters and HVAC systems, install a new, qualified unit or system through a licensed California contractor.

  • NOTE: home appliances, water heaters, boilers, and furnaces are eligible as of the date they are added to the program, as shown on the Qualified Model Lists. Models purchased or installed prior to their addition to the program are NOT eligible. Check the list of eligible appliances at:
  
  
  • http://www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/index.html
  
  
  • Recycle an old unit of the same type through a Certified Appliance Recycler; and
  
  
  • Submit the required rebate application materials no more than 120 days after the date of purchase /installation of the new model.
  
  
  • Tenants and renters that can comply with the above requirements are eligible to receive the rebates.
  
  
  • Landlords, property managers, and property owners that are not property residents are not eligible to receive the rebates. The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that such individuals cannot be considered a residential consumer as they stand to receive commercial gain or benefit from the purchase.
  
  
  • Buying groups are not eligible to receive the rebates, as the federal program rules require that the rebates go directly to individual residential consumers.
  
  
  • Purely commercial properties such as hotels are not eligible to receive the rebates, as they are not residential consumers.
  
  
  • Finally, only one rebate of each appliance type can be awarded per residential household. Multiple purchases of the same appliance type are not eligible to receive a rebate.


• Does the same person need to be shown on all the forms?
  • Yes. This is very important: federal rules require that the rebates go to individual consumers who fulfill all program requirements. The forms submitted must show that the same person completed all steps and met all requirements. Materials submitted where the applicant or resident name does not match, even in the case of a spouse's or relative's name being present, will not be able to be processed.


• Is recycling required for the rebate?
  • Yes. An old unit of the same type must be recycled to receive the rebate, and the recycling must be handled by a Certified Appliance Recycler as required by California law. . (Please note that a room air conditioner may replace an evaporative cooler.)


• Do I have to take my old model to a recycler myself?
  • No, many of our Official Retail Partners and all of our Platinum Retail Partners have pledged to deliver the old appliance models they receive to a Certified Appliance Recycler on their customers' behalves. These Partners will be able to receive your unit and provide you with the Proof of Recycling form, and include not only retailers but also local utility recycling programs which may even provide an additional rebate. Platinum Retail Partners have pledged pick up the old appliance from their customers' residences for free. Applicants must receive a completed Proof of Recycling form for each of the old appliance models the applicant recycles. Your licensed California contractor may also assist consumers with the recycling of their old HVAC and Water Heater systems. A separate recycling form is not required for HVAC and Water Heater systems. This information is listed on the HVAC and Water Heater applications for the contractor to complete.


• What models qualify for the rebates?
  • Only models with their respective ADDED to the program DATE on the Qualified Model Lists are eligible for the rebates. If the appliance was purchased BEFORE the model was added to the program, then it would NOT be eligible. The final Qualified Model Lists are available on the official website at: www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/.
  
  
  • Note that the Qualified Model Lists make use of "wildcard" characters, such as hashes (#) and asterisks (*). These wildcards represent characters in the model number that vary based on features unrelated to performance, such as the model's exterior color. This way, a single listing on the Qualified Model list can represent every color variation a given model may have.
  
  
  • To be a part of the final lists of qualified appliance, the following criteria must be met:
  
  
  • Certified to the California Energy Commission as meeting minimum energy efficiency requirements
  
  
  • Present on the ENERGY STAR¨ list
  
  
  • Have an efficiency or performance level that meets specific tier requirements.
  
  
  • The Energy Commission intends to update the Qualified Model lists during the rebate program on a weekly basis, beginning May 19th.


• Will an online purchase qualify for the rebate? Can I buy my appliance online?
  • No. The purchase must be made in-store at a California retail store location. If your retailer offers a model online that is not present in your local store, ask if that model can be ordered by the store so that you can purchase it from their retail location.


• What about a purchase made by phone?
  • A telephone order placed with a California retail store location is acceptable.
  
  
  • Your sales receipt will need to come from the retail store, identical to a purchase made in-store at that location.


• Do I have to buy from an Official or Platinum Partner?
  • No, however, program partners are committed to assisting consumers participate in this program and receive a rebate. Platinum Partners have pledged to provide free delivery of your new appliance and haulaway of your old appliance to a Certified Appliance Recycler, making them a "one stop shop" for the rebate program. Official Partners offer many benefits, including being able to help in preparing your application and answering program questions.


• Can I get the rebate if I bought my appliance before it was eligible? Are the rebates retroactive?
  • No. The appliance must be purchased on or after the date it is added to the program in order to qualify for the rebate.


• How much are the rebates?
  • The rebate amounts for qualified appliances are:
  • Refrigerators - $200
  • Clothes Washers - $100
  • Room Air Conditioners - $50
  • Dishwashers- $100
  • Freezers -$50
  • Water Heaters:
  • Electric Heat Pump – $300
  • High Performance Gas Storage – $100
  • Solar (electricity or natural gas back- up) – $750
  • o Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):
  • Central Air Conditioner (split) – $500 to $1000*
  • Central Air Conditioner (packaged) – $750 to $1000*
  • Air Source Heat Pump (split) – $500 to $750*
  • Air Source Heat Pump (packaged) – $750 to $1000*
  • Gas Furnace – $200 to $300*
  • Gas Boiler – $300



*varies by tier level

Additional details and requirements at:
http://www.cash4appliances.org/partners/contractors.html

One rebate of each appliance type can be awarded per residential household.

• How do I get a rebate?
  • The rebate program is closed, but is accepting applications for HVAC and Water Heater systems for the WAITING LIST ONLY.NOTE: THE WAITING LIST FOR THE HVAC AND WATER HEATER REBATE PROGRAM WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 31, 2011. APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND WILL BE AWARDED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE BASIS, IF FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE.
  • The rebate is a mail-in rebate program. You will need to fill out and send in a COMPLETE rebate application form along with some additional forms and materials (proceed to next question). The California Cash For Appliances program is not using a reservation system; rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on the post-marked date of a complete rebate application.


• What do I need to do to apply for the rebate?
  • Buy and take delivery of a qualified appliance.
  • The purchase must be made through a physical California retail location or a licensed California contractor for HVAC and Water Heater systems. A telephone order placed with a local store is acceptable, noting that your sales receipt will need to come from the retail store.
  
  
  • Internet, mail-order, and out-of-state phone orders are NOT eligible.


• Recycle your old appliance.
  • The appliance must be recycled through a Certified Appliance Recycler prior to applying for the rebate. You may deliver the appliance directly to the recycler or rely upon the services of an Official or Platinum Retail Partner or your licensed California contractor.
  • Submit a complete application package as soon as you can, but no later than 120 days from purchase. Rebates will be processed in the order that they are received and only complete applications which demonstrate that all requirements have been met will then be placed in the payment queue.


• Complete applications for Clothes Washers, Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners, Freezers, and Dishwashers must include:
  1. A completed Rebate Application form
  2. A completed Proof of Recycling form
  3. A copy of the sales receipt OR an original rebate receipt for the unit you purchased
  4. Copy of a recent utility bill, issued within the last 90 days. "Utility" is broadly defined as "something useful to the public"..."or a company providing such a service." The Energy Commission can accept all type of utility bills, including the following:
     
     
     • Electric utility bill
     • Gas utility bill
     • Water bill
     • Garbage bill
     • City or county services or property tax bill
     • Telephone/cell phone bill
     • Internet service bill
     
     TV/satellite service bill
     • A valid Driver's License
     • Other bills for services provided to the purchaser/buyer that lists their name and address consistent with the rebate application and proof of recycling/demanufacturing forms.
       
       This verification may be of any kind provided it is originated by an unrelated third party and shows your name and your residential address.
  5. The original, bright yellow Energy Guide label from your new unit or the UPC label (bar code) from your new unit's packaging. In addition, other forms of proof that the consumer has received the appliances, such as a letter from the retailer confirming delivery of the appliance to the consumer.
  • You will need to mail the above items together as a single, completed rebate package to the following address within 120days of your appliance purchase. Mail your complete application to:
  
  
  • California Cash for Appliances
    California Energy Commission
    1516 9th Street, MS-100
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    
  
  
• Complete applications for HVAC systems must include:
  1. A completed Rebate Application form
  2. Copy of the executed contract (Home Improvement Contract) to purchase and install the HVAC system or paid invoice between you and your installation contractor
  3. Copy of Certificate of AHRI-Certified Performance for the newly installed unit which can be obtained at: www.ceedirectory.org
  4. Final Signed off building permit specifying installation address

  *NOTE: Self installations are NOT eligible

• Complete applications for Water Heater systems must include:
  1. A completed Rebate Application form
  2. Copy of the executed contract or paid invoice between you and your installation contractor
  3. Copy of Solar Rating Certification Corporations (SRCC) product rating documentation (applicable for solar water heaters only)
  4. Final Signed off building permit specifying installation address

  *NOTE: Self installations are NOT eligible

• PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
  • If you are eligible for a rebate for more than one appliance type you will need to submit a separate application package for each appliance rebate.
  
  
  • You must enter your name and valid California residential address on the Rebate Application and Proof of Recycling forms. The name and address information present on the Rebate Application, Proof of Recycling and address verification (utility bill) must match. This information, including the name of the rebate applicant, cannot differ between documents.
  
  
  • Post Office Box numbers are NOT considered residential addresses and will cause your application to be returned. Your rebate check will be mailed to the residential address provided on the Rebate Application and cannot be directed to a different location.
  
  
  • If you are in a rural area without direct mail delivery to your residential address, you will need to enter your residential address on the rebate forms and ask your post office to forward any mail addressed to your residential address to your post office box.


• How do I get the needed materials?
  • The rebate application forms are available on our website (www.cash4appliances.org), and the majority of our retail partners will be able to provide you with this form as well. A licensed California contractor will need to assist you with the forms and sign the application in addition to the consumer (buyer).
  
  
  • The proof of recycling form is available only from a Certified Appliance Recycler, Platinum Partner, or other Official Partner offering an approved haulaway service (such as the recycling programs of our utility partners). You should receive this form when your old unit is received or picked up for recycling.
  
  
  • The Energy Guide label will be attached to or placed within your new appliance model.


• Can I provide a copy of the Energy Guide label or UPC label?
  • No. The original Energy Guide label OR UPC label is required OR the CONFIRMATION OF APPLICANCE DELIVERY FORM. This form is only available from retail partners. Please contact your retailer to obtain this form if your Energy Guide label or UPC is missing.


• How much time do I have to submit my application?
  • Rebate applications must be postmarked within 120days of your appliance's date of purchase. We advise you to submit your materials as quickly as possible: rebate applications are processed in the order they are received (according to their postmark date), and rebate funds are first-come, first-serve and can run out.


• Can I apply for other rebates if I apply for this one?
  • The Cash For Appliances program is designed to work alongside existing rebate programs, and we encourage you to apply for any additional rebates that may be available.


• How long will it take to receive my rebate / how do I check my status?
  • Only rebate claims that are determined to meet the California Cash for Appliances program requirements will receive a rebate. It is expected that the processing and verification process will take eight to twelve weeks. If your application was not a COMPLETE application with all the required supporting documentation, then it is expected that the processing will take an additional five to eight weeks.
    To check the status of your rebate, call the toll-free information hotline at 1-888-390-4034. You can also e-mail the Energy Commission at: rebates@energy.state.ca.us


• Is there a phone number I can call if I have any questions?
  • Toll-free Phone Number: 1-888-390-4034
  • Customer Service reps will be available to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday, and automated information will be available 24/7.


• Will I be notified if my rebate application is incomplete or denied?
  • The Energy Commission intends to notify applicants of inaccurate, incomplete or denied applications. Denied applications do not qualify for rebates. Instructions will be provide to applicants on how to address inaccurate or incomplete applications.

MANUFACTURERS QUESTIONS

What are the technical eligibility criteria for the appliances?
The technical requirements for the appliances, meaning the minimum efficiency levels required for eligibility, are as follows. "Tier", where used, refers to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency’s published performance tier specifications (CEE Tier).

Some of my models meet these criteria, but aren't on the Qualified Model Lists. Is it too Late?
Not at all! Models that are listed with the ENERGY STAR and certified to the California Energy Commission will continue to be added to the program, so please submit your models to the ENERGY STAR and certify your model data to the California Energy Commission if you would like for them to be included in the program.

Contractor Questions

• What is the eligibility date for a HVAC or Water Heater system?
  The Building permit FINAL sign off date of July 29, 2010 or later.



• If a HVAC or Water Heater system use propane is it eligible?
  Yes, propane HVAC and Water Heater systems are eligible for rebates.



• Who can I call about specific questions relating to Title 24 requirements for HVAC and Water Heaters?
  The Energy Commission has a dedicated toll free number at:
  1-800-772-3300

  Specific information for contractors is also available at:
  www.cash4appliances.org/partners/contractors.html

• What application should I use for HVAC and Water Heater systems?
  Use the appropriate application for the specific products. Water Heaters and HVAC systems have separate application forms.

  HVAC applications can be accessed here:
  www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/hvac.html

  Water Heater applications can be accessed here:
  www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/waterHeaters.html

CONTACT INFO

CONSUMERS

If you have general questions about the program or questions regarding your rebate claim and/or payment of a rebate claim, please contact:

RETAILERS

Retailers, Utilities, Government Agencies, Recyclers and Manufacturers please contact us at: E-mail: rebates @ energy.state.ca.us