Appliance stores in Volusia and Flagler counties are bracing for a mini-Black Friday bustle of customers on April 16 when the state’s appliance rebate program begins.
“We anticipate a bit of a rush of customers and being very busy that morning,” said David Cheezum, manager of the John’s Appliance City store in South Daytona. “We will have all hands on deck at all the stores and are even opening at 8 a.m., an hour earlier than usual. We heard some stores around the state are thinking about opening at midnight.”
Florida has about $17.5 million from the federal stimulus program to provide residents with rebates of 20 percent after buying an Energy Star-approved refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer, dishwasher, tank-less water heater or air conditioner. Clothes dryers are not included because the federal Energy Star program does not rate them.
“It’s a great opportunity, but remember, it’s state run with limited funds and dealers have little to do with it,” Cheezum said. “It’s like going to the grocery store and getting a number at the deli counter for ham, but when the ham is gone, it’s gone. There is no guarantee of a rebate.”
The state has a rebate information Web site at myfloridaclimate.com.
Residents begin the rebate process by buying between April 16 and 25 approved appliances within the five categories with a model number listed on the energystar.gov Web site.
Beginning at 11 a.m. April 16, buyers can obtain a rebate priority number to apply for a rebate by providing the appliance model number and other data. The Internet address has not been released but will be linked to the state’s rebate program information Web site, according to a state rebate program spokesman.
A priority number is not required to apply for a rebate. However, applications with priority numbers will be processed ahead of those without a number and funds are limited.
State officials expect the funds to cover about 66,000 rebates and to be gone the first day, based on the results from other states.
Consumers who purchased approved appliances from a Florida retailer then print out the rebate application forms to be posted on the state rebate Web site, complete them and mail them with other required documentation.
The rebate application requires the appliance model and serial numbers, priority number and a machine-made original receipt showing the retailer name, location, salesperson name or identification number, product type, date purchased, price paid and taxes paid. The rebate is based on the purchase price, minus taxes.
Rebates are limited at one product per category per household with a maximum $1,500 rebate.
An additional $75 is available if an old appliance of the same type is being recycled. Documentation includes a statement on the receipt that the dealer will haul away the old appliance or a receipt from a delivery service, installation contractor or a recycling facility.
Internet sales are not eligible for rebates. Businesses, landlords, commercial property owners, condominium associations and tax-exempt organizations are also not eligible.
“The rebates have generated a lot of interest from people coming into the stores and calling,” Cheezum said. “People are interested in getting the money and I can’t say I blame them.”
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