Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: June 24, 2010
- Most Commonly Asked Questions
- Consumer Questions
- Partner Questions
- Manufacturer Questions
- Contact Information
MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Where do I send my rebate application materials?
- Complete rebate application packages should be sent in a single mailing to the following address:
- California Cash For Appliances
P. O. Box 12150
La Crescenta, CA 91224
- How do I check on the status of my rebate?
- You can check on the status of your rebate application by calling the toll-free help line at this number:
- 1-888-390-4034
- Please note that rebate applications can take between six to eight weeks to process.
- I received a postcard or e-mail stating that there was an issue with my application. What do I do?
- We have created a webpage with additional information and instructions to help you address and correct any issues with your application. Please go here:
- http://cash4appliances.org/consumers/Action_Table.pdf (PDF File)
- How do I find my appliance’s serial number?
- 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). - How long will the program last?
- The program begins on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, and will continue until program funds are exhausted. The Energy Commission will issue a public notice announcing that funds have been exhausted and that the program is closed. To avoid over-subscription of program funds, the Energy Commission intends to publish program information on a regular basis to keep consumers and participating retailers informed on the amount and availability of program funds.
- Rebates are first-come, first-serve and applications will be processed as received. Complete and valid claims will receive rebates until funds are depleted. When funds run out, no more rebates will be issued, so act now!
- The program begins on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, and will continue until program funds are exhausted. The Energy Commission will issue a public notice announcing that funds have been exhausted and that the program is closed. To avoid over-subscription of program funds, the Energy Commission intends to publish program information on a regular basis to keep consumers and participating retailers informed on the amount and availability of program funds.
- Who qualifies for a rebate?
- The rebates are available to all California residential consumers who do the following:
- Purchase a new, qualified appliance model in-store at a California retail location during the rebate period (beginning April 22, 2010, and continuing until funds are depleted);
- Recycle an old appliance of the same type through a Certified Appliance Recycler; and
- Submit the required rebate application materials no more than 30 days after the date of purchase of the new model. (On May 27, 2010, the Energy Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the application submission period from 30 days to 120 day after purchase.)
- 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.
- The rebates are available to all California residential consumers who do the following:
- 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 Partners and all of our Platinum 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 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.
- What models qualify for the rebates?
- Only models present on the Qualified Model Lists are eligible for the rebates. 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
- And for clothes washers and refrigerators, comply with the Consortium of Energy Efficiency's Tier 2 and above efficiency levels.
- Only models present on the Qualified Model Lists are eligible for the rebates. The final Qualified Model Lists are available on the official website at: www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/.
- The Energy Commission intends to update the Qualified Model lists during the rebate program on a weekly basis, beginning May 19th.
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.
- 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.
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.
No. The appliance must be purchased on or after the start of the program (April 22, 2010) in order to qualify for the rebate and a complete application package must be submitted within 30 days of purchase. . (On May 27, 2010, the Energy Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the application submission period from 30 days to 120 day after purchase.) However, rebates will be awarded on a first come first serve basis since funds are limited.
- The rebate amounts for qualified appliances are:
- Refrigerators - $200
- Clothes Washers - $100
- Room Air Conditioners - $50
The rebate is a mail-in rebate program. You will need to fill out and send in a 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.
- Buy and take delivery of a qualified appliance.
- The purchase must be made through a physical California retail location. 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 Partner.
- Submit a complete application package as soon as you can, but no later than 30 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. (Please note. On May 27, 2010, the Energy Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the application submission period from 30 days to 120 day after purchase.)
- Complete applications must include:
- A completed Rebate Application form
- A completed Proof of Recycling form
- A copy of the sales receipt OR an original rebate receipt for the unit you purchased
- 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
- As well as 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.
- 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 30 days of your appliance purchase. (Please note. On May 27, 2010, the Energy Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the application submission period from 30 days to 120 day after purchase.):
California Cash for Appliances
P.O. Box 12150
La Crescenta, CA 91224 - 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 form is 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.
- 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.
- How much time do I have to submit my application?
Rebate applications must be postmarked within 30 days 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. (Please note. On May 27, 2010, the Energy Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the application submission period from 30 days to 120 day after purchase.)
- 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 six to eight weeks.
To check the status of your rebate, call the toll-free information hotline at 1-888-390-4034.
- 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 8 a.m. to 6 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.
PARTNERS QUESTIONS
- What is a Program Partner? What are the different partnership levels?
To learn more about becoming a partner go to: www.cash4appliances.ca.gov/partners/
- How do I become a Program Partner?
To become a Partner you will need to draft and submit a Pledge Letter using the Sample Pledge Letter Template found on this page: www.cash4appliances.org/partners/. Also see the Becoming a Partner FAQ found here: www.cash4appliances.ca.gov/consumers/faqs.html
- Do you have to be a retailer to be a Partner?
No, there are many non-retailer program partners offering a wide variety of support to the program, including utility companies, local municipalities, and efficiency groups.
- How do I become a Platinum Partner?
A Platinum Partner is a partner that is pledging to provide free delivery of a customer's new appliance and free haulaway of their old appliance to a Certified Appliance Recycler. You may apply to be a Platinum Partner using the same partnership pledge letter.
- Do I have to offer free delivery and haulaway in order to be a Platinum Partner?
Yes. If you will be charging for delivery or haulaway you may still be an Official Partner of the program, but not a Platinum Partner.
- Can I rebate the cost of delivery and still be considered a Platinum Partner?
No. A program that charges the consumer is not considered a free program regardless of whether that charge is later rebated.
- What do I get if I become a Partner? What are the benefits?
Download the informational materials on this page: http://www.cash4appliances.org/partners/Partner_Grid.pdf (PDF fifle)
- What are the differences between partnership levels?
The partner levels are:- Platinum Partner - A Platinum Partner is a retailer that has pledged to provide free delivery of a customer's new appliance and free haulaway of their old appliance to a Certified Appliance Recycler, in addition to any other pledged in-kind contributions. A Platinum Partner's logo is displayed on the official Cash for Appliances webpage (along with a link to their own page), they are able to refer to themselves as a Platinum Partner of the Cash For Appliances Program in their own marketing, and they are provided access to appropriate marketing materials and rebate forms.
- Official Partner - An Official Partner is a retailer, utility, municipality, recycler, or other entity that has pledged an in-kind contribution of services to the Cash For Appliances program. An Official Partner is listed on the official Cash for Appliances webpage (along with a link to their own page), is able to refer to themselves as an Official Partner of the Cash For Appliances Program in their own marketing, and is provided access to appropriate marketing materials and rebate forms.
- Participating Retailer - A Participating Retailer is any retailer for which we have not received a pledge letter, but that may well wish to provide service and sales to customers during the program. Participating Retailers have access to basic marketing materials and the Rebate Application form.
- What do my customers need to know about the rebates?
Information is online at: www.cash4appliances.ca.gov/consumers/
- When does the program start?
The Cash For Appliances program starts on April 22, 2010 (Earth Day).
- How long will the program last?
The program begins on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, and will continue until program funds are exhausted.. Rebates are first-come, first-serve and will be processed as received until funds are depleted.
- What models qualify for the rebates?
Only models present on the Qualified Model lists are eligible for the rebates. The final Qualified Model lists are available on the official website at: www.cash4appliances.org/products/.
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
- And for clothes washers and refrigerators, comply with the Consortium of Energy Efficiency's Tier 2 and above efficiency levels.
The Qualified Model lists may be updated during the rebate program.
- How much are the rebates?
- The rebate amounts for qualified appliances are:
- Refrigerators - $200
- Clothes Washers - $100
- Room Air Conditioners - $50
- One rebate of each appliance type can be awarded per residential household. A residential consumer can receive a total of $350 if they purchase a new qualifying appliance of each type and recycle an old unit of each type.
- The rebates are available to all California residential consumers who do the following:
- Purchase a new, qualified appliance model in-store at a California retail location during the rebate period (begins April 22, 2010, and will continue until program funds are exhausted.);
- Recycle an old appliance of the same type through a Certified Appliance Recycler; and
- Submit the required rebate application materials no more than 30 days after the date of purchase 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.
No. Online purchases are not eligible for these rebates.
The program requires that purchases be made at California retailers to ensure that the benefits (dollars) of this program remain in the state. On-line purchases may result in benefits outside the state and therefore are not allowed.
The rebate application, proof of recycling form, and the residential utility bill must all show the same address. In addition, the appliance is required to be installed (hooked up) at the residential address, and in applying for the rebate the purchaser is agreeing to allow an inspection to verify its presence should such an audit be required. Thus the purchaser could not apply for the rebate under most circumstances, but the receiver of the gifted appliance could.
To apply for a rebate a residential consumer needs to submit the following materials:
- A completed Rebate Application form
- A completed Proof of Recycling form
- A copy of the sales receipt OR an original rebate receipt for the unit purchased
- A copy of a utility bill that shows (verifies) their physical residential address. This utility may be of any kind (water, electricity, gas, land-line telephone) provided it shows their residential address.
- The original, bright yellow Energy Guide label from the new unit
If a customer is eligible for a rebate for more than one appliance type they will need to submit a separate application package for each appliance rebate.
This means that a consumer recycling a refrigerator, room air conditioner and clothes washer should receive three Proof of Recycling forms, not one.
Customers must enter a valid California residential address on the Rebate Application and Proof of Recycling forms. Post Office Box numbers are not considered residential addresses and will cause an application to be returned. The rebate check will be mailed to the residential address provided on the Rebate Application and cannot be directed to a different location.
The residential name and address information present on the Rebate Application, Proof of Recycling and Utility Bill must match. This information cannot differ between documents.
If the customer lives in a rural area without direct mail delivery to their residential address, they will need to enter their residential address on the rebate forms and ask their post office to forward any mail addressed to the residential address to the post office box.
They will need to mail the above items together as a single, completed rebate package to the following address within 30 days of the appliance purchase to:
P.O. Box 12150
La Crescenta, CA 91224
Platinum Partners - Platinum Partners have pledged to be a "one stop shop" for their customers. Platinum Partners are expected to provide consumers with printed Rebate Application forms at the time of sale, and with a Proof of Recycling form when the customer's old clothes washer, refrigerator or room air conditioner is picked up for haulaway. In particular, the Proof of Recycling form should have the retailers Recycling Code or the CAR # of the recycler they are using, and bear a signature. This is in addition to the Sales Receipt that will result from the customer's purchase and the Energy Guide Label that will accompany the new appliance to the customer's home.
MANUFACTURERS QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE APPLIANCES?
The technical requirements for the appliances are:
SOME OF MY MODELS MEET THESE CRITERIA, BUT AREN'T ON THE QUALIFIED MODEL LISTS. IS IT TOO LATE?
If your product was not ENERGY STAR®-qualified and not included in the February 19, 2010, ENERGY STAR list, then it is not eligible for the California Cash for Appliances Rebate Program.
If your product was listed in the February 19, 2010, ENERGY STAR list but not certified to the California Energy Commission, then there is a small window to certify these models to be added to the official Qualified Model list. Please see our page at: www.Cash4appliances.ca.gov/products/manufacturers.html.
Appliance models that are on the February 19, 2010, ENERGY STAR list but not currently certified to the California Energy Commission can be viewed at: www.Cash4appliances.ca.gov/products/.
MY MODELS ARE ON THE FEBRUARY 19, 2010, ENERGY STAR LISTS. HOW DO I CERTIFY THEM TO THE ENERGY COMMISSION?
The forms and instructions for certifying appliance data to the California Energy Commission are available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/forms/.
Certification materials are to be submitted to the Energy Commission by e-mail and sent to the address specified in the instructions.
You must your materials on or before March 15, 2010, via e-mail to appliances@energy.state.ca.us.
Please indicate "ATTN: REBATE QUALIFYING MODELS" in the subject line of your e-mail.
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:
Toll-free Phone Number: 1-888-390-4034
Customer Service reps will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT, Monday thru Friday, and automated information will be available 24/7.
California Cash for Appliances
P.O. Box 12150
La Crescenta, CA 91224
What's the Latest? Program updates by e-mail are available by signing up to the Cash for Appliance listserve at: www.Cash4Appliances.org/consumers/listserver.html
RETAILERS
Retailers, Utilities, Government Agencies, Recyclers and Manufacturers please contact us at: E-mail: rebates @ energy.state.ca.us