Florida has received $17.5 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program is designed to help residents replace old, inefficient appliances with new Energy Star qualified units.

The state's mail-in rebate program begins April 16 and ends April 25. Consumers will receive a 20 percent rebate off the purchase price of a new qualified Energy Star appliance. Rebate funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible products include: gas tankless water heaters, clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, room air conditioners and freezers.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Florida.
• Qualified equipment must be installed in applicant's single-family, owner-occupied residence. Commercial and rental units are not eligible.
• Rebates are for replacement equipment only, and qualified equipment must be new.
• Florida residents must purchase appliances from Florida retailers. Online and out-of-state purchases do not qualify.
• The rebates only apply to purchases made between April 16 and 25.
• Residents may apply for one rebate per category per address, up to $1,500 total per address.
• Consumers may also receive an additional $75 rebate with proof of having recycled the old appliance.

To apply, contact the Florida Energy & Climate Commission at myfloridaclimate.com or call 850-487-3800.

Consumers may also receive a 30 percent federal tax credit for the same Energy Star product. The tax credit is subject to limitations that vary by product and type of home.

For a full list of qualified products and specific terms, go to energystar.gov/taxcredits. Consumers may also be able to combine the state rebate with a local utility rebate, but eligibility should be verified with both organizations.

Source: Florida Energy & Climate Commission and Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Energy.