President Signs Tax Bill- 25c Included

President Obama signed into law an $858 billion dollar tax relief and benefits package which includes.

• A two year extension of the current tax rates.
• An extension of federal unemployment benefits for 13 months.
• Setting a two-year Estate Tax at 35% for individual inheritances over $5 million.
• A 2% reduction in an employee’s contribution to Social Security. Employer’s contributions to Social Security will remain at current levels.

Also included in the tax bill is a one-year extension of the 25c tax credit, which is returned to pre-stimulus levels. Some specifics of the bill as they relate to 25c.

• Eligible taxpayers can claim up to $500 in 2011.
• All efficiency levels stay at the current levels, except for natural gas and propane hot water boilers, and oil hot water boilers or oil furnaces, which will move to 95% AFUE.
• An individual or household lifetime cap of $500, which dates back to January 2006. For example, if an individual has claimed the 25c tax credit since 2006, for any qualifying upgrade up to or over $500, they would be ineligible to claim the credit in 2011.
• As of January 1, 2011, the new credit levels will be:

o $50 for any advanced main air circulating fan
o $150 for any qualified natural gas, propane or oil furnace or hot water boiler.
o $300 for any item of energy-efficient building property (i.e. Central Air/ Heat Pumps)

Washington Adds HVAC to Appliance Rebates

Washington is following the lead of many other states and adding rebates to their appliance rebate program for HVAC products. New HVAC rebates include $200 on Gas Storage Water Heaters, $300 on Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heaters, $250 on Heat Pump Water Heaters, and $750 on Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps.

For more information on Washington's program go to http://www.cashforapplianceswa.com/

Delaware Now Offers Competitive HVAC Rebates

Last month, Delaware started offering new rebates on HVAC products for their appliance rebate program that has been running since September 2009. Rebates of $400 are being offered for energy efficient Central A/C, Air Source Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces and Oil Furnaces, along with $550 rebates on Gas or Oil Boilers. Don't miss out!

For more information, click here.

Rhode Island Reopens Program

The Office of Energy Resources in Rhode Island has decided to reopen the Appliance Rebate Program, effective immediately. The rebates range from $100 to $500, and include Water Heaters, Boilers, and Furnaces.

For more information go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

California Considers SEEARP Expansion

The California Energy Commission announced plans to expand its Appliance Rebate Program, which has seen slow movement so far. A number of new and improved rebates on white goods are being considered, as well as some new rebates for HVAC units and Water Heaters. Rebates for HVAC units are expected to be between $200 and $1,000 depending on the type, and water heaters are expected to have rebates between $100 and $750. The Commission plans to make firm plans at a meeting on July 28.

For more information visit www.hardinet.org/seearp

New Jersey Appliance Rebate Program Reactivated

As of yesterday, New Jersey has reopened its Appliance Rebate Program. About $1.4 million funds remain for rebates, or roughly 62% of the total funds originally set aside for the program. The program features rebates of $600 on Central A/C, as well as several rebates for various white goods.

For more information, visit www.hardinet.org/seearp

Nebraska Appliance Rebate Program Starts Tuesday!

Nebraska's Appliance Rebate Program is set to start Tuesday, July 6th. Nebraska has about $1.5 million in funding for the program, and will offer rebates of $100 for Central A/C, $250 for Heat Pumps, and $250 for Natural Gas and Propane Furnaces.

For more information, visit www.hardinet.org/seearp

New Jersey and Arizona reopen Appliance Rebate Program Today!

New Jersey and Arizona have decided to reopen their appliance rebate programs starting today, July 1. Their programs both saw a lot of action upon their launch, which in some cases caused a lot of frustration and anxiety for those wishing to obtain rebates, but both programs still had funds left over after their initial rebate programs ended. New Jersey's program will remain the same, but Arizona has changed rebate amounts to $75-$500 depending on the appliance.

For more information on the appliance rebate program go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

Florida Plans New A/C Rebate Program

Florida has announced that it will be launching a rebate program for clunker air conditioning systems. Florida's previous appliance rebate program offered rebates only on water heaters and white goods, but saw a very motivated response from consumers. The rebate amounts have yet to be decided, but Brenda Buchan - chief analyst with the Governor's Energy Office - stated that they will not be using reservations or giving special priority to anyone. The Energy Office is considering the possibility of including water heaters in the program as well.

Don't forget that these rebates will still stack with the $1500 Federal Tax Credit!

Stay tuned for more information, and go to www.hardinet.org/seearp for more information about the appliance rebate program.

New Mexico - Funds Still Available for Furnace Rebates!

New Mexico announced that while rebates on white goods have been used up, there are still funds available for rebates of $200 on Gas Furnaces. So far the estimated lifetime savings in New Mexico from the appliance rebate program is 7.1 million kilowatt-hours, over 226 million gallons of water and nearly 14.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide. So far nearly $1.4 million has been given out in funds, and there is still over $200,000 left for Gas Furnace rebates. That means there are over 1,000 rebates still available!

Don't forget that these rebates can stack with rebates offered by utility companies!

For more information on the Appliance Rebate Program, visit www.hardinet.org/seearp

Louisiana Appliance Rebate Program Reopens!

Louisiana has reopened its Appliance Rebate Program after not all of the initial reservations were redeemed by applicants. Funds have become available once again and participants who have been on the waitlist should now receive a reservation. In addition, funding is available to the general public and new reservations may be made.

To make a reservation with the Louisiana Appliance Rebate Program, click here.

For more information on the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

The Wall Street Journal publishes SEEARP article

The Wall Street Journal published an article today by Bob Tita on the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. The article mentions the mixed results that states have been seeing with their appliance rebate programs. The article stated that, as one might expect, "States offering the largest checks—$150 or more per appliance—have had some of the strongest responses". Only about $108 million of the initial $300 million set aside for the program has been paid out so far in rebates.

To view the article, click here.

For more information on the Appliance Rebate Programs, go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

Michigan Appliance Trade Up Program Improves Rebates

Effective June 1, 2010, the Michigan DOE has approved an increase in rebate amounts for HVAC products. Qualifying Propane and Oil Furnaces will now receive a $500 rebate, Propane Water Heaters will receive a rebate of $300, and Solar Water Heaters will receive a rebate of 25% of cost up to $2500. These are dramatic improvements, and we hope they help stir up more business in the industry!

For more information on Appliance Rebate Programs, go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

New Mexico's Appliance Rebate Program: Many Rebates Remaining

There are still over 2,000 rebates available under the New Mexico State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. New Mexico is offering rebates of $200 on Gas Furnaces, which may be combined with utility programs for further savings. Make sure your contractors take advantage of these funds while they last!

For more information on the Appliance Rebate Program in New Mexico, click here.

South Carolina Appliance Rebate Program Ends

All of the funds for the South Carolina Appliance Rebate Program have been claimed. They are still accepting remaining backup documentation required for payment, and you may still log in to your account and run reports or reprint rebate applications as necessary. We hope our members with business in South Carolina were successful in boosting their sales using this energy efficiency program.

For more information, please click here.

Oklahoma Appliance Rebate Program Active

Oklahoma's energy efficient appliance rebate program began Saturday, May 8. There are still $1.6 million in funds available for rebates on Water Heaters, Central A/C, Gas Furnaces, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to boost your sales if you have business in Oklahoma!

For more information on Oklahoma's appliance rebate program, click here.

Utah Appliance Rebate Program One Week Away

Utah will start its Appliance Rebate Program just one week from today, on Wednesday May 12. They are offering rebates on Gas Storage Water Heaters, Gas Tankless Water Heaters, and Gas Furnaces.

To download the necessary forms to fill out or view the list of approved appliances, click here.

Wisconsin changes SEEARP end-date to April 30

Due to an increase in appliance rebate activity since Focus on Energy announced an end-date in early April, Wisconsin has changed its Appliance Rebate Program end-date to be April 30th. Funds will be distributed based on the order in which completed applications are submitted, and are not guaranteed to be there until the 30th, so make sure your contractors fill out their applications immediately!

For more information click here.

New Mexico's Appliance Rebate Program Started Today!

New Mexico Launched their Appliance Rebate Program today, April 22. They have over 2,000 rebates available for energy efficient furnaces, at $200 per rebate. The program will end once all the rebates have been claimed, so make sure you're contractors are getting their rebates while they can!

For more information, click here.

Maryland Appliance Rebate Program Starts Today!

Maryland has launched their Appliance Rebate Program today, April 22. Maryland's program will include rebates on Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters for up to $325. There are $5.4 million in funds for Maryland's program and the rebates are first-come first-served until the funds are exhausted. Make sure you take advantage of this sales opportunity by keeping your members informed!

For more information, click here.

Kentucky starts their Appliance Rebate Program Today!

Kentucky has launched their Appliance Rebate Program today, April 22. The Federal government has designated just over $4 million for Kentucky's program, which will include rebates on Water Heaters, Central A/C, Heat Pumps, Furnaces, and Boilers. The rebates will be anywhere from $50 to $400 depending on the unit and the energy efficiency. These rebates are first-come first-served and the program will end when the funds are exhausted, so make sure your contractors get the ball rolling!

For more information, click here.

New Mexico's Rebate Program Starts Thursday, April 22

Starting this Thursday, the 22nd, contractors may go on the New Mexico Appliance Rebate website to download an appliance rebate application. New Mexico is offering rebates of $200 on qualifying Gas Furnaces, as well as rebates on various white goods. To qualify for a rebate, the appliance must be purchased between April 22 and November 15 (or between April 22 and May 22 for white goods).

For more information, click on the website link above.

Utah Announces Appliance Rebate Program Launch Date of May 12

Utah will begin its Appliance Rebate Program on May 12th, and has included a couple of HVAC products in the program. Energy-efficient Gas Storage Water Heaters are eligible for a $50 rebate, and Gas Tankless Water Heaters and Gas Furnaces are eligible for a $300 rebate.

For more information on the Utah Appliance Rebate Program, click here.

Tennessee Appliance Rebate Program Starts Thursday, April 22

Tennessee's Appliance Rebate Program is set to launch next Thursday, April 22nd. Tennessee is offering $250 rebates on Air Source Heat Pumps and Central A/C. Remember that the rebates are on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure your contractors are prepared!

For more information on Tennessee's Appliance Rebate Program, click here.

Texas Appliance Rebate Purchase Period Starts Friday, April 16

Don't forget that the purchase period for qualifying appliances starts this Friday, April 16th. All rebates have been reserved online, but Friday and the following week will be a great potential to increase sales. Make sure your contractors are ready, and that they come to you to purchase their qualifying equipment!

For more information on the Appliance Rebate Program in Texas, click here.

Florida's Appliance Rebate Program starts Friday, April 16

Florida's Appliance Rebate Program starts in two days! Florida is offering a rebate of 20% off Gas Tankless Water heaters, and $75 incentives to recycle. Mark your calendars and let your contractors know that this is a great opportunity to boost everyone's sales!

For more information on the Florida Appliance Rebate Program, click here.

Missouri Launches Appliance Rebate Program Monday, April 19

Less than a week until the launch of Missouri's Appliance Rebate Program. They're offering many rebates on HVAC equipment, including water heaters, furnaces, central A/C and heat pumps. Don't forget to mark April 19th on your calendar if you have business in Missouri, and let your contractors know!

For more information, click here.

Indiana Rebates are Still Available!

Indiana's Appliance Rebate Program has been open since February 1st, but funds are still available! There is still over $3.9 million available for rebates, and Indiana is offering excellent rebate amounts on HVAC equipment. For more information, click here.

Take advantage of this sales opportunity before sales are gone!

New Mexico Appliance Rebate Program Begins April 22

New Mexico has announced that its Appliance Rebate Program will begin April 22nd. They will be offering rebates on energy efficient gas furnaces in the amount of $200, as well as rebates on many white goods. The New Mexico Gas Company is also offering a $200 rebate on qualifying gas furnaces, for a total possible savings of $400. Make sure your contractors are geared up for the launch on the 22nd!

For more information on the program, click here.

Texas Rebates Completely Reserved on First Day

Texas opened its reservations for appliance rebates on April 7th at 7:00 a.m., and all the rebates had been reserved before the end of the business day. Texas had over $20 million for its Appliance Rebate Program, which goes to show how fast funds can be used up. This program could give a definite boost to your sales, but is extremely time sensitive, so make sure you keep your contractors informed and ready for the Appliance Rebate Program in your state!

To take a look at how fast the funds in Texas were being claimed, please click here.

South Carolina - Rebates are now available

South Carolina has just started its appliance rebate program! Make sure you help your contractors take advantage of this as soon as possible, as the funds are first-come, first-served.

Contractors may go online to the the South Carolina Appliance Rebate website to apply for their rebates

In the case of a system failure, make sure you have this number available so you can call in and still receive rebates: 888-723-6344

Iowa Exhausts Appliance Rebate Funds

Due to an overwhelming response to the Appliance Rebate Program in Iowa, the funds were exhausted in one day! We hope that all of our Iowan members got a boost in sales, even if only for a day. For others elsewhere, make sure you stay on top of the program dates and guidelines in your state, so you're ready to take advantage of the program as soon as it starts!

New Mexico Releases Appliance Rebate Program Details

New Mexico is offering rebates on Energy Star furnaces starting April 22 and just made public details of their program.

Nebraska Opens Contractor Registration for Rebate Program

The Nebraska Energy Office has set up a web site where Nebraska appliance retailers, heating and cooling dealers and contractors may register to participate in the Nebraska Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program. A list of eligible products may be found at http://www.neo.ne.gov/ARRA/appliancerebate.htm . Businesses may register online at http://www.neo.ne.gov/ARRA/rebateapplication.htm .

Distributors need to make sure contractor customers wishing to become a rebate provider read the instructions on the web site and fill out the online form. It is important to fill out the form completely and use upper and lower case proper names. An email link in the instructions may be used to answer questions.

Texas makes Appliance Rebate Program Flyer Available

Texas has just made a flyer available on their website that gives a good overview of the appliance rebate program. This is a very good tool for wholesalers in Texas, that can help you be the primary source of knowledge for your contractors. To download a flyer go to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office Website and click the Appliance Rebate Flyer pdf to download.

Louisiana - Appliance Rebate Program Informational Webinar

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources will be hosting an informational webinar on Tuesday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the Renew Louisiana Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program. This is a great opportunity to come learn about how you can use this program to boost your sales and be a vital conduit of information for your contractors. For information on how to participate, contact Alex Gregory at HARDI, at agregory@hardinet.org.

Good Morning America Addresses Appliance Rebate Program

Good Morning America brought in Wall Street Journal Columnist Wendy Bounds just this morning to discuss the Appliance Rebate Program. As Wendy stresses, many programs have already begun, and time is of the essence! To see the video of Wendy Bounds on Good Morning America, please click here. Don't let the funds run out before you take advantage of this opportunity!

Nebraska includes HVAC Products in Appliance Rebate Program

Nebraska has announced plans to include Central A/C, Natural Gas & Propane Furnaces, and Heat Pumps in their appliance rebate program. They haven't announced a start date yet, but their project is tentatively planned to begin in April or May.

Illinois Appliance Rebate Program in Effect!

The Appliance Rebate Program in Illinois has commenced, as of Jan. 31. Illinois has put very good rebate amounts in place on HVAC products, as much as $1000 for air source heat pumps, or $1200 for gas boilers. Make sure you take part in this opportunity if you do business in Illinois.

South Carolina: Upcoming Conference Call with HARDI Members

The South Carolina Appliance Rebate Coordinators have scheduled a conference call with HARDI and its South Carolina members for February 16, 2010 at 2:00pm Eastern. All HARDI members distributing in South Carolina are encouraged to participate in this free conference call - this is a great opportunity to have all questions about the appliance rebate program answered! For more information about the rebate program click here.

Michigan Offers Reservations for Appliance Rebates

Michigan has developed plans to allow people to reserve appliance rebates in advance. Reservations may be made February 3-10. Rebates are tentatively planned to be offered starting February 15. Keep an eye out for other states who may be offering reservations on appliance rebates.

AR, AZ, KS, OR, SC, VA: New Rebate information

Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Oregon South Carolina, and Virginia have all recently released more information on their plans to offer rebates on HVAC products. To view these updates, check the link provided for each state, or look at the excel spreadsheet with every state's information.