Texas will tap into $23.3 million in federal stimulus funds for a mail-in rebate program awarding consumers for swapping old appliances for certain new energy efficient ones.

The mail-in rebates will apply to eligible appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, 2010. The 10-day period will coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22.

There will be one flat rebate amount for refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners while the rebate amount for clothes washers, dishwashers, central air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters will depend on the appliance type and energy efficiency of the model:

• Refrigerators - $240
• Freezers - $180
• Room air conditioners - $45
• Clothes washers - $150 or $180
• Dishwashers - $110 or $140
• Central air conditioners - $600, $800 or $1,000
• Heat pumps - $1,200 to $1,600
• Water heaters - $255 to $640

The program will also offer an additional $75 rebate for Texans who buy an eligible appliance and recycle the same type of functional old appliance.

Consumers will have an opportunity to reserve an appliance rebate by calling a toll-free number or registering online approximately two weeks prior to April 16, 2010. After the reserved mail-in rebates are awarded, any remaining funds will be rebated to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis. Shoppers will be limited to two appliance rebates and two recycling rebates per household.

The state is also working with retailers and recycling facilities to create a system to help consumers replace functional old appliances and recycle them where available.

The federal funds supporting the program are from the nearly $300 million available nationwide from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Each state has designed its own State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, popularly known as Cash for Appliances.

Further information on the rebate program will be announced as details are finalized. Consumers can sign up for e-mail updates on the rebate program at www.secostimulus.org/rebate or visit the State Energy Conservation Office's Web site for more details.