The actual name of the house bill is, “Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program” was nicknamed Cash for Caulkers, because it rewards home owners for making energy efficient changes to their homes for renovations such as caulking and sealing gaps along with other energy saving measures.

If passed, the program will have a budget of up to $6 billion dollars, help homeowners save money, and stimulate the economy by providing jobs for the construction and manufacturing industry.

Remember this program is first-come, first serve.

Complete List of Rules:

Must purchase a new eligible appliance to replace an existing model in working condition.

Make purchase during rebate period of April 22, 2010 to May 23, 2010, from a California retailer. No out-of-state or internet purchases.

Must recycle the existing, inefficient appliance through a California Certified Recycler. Recycling services may also be provided by Platinum retailers, utility-buy back programs, and your city or county governments.

Consumers can receive one rebate for each type of appliance. Separate rebate and recycling forms are required for each rebate.

The appliance must be installed before submitting the rebate claim. The consumer, if asked, must allow access for an inspector to verify installations.

Must submit a completed rebate application within 30 days of the date of purchase that includes proof of purchase and recycling. (Note: This is a first-come, first-server program. Funds may run out before the program ends on May 23rd. The sooner the rebate is turned in the better.)

The rebate application package must include ALL of the following:

1. Completed and signed rebate application form with appliance serial number
2. Completed and signed proof of recycling form
3. Copy of the sales receipt for the appliance
4. Copy of the consumer’s utility bill (to prove residency)

The Cash for Appliances program is based on a first-come, first serve basis, and rebate applications must be postmarked by June 25, 2010.

The second group of eligible appliances are refrigerators which qualify for up to $200 in rebates. To qualify for the rebate, refrigerators must have a capacity of 7.75 cubit feet or greater and also be Tier 2 or higher for the CEE guidelines. Frigidaire, Hotpoint, Whirlpool, and Maytag are among the brands on the approved list. Consumers can also choose from GE, Bosch, and a couple of others that made the Appliance Efficiency Database.

Finally, room and window air conditioners are products that California buyers are eligible for up to $50 in rebates with their purchase. In this case, the air conditioners must be rated 10k Btu or greater and meet the standard Energy Star listing. There is a long list of approved manufacturer models, including Amana, GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Sharp, and Haier. Products from Friedich, Admiral, and several others also are on the approved list.

For a full list of appliances, please visit: www.cash4appliances.org/products/