A new rebate program designed to help consumers save oney and energy by making it more affordable to upgrade a home heating system will open April 21, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill) announced today.

The Pa. Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program could aid as many as 33,000 households with the purchase of Energy Star-rated, non-electric residential hot water heaters, furnaces and boilers. The $11-million program is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.Rebates will range from $100 to $500, depending on the equipment's efficiency rating.Consumers can apply for and receive their rebates by meeting each of the followintg requirements:* Reserve a rebate by completing an online application. Residents without Internet access can call 877-592-2061 to make a reservation.* Purchase and have a contractor install a qualifying product. Purchases made before April 21 will not be eligible.* Submit the completed rebate application with 30 days of the reservation date.The company selected to manage the program, Resource Solutions Group, will mail rebate checks directly to consumers.More information about the rebate program is available at Knowles' website: RepKnowles.com.