Ice Machine

Rebate Information

Replace a water-cooled commercial ice machine or a non-Energy Star air-cooled model with an ENERGY STAR air-cooled model and receive a rebate up to $300.

The annual water savings for replacing a standard air-cooled model with an ENERGY STAR air-cooled model is estimated at 6,000 to 13,000 gallons of water per year per ice machine depending upon the type of machine (i.e. batch-type versus continuous-type). ENERGY STAR ice machines are about 23% more water-efficient than standard models according to the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program studies. Commercial ice makers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are also approximately 15% more energy-efficient than standard models.

Eligible Ice Machines

  • Eligible ice machines that are ENERGY STAR certified include air-cooled batch-type and continuous-type (i.e., flake and nugget) ice makers. Designs include ice-making head (IMH), self-contained (SCU), and remote condensing (RCU) units.
  • Water-cooled ice machines do not qualify for ENERGY STAR certification and are not eligible for the rebate.

Choose an ENERGY STAR commercial ice machine on the ENERGY STAR website.

Operating Tips

Operating tips to save water and energy for ice machines:

  • Close the lid - Don't make the ice machine work harder than it has to in order to keep it cold inside.
  • Go big - Purchase a bigger ice machine. Bigger ice machines are typically more efficient than smaller ones, yet the price difference is usually not very large and you could get twice the ice capacity at half the energy cost per pound of ice.
  • Maintenance - Keeping the coils clean and maintaining the ice machine will keep it operating efficiently.
  • Timers - Cut down on daytime electricity demand by installing a timer and shifting ice production to nighttime off-peak hours.

Reference information about ice machines from the Food Service Technology Center.

Commercial Ice Machine Rebate Eligibility

Complete rebate eligibility requirements are listed on the Rebate Application (PDF). However, we still want you to be aware of the following:

  • Rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of item(s) purchase. An original, dated sales receipt showing itemized cost for the rebated item(s) must be provided. If you need the original receipt(s) returned, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your rebate application. For online purchases, a printout of the final invoice and an original packing or delivery slip is required.
  • All rebate applications must be signed by the legal property owner.
  • To qualify for a rebate, the applicant must be replacing a non-ENERGY STAR model with an ENERGY STAR certified ice machine.
  • Ice machines must be new. Resale, leased or rented ice makers do not qualify for the commercial ice maker rebate.
  • No rebate will exceed the purchase price of the item(s). Sales tax and labor are not rebated.
  • Rebates are applied as a credit that will appear on a subsequent water bill (see exceptions below). The account must be in good standing to receive a credit. Upon closing an account, any rebate credit balance will be mailed to the account holder. Allow four weeks from the date of rebate approval for credit processing. You will be issued a check in lieu of a credit if: (1) your SqCWD water service is in the name of your Home Owner's Association or Condominium Board and you are the legal property owner of your dwelling unit; or (2) you are the legal property owner (but not the account holder) and you purchased the rebated item(s) for your rental property.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all rebate program participants receiving $600 or more per calendar year in rebates to be issued an IRS Form 1099 unless exemptions apply. If you have received rebates from Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) totaling $600 or more in the current calendar year, you must submit a completed IRS W-9 Form (PDF) with your rebate application to receive a rebate. The Social Security or Tax ID number requested in the rebate application process is in compliance with exemptions to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c)(2)(c). Social Security numbers provided as part of the application process are held in confidence under terms of the Privacy Act and are not divulged or otherwise conveyed to individuals or organizations outside the SqCWD Rebate Program.