Getting money back for swapping out old light fixtures?

Swapping out my old water heater for a high-efficiency one last year, I thought the rebate would be a breeze. Spoiler: it wasn’t. The paperwork was like a mini tax return, and they wanted photos of the serial number, the old unit, the new one installed... you name it. The check was bigger (about $200), but honestly, the hoops were just as many. At least with light fixtures, you don’t have to crawl behind appliances with a flashlight and your phone wedged between your teeth...

At least with light fixtures, you don’t have to crawl behind appliances with a flashlight and your phone wedged between your teeth...

- Swapped out dozens of old fixtures in rentals for LED. Local rebate was $10/fixture, but the paperwork was still a pain.
- Had to keep all the boxes and UPCs - felt like hoarding trash until the check came.
- Photos required, but at least no heavy lifting or water leaks.
- The payout’s smaller, but yeah, way less back-breaking than swapping out water heaters. Still, I’d rather fill out forms than haul a 40-gallon tank up basement stairs...

Had to keep all the boxes and UPCs - felt like hoarding trash until the check came.

Yeah, that part’s the worst. My garage looked like a recycling center for weeks. Still, I’ll take a little paperwork over wrestling with plumbing any day. At least LEDs don’t leak...

At least LEDs don’t leak...

True, but I still wonder if all the paperwork and box hoarding is worth the rebate. Did you actually save much after factoring in the hassle? I’m tempted, but not sure if it’s really a “deal” in the end.

Honestly, the rebate paperwork can be a pain. I’ve done a few of these swaps for clients, and half the time they end up with a pile of boxes in their garage just waiting for the right form or barcode. Sometimes the rebate is only a few bucks per fixture, so unless you’re swapping out a whole house, it barely covers your time.

Did you check if your utility company actually pays out quickly? Some around here take months, and by then most folks forget about it. I’m more interested in whether the new LEDs actually last as long as they claim - seen plenty that flicker or die early. Anyone had better luck with certain brands?