The Cash for Appliances Rebate program is a nationwide initiative that is aimed at enabling consumers to purchase energy-efficient home appliances that have been given that certification by the EPA’s Energy Star program. Funding for this program is to the tune of $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The program was launched by the Department of Energy and was based on the observation that the appliances used in homes across the country are responsible for huge electricity consumption. The department further observed that the potential to make energy and money savings at a family level was enormous. To seize this opportunity rebates are to be provided to families to enable them to acquire appliances that are more energy efficient. The purchases of these appliances are expected to give the economy a direct stimulus and create the much needed jobs in the process. is also aimed at environmental conservation. These are indeed the same objectives that were intended for the Cash for Clunkers initiative – the difference between the two is that the rebate program won’t require trade-ins.
The energy savings that can be made are dependent on the type and model of appliance being replaced. Acquiring an appliance that has the new Energy Star qualification will undoubtedly help you make significant savings as compared to a model from a few years back. For instance, savings of up to $135 annually can be made with the use of a new Energy Star clothes washer model as compared to using a model manufactured before 2000. A new Energy Star refrigerator can see you save as much as $65 annually compared to using a model manufactured before 1993.
1The Start of the Cash for Appliances Rebate Program
For more information on the federal tax credits that are currently available for assorted home energy-efficiency improvements which include heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, water heaters, doors and windows, go to this Energy Star webpage.
2The Appliances Included in the Program
This energy.gov link leads to more information with regards to the rebate program in your state, while EnergySavers.gov is a website where more information on energy-efficient appliances can be sought. While individual states and territories are supposed to select the specific appliances that will attract rebates, the Department of Energy has recommended the following:
- Water heaters
- Room air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Both air source and geothermal heat pumps
- Oil and gas furnaces
- Freezers
- Dishwashers
- Clothes washers
- Central air conditioners and
- Boilers
3Application for a Rebate
The Cash for Appliances Rebate program is to be administered by state energy offices after they have submitted a detailed plan to the Department of Energy describing how state residents can make the cut for the rebates. These plans will provide a description of all the products to be covered, the amount to be offered in rebates for these, and the application procedure. To access these details in your state you can follow this energy.gov link.
Some states will offer the rebates to consumers at the point of purchasing the appliance, while in other states consumers will be required to mail in paper forms with requests for checks. These are but two of the application procedures – more are expected as state energy offices continue to develop their own approaches.
