Government Rebates Program Information

There are some new government rebates for appliances. Here's the info:

Modeled after the popular Cash for Clunkers program, which was intended to get cars with low gas mileage off the road, a federal appliance rebate program launched. It offers a boost to people buying energy-efficient clothes washers, refrigerators and other appliances -- those that qualify for the federal "Energy Star" designation -- and to manufacturers, whose sales have plummeted.
The program has only $300 million, one-tenth as much money as Cash for Clunkers, or about $1 per U.S resident, so it could run out fast.

Here's what to keep in mind as you decide whether to swap your washer for that supposedly whisper-quiet model or your old white refrigerator for a shapely stainless-steel number.

• WHAT'S MY STATE OFFERING? For state-by-state information, visit the federal Web site http://energysavers.gov/and click on "State appliance rebate program" on the right.

States will Run the Rebate Program
Each state will administer its own cash for appliances program. The states will be free to select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances to include in their programs and the individual rebate amount offered for each appliance.

What Can You Buy?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recommended that the states focus their cash for appliances rebate efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential. Energy Star qualified appliance categories eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

How Big Will the Rebates Be?
While the states will be free to set actual rebate amounts based on their share of the $300 million, the Department of Energy expects the rebates to range from $50 to $200 per appliance. But wait, there's more. Any rebates offered by state and local utility districts for purchases of energy-efficient appliances will be added to the federal cash for appliances rebate.

How do You Qualify?
All consumers will need to do to get the rebate is simply buy any qualifying Energy Star appliance. Unlike the "cash for clunkers" fuel-efficient vehicle rebate program, you don't even need an old trade-in appliance. In addition, consumers will not be required to haul their bulky old appliances to the dealer in exchange for a new one. (Thanks About.com for this information)




Now Sears is helping all of us figure this out. Sears.com/engerystar is a resource to clarify confusion and details regarding the “Cash for Appliance” rebate program, which has begun to roll out across the country. The site helps clear up everything from roll out dates, DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR CONSUMERS, qualifying appliances, recycling requirements, and more.

Also note, Sears’ has a role as the only national retailer certified by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate its Responsible Appliance Disposal Program – a critical resource as many states will require recycling as part of their programs.

Sears will also soon post an interactive map on Sears.com/energystar, detailing state programs. Here, you can also input your zip code to track state-specific programs and gain access to additional rebates that are available through utilities and manufacturers.


Keep up with the Freebies, Coupons and Discounts, Subscribe Now!