“Cash for Clunker Appliances” may be just what your budget ordered
Following in the success of “Cash for (car) Clunkers,” the federal government earmarked $300 million from last year’s stimulus package for a program affectionately referred to as “Cash for Clunker Appliances.” Consumers purchasing energy-efficient appliances can receive rebates ranging from $50 to $200.
The administration of these rebates has been given to qualifying state energy offices. Contact your energy department for information regarding the onset of your state’s program and specific details on how to go about receiving a rebate.
Not all energy-efficient appliances qualify.
The Energy Department’s Recovery Act Web site outlines the Energy Star appliances that are acceptable. Appliances listed on the site are:
- Boilers
- Central air conditioners
- Clothes washers
- Dishwashers
- Freezers
- Furnaces (oil and gas)
- Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)
- Refrigerators
- Room air conditioners
- Water heaters
Home appliance manufacturers have felt the pinch during this recession. Jill Notini of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported, “Our industry is down 15 percent this year (2009), and we were down in 2008 as well. So this (stimulus) is very needed.”
Shop and compare. Be sure to speak with sales personnel about which appliances qualify for rebates and which models will give you the best performance results. Also, find out whether your old appliance needs to be taken to the retailer in order to receive your rebate. The idea here is not to relegate the old appliance to the basement or garage for continued use. It’s to put an end to your relationship with that energy-guzzling appliance.
Most importantly, you’ll need to act quickly. I think we can all remember how consumers blew through $3 billion of car rebates in a matter of weeks. Keep in mind that ultimately your purchase will be saving you on energy costs for years to come.
TALK BACK: What do you think of this new stimulus? Will you take advantage of it - why or why not? Post your comments below.
Posted by Sharon Walker
