Click to Enlarge

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been put back to work replacing inefficient devices with more conservation minded ones. Instead of cars being brought to dealer lots, large household appliances (namely refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers) can be turned in for rebates. According to government’s  Energy Star website, the “Amounts commonly offered [on the rebates] range from $50 to $250, depending upon the product being purchased, purchase price, and other market factors.”

While the program has similar goals to the “cash for clunkers” program that ended earlier this year, different states can implement their own rules and deadlines – unlike the more nationalized approach for vehicles. A recent Washington Post article on the topic stated that the programs is “supported by $300 million from the economic stimulus.”

The Omaha World-Hearld reports that the start date for the program “depends on when the U.S. Department of Energy finishes reviewing the states’ proposals.” Regardless of when the program takes effect, eHow.com has prepared a step-by-step procedure of how consumers can determine if their appliances are eligible and maximize their rebate.

According to USA Today, “utilities in many states offer to pick up and recycle old refrigerators and freezers and give the customer a rebate ranging from $25 to $50. Such programs began on the West Coast in the last decade but more recently have been moving east.” The article goes on to say “Old refrigerators and freezers are some of the biggest energy users in homes, and getting old ones out for energy-efficient models will save customers anywhere from $50 to $150 a year on electricity bills.”

The Department of Energy (DOE) said that “All 50 States and 6 US territories will have an ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program soon. . . . As of December 2, 2009, DOE approved 25 State Rebate plans. The rest of the States should be approved by mid December.” For a list of state by state plans, click here. On their website, the DOE has a breakdown of stimulus funding spent on energy projects, including information on both cash for clunkers.

Improving efficiency by purchasing Energy Star rated appliances has a long term economic benefit for consumers. Many of the older appliances in homes lack the efficiency of today’s devices and cause homeowners to pay increased energy bills due to lack of insulation, wasted heat, and/or other general inefficiencies.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: DOE]