States to offer rebates on appliance trade-ins

Associated Press

About three dozen states will soon offer you a rebate of as much as $250 if you trade in your clunky, old clothes washer, refrigerator or water heater for a more-efficient model. Besides the money back, you’ll welcome the savings on your electric bill.

Here is a primer on the program:

When: Nearly three dozen states will roll out appliance-rebate programs over the next 21‚Ñ2 months, according to the Department of Energy. You can find the schedule for your state, as well as a link to the state’s program Web site, at www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html.

Why: The Obama administration is trying to stimulate economic activity while also encouraging consumers to be more efficient in their energy use. Under the federal stimulus act, the government has allocated $300 million to the states and seven U.S. territories for appliance rebates.

What: Eligible trade-ins will vary by state. In California, for instance, the program will give rebates for three types of appliances: clothes washers ($100), refrigerators ($75) and air conditioners ($50). States such as Ohio and South Dakota exclude air conditioners but include rebates for water heaters. You must purchase an Energy Star-qualified appliance. An Energy Star clothes washer, for example, uses about 30 percent less energy and more than 50 percent less water than a regular washer.

How much: Amounts could range from $50 to $250, depending upon the product being purchased, the purchase price and “other market factors,” the DOE says. Unfortunately, you can’t get a rebate retroactively for that energy-efficient appliance you bought before your state’s program went into effect.