Cash for Refrigerators – learn about the appliance rebates coming this fall!

Q: What is the Cash for Appliances Program?

A: Exactly what it sounds like! The Department of Energy announced on July 14, 2009 that it would fund $300 million for a state-run rebate program to encourage purchase of energy saving appliances. 

"This stimulus certainly is needed," said Jill Notini of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. "Our industry is down 15 percent for the year, and we were down in 2008 as well. So this is very needed."

BusinessWeek further investigates how the Cash for Appliances program might stimulate the economy, as well as the home appliance manufacturing industry.

Q: What energy saving appliances can I get a rebate for?

A: Appliances must be Energy Star certified (they will have an Energy Star sticker on them). Energy Star appliances eligible for the rebate include:

• Washers
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Dishwashers
• Air Source Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Water Heaters
• Boilers
• Central Air Conditioners
• Room Air Conditioners
• Oil Furnaces and Gas Furnaces

Q: How big is the rebate for buying Energy Star appliances?

A: You will have the chance to receive between $50 and $200 in Energy Star appliance rebates. But that's not all! Any rebates offered by state and local utility districts for buying energy efficient appliances will be added to the federal cash for appliances rebate.

Q: Do I have to trade in old appliances?

A: Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, you don't have to trade in your old appliances to be eligible for the rebate. Also, each state and territory is currently working on a plan to help you recycle old appliances. More details to come!

Q: When does the Cash for Appliances Program start?

A: Each state and territory interested in the program must select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances they wish to include in their program and submit their program to the Department of Energy by October 15, 2009.

The Department of Energy hopes to get the money to the states by the end of November, which means you will start to see the rebate programs in stores just in time for holiday shopping!

Q: How is the appliance rebate money being distributed across the country?

A: Starting with $300 million total, the allocation to states and territories is based on population. This works out to roughly $1 a person. For example, since California has the highest population, its allotment is the biggest, with nearly $35.3 million. 

There's a minimum allotment of $100,000, which is what American Samoa and Northern Marianas will get.

Q: Why should I participate in the Cash for Appliances program?

A: You mean besides the extra cash in your wallet? This program is the latest addition to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Cash for Appliances program will help stimulate consumer spending while also reducing the nation's energy use.

Excited? So are we! Check out Energy Star appliance reviews on Viewpoints. We picked out a few of our favorites to help you get started. Let us help you find the perfect replacements for your clunker appliances.

• Energy Star Washer Reviews
• Energy Star Refrigerator Reviews
• Energy Star Dishwasher Reviews
• Energy Star Water Heater Reviews
• Energy Star Air Conditioner Reviews
• Energy Star Freezer Reviews