Rebates on Energy Star Appliances

My town had a climate seminar in which they had a variety of speakers. The head of our municipal light plant spoke about energy saving ideas and what the town is doing on the whole. He mentioned the residential appliance rebate program where residents who purchase energy efficient Energy Star appliances receive a rebate to help offset the cost of specific qualified appliances.

Their motivation is to reduce the amount of energy consumption with more efficient appliances. I guess the program has been around for 7 years. If only I had known.

He reminded homeowners like us that there are actually two price tags when buying new appliances. One is the one you pay for the actual appliance and the other is the price you pay to run that device (water and energy!). The Energy Star appliances have technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. So when you are buying shop for an Energy Star model.

The good news is that it is not just my town doing it. The Department Of Energy's State Energy Appliance Rebate Program is part of the federal government $300 million state energy efficiency appliance program.

Since each state was allowed to design its own rebate program you need to see what your specific state is up to. You can get anywhere between $50 and $200 per appliance back if you follow the guidelines.

Also, some states are mandating the recycling of the old appliances, which I find extra cool. Even if your state doesn't mandate it, there are plenty of places to recycle locally so do a little research. The parts could be reused for other appliances. Remember, less is more as far as mother nature is concerned.

Tread Lighter with rebates and smart Energy Star appliances,
-Phyllis, Green Expert