Most people rely on appliances each day to prepare food and keep it fresh. However, they are likely to wear out sooner or later, and the owner must decide whether to repair or to recycle and replace. If cost is a significant concern, repairing an appliance may be possible, especially with the abundance of how-to instructions and inexpensive parts that are now available.
However, in addition to the cost of repair, the annual energy expenditure for an older appliance can also be reviewed. Depending on the appliance, the savings can be significant when switching to a more energy efficient appliance, especially if the appliance is Energy Star certified.http://www.energystar.gov/
From time to time, federal incentives and appliance rebates may also be offered. The rebates can be applied toward large appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers.http://www.appliance.net/2010/appliance-rebate-1827
Previous Cash for Appliances Offers
As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), a stimulus bill passed in February 2009, Cash for Appliances had set aside $300 million to encourage consumers to purchase large appliances with the help of rebates. The DOE had set rebate amounts of between $50 and $200 for appliances that feature the Energy Star rating. However, unlike Cash for Clunkers, consumers were not required to trade in their old appliances.[1]
Each state or territory received an allocation proportionate to its population, with California receiving the greatest allocation and the Virgin Islands receiving the least.[2] [3]
ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebates
A past appliance rebate offer is advertised to consumers to encourage them to purchase new energy efficient appliances and replace their old units. Rebates don't have to be offered only by the appliance manufacturers or retailers themselves, with local electric cooperatives also choosing to periodically offer incentives that encourage energy efficiency around the home. It is also stated that when home owners are looking for ways to save energy, considering appliance energy use can be a good place to start, and lowering energy consumption saves money in addition to helping the environment. Replacing wasteful appliances with energy efficient units may lead to bigger savings than replacing smaller home products instead.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
New appliances may be more efficient than older ones
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Fact:
Rebates may be offered by electric companies themselves
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Fact:
Rebates may be limited time offers
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Fact:
Some rebates may be for over $100
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Fact:
Energy Star appliances have been certified as energy efficient
