Created jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ENERGY STAR is a program that not only encourages consumers to buy energy-efficient and cost-saving appliances but also seeks to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. Consequently, in 2008, consumers saved $19 billion in utility bills and avoided greenhouse emissions "equivalent to those from 29 million cars."[1] While the EPA and DOE do not sponsor special rebates or offers, they do provide federal tax credits for certain home improvements.[2] See ENERGY STAR efficiency standards for more information about criteria for specific products. Clicking on this link will take you to the ENERGY STAR page. For more information about IRS tax credits, click here. For state-by-state appliance-rebate programs, click here.
Riding on the tails of the Cash for Clunkers program, the long-anticipated State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program has officially started. Also known as Cash for Appliances and Cash for Refrigerators, this program is intended to stimulate consumer spending, this time for ENERGY-STAR rated, large appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers.[3] See details here.
Now that the new year has arrived, it's time to start thinking about taxes. If you would like to receive tax credit for any appliances placed into service in 2009, click here for more information.
Also, for tips on disposing unwanted appliances, visit the ENERGY STAR page.
IRS Tax Credits
In order to claim the tax credit for any ENERGY STAR products placed into service in the 2009 tax year, you'll need form IRS Form 5695. Currently, it is only in draft form.
- For more information about this credit, click here.
- For more information about the products that qualify, click here.[1]
Cash for Appliances
As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), a stimulus bill passed in February, the State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (Cash for Appliances) has set aside $300 million to encourage consumers to purchase large appliances with the help of rebates between $50 and $200. Consumers may purchase large appliances -- such as air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers -- that feature the ENERGY STAR rating. Click here to get more details about the program featured in each state and the month that it's due to begin.
Each state or territory has received an allocation proportionate to its population, with Califorinia receiving the greatest allocation and the Virgin Islands receiving the smallest.[1]
Special Offer/Rebate Finder
1) Go to ENERGY STAR.gov.
2) Under "Products", click on "Rebate Finder."
3) Enter your zip code.
4) Check the products that you're looking for.
DISCLAIMER: "Please note that not all ENERGY STAR partners sponsor rebates or special offers. Also, not all utilities, state or local governments, or energy-efficiency groups are ENERGY STAR partners. US EPA and US DOE do not sponsor special offers or rebates and are not responsible for determining eligibility or fulfillment."[1]
Home Depot Explains ENERGY STAR
Watch this helpful video to learn about the annual, estimated cost savings on various appliances.
Other Mahalo Pages
References
Fast Facts
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Founded
ENERGY STAR was created in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
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Products
The program provides labeling for 60 product categories and thousands of models.
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Partnerships
ENERGY STAR partners with 15,000 public- and private-sector organizations.
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Rebates and Incentives
ENERGY STAR rebates are available through "special offers, such as sales-tax exemptions or credits, or rebates on qualified products. Partners also occasionally sponsor recycling incentives for the proper disposal of old products."
