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]

Riding on the tails of the Cash for Clunkers program, Cash for Appliances is another program intended to stimulate consumer spending, this time for ENERGY-STAR rated, large appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers. See details here. Also, for ideas about how to dispose unwanted, large appliances, click here.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a two-tiered plan to strengthen the energy-efficiency standards of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. Consumers can expect increased enforcement of these standards, as the DOE takes action against 35 manufacturers who have been in violation. http://green.tmcnet.com/topics/green/articles/79344-federal-government-strengthening-energy-star-standards.htm]

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 will receive an allocation proportionate to its population, with Califorinia receiving the greatest allocation and the Virgin Islands receiving the least.[1]

• In order for manufacturers to be able to include the ENERGY STAR logo on their Federal Trade Commission (FTC) EnergyGuide stickers, they must meet certain guidelines for each product. Please note that these guidelines are intended to be used by manufacturers. For clarification of technical terms and processes, it is recommended that you contact product experts, such as repair facilities or specialty stores. Sales personnel at department stores may not be knowledgeable enough to help you with your questions.

1. Go to ENERGY STAR.gov.
2. In the top right corner, select "PRODUCTS" for a complete list.
3. Select a product from the list.
4. In the right panel, under "Resources", select "Key Product Criteria."

• Please note that not every product will include a link to "Key Product Criteria."

1. Refrigerators with French doors may use more energy than the ENERGY STAR label indicates.[1]

• If the appliance does or does not work:

1. Call your utility company to see if it participates in the Responsible Appliance-Disposal (RAD) Program and will provide cash incentives for recycling appliances.

• If the appliance does work and you would like to recover some money:

1. Place an ad in your local newspaper's classifieds.
2. Sell it at a yard sale.
3. Advertise for free on Craig's List. Start by finding your city in the list on the right. Under "For Sale," select "Appliances." If you don't have an account, you'll need to sign up before you post.
4. Call your local appliance store to see if a trade-in credit is available.

• If the appliance does work but you don't care to recover money:

1. Arrange for pick-up by a local thrift store. Consider Re-Store, the thrift-store resource for Habitat for Humanity.
2. Advertise on Freecycle to make it available to another local family or organization.

• If the appliance does not work:

1. Call around to salvage operations to see if there is someone who is willing to pick it up for the scrap or repair value.
2. Call your county clerk's office to learn about the requirements for a city pickup. Due to disposal issues regarding large appliances, your city may require you to pay a fee (around $35) and to remove any doors. You may also be required to place it on the curb.