Get cash back on the purchase of a new appliance with Cash for (Appliance) Clunkers

If you have been looking to upgrade your old Frigidaire Refrigerator or purchase a more energy efficient washing machine, this fall may be the perfect time, thanks to a new government program giving you up to $200 cash rebate for your old appliance.

As reported in a blog post by Consumer Reports, “As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Obama administration is encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient appliances through a $300 million appliance-rebate program that will soon dole out amounts that could reach $200 per appliance if you buy Energy Star-qualified models.”

The program is expected to start “in the fall,” possibly by November, and each state must apply to the program and also have a recycling plan in place for all the old appliances it receives. You also do not need to “turn in” your old appliance, unlike the cash for clunkers program.

Appliances covered in the rebate program include:

· Central air conditioners

· Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)

· Boilers, furnaces (oil and gas)

· Room air conditioners

· Clothes washers

· Dishwashers

· Freezers

· Refrigerators

· Water heaters

The rebate amounts for each appliance will be determined by state energy offices.

To save even more money on new appliances, combine the Cash for Appliance Clunkers rebate, along with other rebates from state and utility agencies. To find out what rebates are available to you, check the DSIRE website which lists state, local, utility, and federal incentives, or in other words, what programs and rebates that are available to you according to where you live.

If you have questions about the federal appliance rebate, call 1-888-DOE-RCVY (1-888-363-7289). The toll free line is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST., or go online to learn more about the Cash for Appliance Clunkers Program at http://www.energy.gov/recovery/.