Department of Energy Gives Consumers Rebates on Energy Star Appliances

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Are your home appliances in need of an update? Use government rebates to get new energy-efficient Energy Star appliances this year. Photo courtesy www.flickr.com/photos/magnetbox/

Cash for Clunkers may be over, but that doesn’t mean you’ll lose the chance to trade out your junky old equipment for newer, more energy-efficient models—only this time we’re talking home appliances. The Department of Energy is fueling $300 million, funded by the economic stimulus plan, into the program that will help consumers buy more energy-efficient products. Consumers can get rebates on Energy Star-qualified home appliances, but unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, consumers won’t have to trade in their old appliances to get the deal. 

Each state will design its own program. Although the Department of Energy has suggested a list of home appliances that consume the most energy, states will make the final call on which goods will be covered by the program. Washing machines, dryers, air conditioning units, heating equipment, refrigerators and freezers are all likely candidates for rebates. 

Funding applications are due in mid-October, so rebates will likely be available by the end of this year or early 2010. Some states, such as Maryland and Pennsylvania, have already applied and received funds. 

More about green incentives and rebates 

• Give your home an eco-friendly makeover and save on your taxes. Find out how! 

• Find out how you can get paid to eat your vegetables.