Need New Appliances? Get Money Back in 2010

The 2010 plan to encourage energy efficiency is the government rebate for appliance buyers. The plan lets people swap their old appliances for new energy-efficient models at very low prices.
 
Here are some things to keep in mind:
·      State plans vary.  Whether you live in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Augusta or Macon, check her for the program for Georgia residents: http://energysavers.gov/financial/rebates/state_GA.cfm.

Eligible products in Georgia include:

•Refrigerators
•Freezers
•Clothes washers
•Dishwashers
•Room air conditioners
•Gas condensing water heaters
•Gas storage water heaters
•Gas tankless water heaters
•Electric heat pump water heaters
•Solar water heaters
•Oil furnaces
•Gas furnaces
•Oil boilers
•Gas boilers
•Central air conditioners
•Air source heat pumps

For state by state specifics, check out the state-by-state rebate program: http://energysavers.gov/. 

·       Is it really a deal? It may not be worth replacing appliances that are fewer than seven years old, but older models can represent a real deal. Joe McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, says a 20-year-old refrigerator uses three times as much power as a new Energy Star-approved model.

·       Buy now, if you really need it, before it ends. There is only about $300 million available and some states got more money than others. It is expected to run out fast so don’t procrastinate.

Source: The Associated Press, Vinnee Tong (12/30/2009)