It may be surprising to learn that approximately 70% of the energy used in a home goes toward running appliances. [1] With this much of utility bill dedicated to appliances, switching to energy-efficient appliances is an easy way to go green. Intimidated by the cost of appliance replacement? Energy Star rebates can help reduce the overall cost of new home appliances.
Energy Star is a program backed by the government that pushes for energy-efficient appliances. Through a rigorous set of standards, devices are checked for energy efficiency. For a TV, this might mean that there is little idle power drain. For a refrigerator, it might mean that it is especially good at retaining its temperature, requiring it to need less electricity. It’s a good bet that if a product has the Energy Star seal of approval, it does its part to cut down on wasted electricity. [2]
In 2009, however, as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the government gave $300 million to states for Energy Star rebates. As of 2011, at least $239 million of that $300 million has been spent, but there may still be some money left in your state’s allotment.
The government makes it quite easy to see if there is any money left in the Energy Star rebate plan. The Energy Star website has a really handy search feature that will help you find the correct rebate for you. [2]
On the website, find the picture of a map in the bottom right corner that says “Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program.” This will take you to a larger version of the map, which lets you choose your state. Clicking your state will tell you if there is any money left in the plan, what the rebates are good for, and how to apply for the rebates.
Even if you weren’t able to take advantage of a rebate from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, there are still other smaller rebate plans that most people have never heard of.
Again, the Energy Star website has a handy search function for these smaller rebates. Once on the site, you can enter your area code and the type of appliance you want. After checking all the boxes that interest you, scroll to the bottom and click “Locate Special Offers/Rebates.” You will go to a page with a handy listing of all the rebates and tax exemptions that meet your criteria. An address in Virginia, for example, returns a tax exemption from the Commonwealth of Virginia and a mail-in rebate from the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy.
Even if nothing is available now, new incentives are always appearing for Energy Star appliances. The end of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which shuts down in 2012, does not mean the end of Energy Star rebates. Green technology is huge, and its growth is showing no signs of slowing. Wait a year, maybe two, and you will find that new rebates are released.
Sources:
1. http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70020.html
2. http://www.energystar.gov/
