Great Appliance Swap Out Ends This Weekend
Last year, residents were able to trade in their clunker and get a credit toward a new car in the government’s cash for clunkers program.
This time, the clunker program is focusing on appliances. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is eligible to receive $18.7 million to provide cash rebates to New York residents who purchase high-efficiency appliances.
In December, NYSERDA’s plan for the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, the Great Appliance Swap Out, was approved by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Under the approved plan, the Great Appliance Swap Out program is expected to provide New York consumers who own their own appliances with rebates for purchasing certain energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers and dishwashers offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances.
Consumers must purchase the energy-star appliances before the program ends this Sunday, Feb. 21. A major difference between the program for the cars and this appliance program is that the consumer must fill out and file the paperwork for the Great Appliance Swap Out and provide the proper documentation.
Under the approved plan, consumers could receive rebates for purchasing eligible appliances individually or in a bundle. Appliances will qualify only if they have earned the energy-star label, meaning that they are up to 30 percent more efficient than standard models on the market.
Under the approved plan, customers purchasing appliances would qualify for a rebate of $75 for energy-star qualified refrigerators, $75 for clothes washers and $50 for freezers. A higher rebate is available when the consumer shows documentation that the old appliance was recycled. Rebates are available for dishwashers when they are purchased as part of a three-appliance package, refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, which may qualify for a $500 rebate.
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said that the new program underscores the Obama Administration’s commitment to make American homes more energy efficient, while helping to support the nation’s economic recovery.
“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Chu. “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”
Those interested in the rebate should visit www.nyapplianceswapout.com and can email info@nyapplianceswapout.com with any questions. All of the necessary applications are on the site as well as a frequently asked questions section, which offers more information.
