Why Buy Now, Cash For Appliances

You may be able to trade in your old-but-still-running refrigerator or dishwasher and buy a new Energy Star-qualified model to get $50 to $250 from a new state appliance rebate program. The money funnels to individual consumers from the federal government's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through state energy offices. Like last year's Cash for Clunkers rebates, this program will last only as long as the money holds out. Each state has its own rules for what type of products qualify and its own purchasing time frame. For state-by-state details, visit the Department of Energy's Web site, energysavers.gov, and search for "Energy Star rebates."

In addition, you may be eligible for rebates offered by manufactureers, local utilities, and retailers. Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears are all planing special promotions in certain states to coincide with the federal rebate program, reducing prices even further and making 2010 a prime time to buy an Energy Star-qualified appliance.

Do your research before you hit the stores. To see special offers and rebates currently offered by Energy Star partners, go to energystar.gov and search for "rebate finder." To find a list of retailers of Energy Star-qualified products i your area and the categories of products they carry, use energystar.gov/storelocator.

March 2010 Better Homes and Gardens