“These energy-conserving appliance standards are a critical part of the Administration’s overall efforts to save energy in homes and businesses nationwide,” said Secretary Chu. “By raising the energy efficiency requirements of our everyday appliances, we will save money for American families and companies, reduce carbon pollution, and enhance our energy security for decades to come.”

The standards released on Wednesday increase the stringency of the existing minimum conservation standards for these three types of residential heating products, which account for about 18 percent of energy use in homes across the country.  The standards will significantly reduce energy consumption by these products, including decreasing energy use in large electric storage water heaters by 47 percent and by more than 30 percent in large gas water heaters.  The standards for water heaters will go into effect in 2015, while the standards for pool heaters and direct heating equipment – including gas-fired wall, floor and hearth heaters – will apply to products manufactured in 2013 and beyond. 

Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Energy has accelerated the pace for finalizing new appliance standards and has placed new resources and emphasis behind the enforcement of these important standards.  Since President Obama came to office, DOE has issued or codified new efficiency standards for more than twenty different products, which will save consumers between $250 and $300 billion on their energy bills through 2030:

• March 2009 – 14 consumer and commercial products with standards prescribed in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), including dishwashers, general service incandescent lamps and residential clothes washers
• April 2009 – Microwaves, kitchen ranges and ovens
• July 2009 – General service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps
• July 2009 – Commercial heating, air-conditioning and water-heating equipment
• August 2009 – Beverage vending machines
• December 2009 – Commercial clothes washers
• February 2010 – Small electric motors
• March 2010 – Residential water heaters, direct heating equipment and pool heaters

In addition to accelerating the pace of new final standards, the Obama Administration has significantly increased the enforcement of existing conservation standards.  For example, on Monday, the Department ordered that AeroSys, Inc. stop distributing an air conditioner and heat pump that independent testing showed were consuming more energy than allowed under federal efficiency standards.  To ensure that the appliance standards are as effective as possible, DOE will continue to work aggressively and consistently to enforce energy efficiency standards across the country. 

Resource Department of Energy

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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center will receive $5,672,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to help citizens purchase energy-efficient appliances as part of the Government Appliance Rebate Program. The Department of Natural Resources plans to launch the program April 19, 2010, to run concurrently with the “Show Me Green ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday.

The Missouri Appliance Rebate Program will include ENERGY STAR appliances with different rebate levels for each product, how rebates will be processed and a recycling plan for old appliances.

The Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate program will help Missourians buy appliances at lower costs, reduce home utility expenses, and benefit Missouri businesses by stimulating sales of energy efficient appliances. 

The MO appliance rebate department will issue rebates for the following items that are ENERGY STAR qualified. Purchases of these ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment prior to the start of the program in Missouri will not be eligible for rebates. After commencement of the program, rebates will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until all rebate funding is depleted. 

Eligible appliances for the MO Rebate include:

·         Gas Furnaces – $125

·         Air Source Heat Pumps – $250

·         Central Air Conditioning – $100

·         Water Heaters-Gas Condensing – $150

·         Water Heaters-Gas Storage – $100

·         Water Heaters-Gas Tankless – $100

·         Water Heaters-Solar (With Gas Backup) – $500

·         Water Heaters-Electric Heat Pump – $150

·         Water Heaters-Solar (With Electric Backup) – $500

·         Clothes Washers – $75

·         Dishwashers – $75

Now that the U.S. DOE has approved Missouri’s program plan, the state will select a contractor to manage and implement the program. A consumer information line and eligibility criteria will be established and announced once the implementation contractor has been selected.

Missouri residents should also check with their utility providers for other rebates that may be available for energy efficient equipment and appliances. Many utility companies offer rebates for purchasing energy efficient home appliances and equipment. When other utility rebates or incentives exist, the addition of the new Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate will increase the total amount a Missouri household may receive for replacing their qualified appliances or systems. In areas of the state where utility-based rebates are not offered, the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate will stand alone.

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A total of $6.1 million has been made available to Indiana for the appliance rebate program, which is part of the government appliance rebate program, and is being administered by the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED).

Indiana’s version of the appliance rebate program is expected to give a boost to some Indiana manufacturing companies, including WaterFurnace, the Ft. Wayne company that is the world’s largest manufacturer of Geothermal systems. Many utility companies offer their own rebates for purchasing energy efficient furnaces and HVAC systems. When other rebates exist, the addition of the new Energy Star Appliance Rebate in Indiana will increase the total amount residents could receive for replacing their heating and cooling system. In areas of the state where utility-based rebates are not offered, the Indiana Energy Star Appliance Rebate will stand alone.

The Indiana Energy Star appliance program requires appliances have a certain minimum energy efficiency to gain the Energy Star seal. Energy Star has rated a variety of heating and cooling systems, including gas or oil furnaces and boilers, Air Source Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Rebates for Indiana residents will be based on documentation of the purchase and installation. The program is on a first come, first served basis and will be discontinued when the rebate fund has been exhausted. The program will not be retroactive, so any purchase must be made after January 31, 2010 to be eligible for a rebate. Documentation will also be required showing the unit is Energy Star rated.

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Eligible products for the Arizona Appliance Rebate include

·                  Clothes washers – $125-$200

·                  Dishwashers – $75-$125

·                  Gas condensing water heaters- $200

·                  Gas storage water heaters- $200

·                  Gas tankless water heaters- $300

·                  Electric heat pump water heaters – $425

·                   

Rebates vary based on the appliances’ efficiency levels. Rebate claims must be made within 14 days of purchase. Arizona is also encouraging residents to recycle the old appliances.

The Arizona appliance rebate program will take 8-12 weeks to set-up the statewide administration process.  Purchase dates to receive rebates have yet to be announced, and it is important to understand the efficiency criteria and rebate amounts that will be available to Arizona consumers sometime in March of 2010. 

These rebates for appliance purchases in Arizona will only apply to purchases made once the program officially begins. Purchase dates within program requirements will be necessary to receive rebates. Rebates will be limited to one appliance per category per household only. More information will be posted as program details are established.

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The State of Washington will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient refrigerators and clothes washers with new ENERGY STAR^® qualified and ultra-efficient appliances. The Washington appliance rebate program is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2010. The refrigerator program is tentatively scheduled to end in May 2010; the clothes washer program will continue through December 2011, or until funds are depleted.

What appliances will receive rebates in Washington? 

ENERGY STAR Refrigerators – $75

ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers -$100

Residential consumers in Washington replacing existing refrigerators and clothes washers with Energy Efficient appliances will be the final benefactors of the Washington Appliance Rebate Program funds. These funds will supplement existing rebate programs. The appliance rebate program plans to make consumer rebates available by April 1, 2010, if all goes as scheduled.

Why these did Washington select these appliances?

In determining which appliances to include in the rebate program, Commerce considered the objectives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, State Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program and the amount of money available, as well as the goals of the 6th Northwest Power Plan.  In doing our research we received input from the state’s electric, gas and municipal utilities recommending that a majority of the funding be used for the replacement of older clothes washers with new higher efficiency clothes washers as this is where Washington would experience the biggest savings in electricity, water and waste treatment.  One of the goals of the program is to introduce consumers to these new higher efficiency clothes washers and create a market transformation bringing significant long term benefits to Washington.  Refrigerators were included based upon research, as well as feedback from retailers and utilities, regarding the potential energy savings for consumers.

Where, how and when do I apply for appliance rebates in Washington?

The program plans to make consumer rebates available by April 1, 2010.  Once a firm date is set for the start of the rebate program this web-site (http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1226/default.aspx#c13) will be updated providing additional details of the program including where to access the appropriate rebate application documents. 

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DOE approved the Virginia appliance rebate plan on December 22, 2009. The planned program launch date is late April, 2010.

> Energy Star-rated appliances and other equipment will be included in the program. Rebate amounts and qualifying appliances and other equipment will be identified at a later date to be determined.  Rebates will not be available retroactively for purchases made prior to the official launch date of the program.

Eligible appliances in Virginia might include

·                  Refrigerators

·                  Clothes washers

·                  Gas storage water heaters

·                  Gas tankless water heaters

·                  Gas furnaces

·                  Air source heat pumps

The DMME may change details about the Virginia appliance rebate program up until the program opens in late April. Information on the amount of rebates, items that will be eligible for rebates, how rebates will be applied for and paid, and other program rules and guidelines will be added to the DMME website by late April, 2010.

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 The government appliance rebate program the will give those who purchase a home appliance rebates, possibly between $50 and $200, for replacing old, inefficient household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and furnaces with newer Energy Star-rated appliances. If your thinking about renovating your kitchen , or upgrading your heating system this might be your opportunity.

Cash For Refrigerators!

The stimulus bill this year gave funds for the first time to an energy appliance rebate program set up by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The government appliance rebate would encourage people to replace old appliances with more energy-efficient models, and hopes to help appliance store owners spur sales. The federal Energy Star program covers 60 product categories like refrigerators, one of the biggest household energy hogs.

The Energy Star Program also includes everyday household appliances that the Energy Department says underscores the president’s commitment to make American homes more energy efficient while supporting the nation’s economic recovery. Energy experts say that next to your home’s heating and air conditioning, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are the biggest energy users. Depending on the model and type it is possible to save anywhere from $70 to $100 per year in electricity bills with new Energy Star rated appliances.

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Cool Advantage Rebate Program:

The Cool Advantage program provides rebates for energy-efficient central air conditioners, or heat pumps as well as proper system sizing and installation that affect operating efficiency.  

Central Air Conditioner rebate amounts are based on the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and documentation that the proper installation requirements have been met. Both the condenser and coil must be replaced or installed as a matched set as rated in the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute certified performance criteria.

Heat Pump rebate amounts are based on the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) and documentation that the proper installation requirements have been met.  All three factors (SEER, EER and HSPF) must meet minimum requirements in order to qualify for a rebate.

Rebates And Eligibility:

       Cool Advantage Rebates will range between $100 -$150 for the purchase and installation of qualified Energy Star central air conditioners, and heat pumps. In order to be eligible for the New Jersey Appliance Rebate Program residents must have a current residential electric account with Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, or Rockland Electric.

Warm Advantage Rebate Program:

The WARM Advantage Program provides rebates for high efficiency natural gas home heating systems and/or water heaters. Install a gas heating system and/or domestic water heater that meet all applicable efficiency requirements based on the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Consumers Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings. Qualifying heating systems installed in new homes must be located in “Smart Growth” areas of NJ in order to receive an incentive.

Rebates And Eligibility:

Purchase and install a new natural gas furnace with an AFUE of 92% or greater, a boiler with an AFUE of 85% or greater and/or a natural gas water heater with an Energy Factor of .62 or greater. Install and operate the furnace, boiler or water heater in a residence that is supplied by natural gas directly from one of the New Jersey gas utilities and has a residential gas account number.

       Warm Advantage Rebates will range between $300 -$400 for the purchase and installation of qualified gas boilers and furnaces. Rebates for domestic hot water heaters will range between $25-$300 dollars. In order to be eligible for the New Jersey Appliance Rebate Program residents must have a current residential electric account with Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, or Rockland Electric.

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The Michigan Appliance Rebate Program will complement utility energy optimization programs and provide rebates for appliances not covered by utility programs. Appliances have to be replaced. Residential consumers using mail-in rebates will certify that appliances have been replaced. Because there is a much greater possibility that a refrigerator would be retained as a second refrigerator, purchasers of refrigerators will be required to provide documentation that the replaced refrigerator has been taken by a retailer, recycler, or other party. The appliance rebates will range between $50-$300, and will include the following categories:

• Refrigerators – $50-$100
• Clothes washers – $50
• Dishwashers – $25-$50
• Propane and oil furnaces – $300
• Solar hot water heaters – $1,200 max
• Propane hot water heaters – $100

The broad goals of the MI appliance rebate program are to spur economic growth, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging appliance replacements through consumer rebates. This program will create jobs in retailing and manufacturing. Michigan companies make many of the products included in the Michigan appliance rebate program.

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The initial phase of the appliance rebate program will offer rebates on heating and cooling equipment (furnaces, central AC, heat pumps, water heaters) starting this winter and continue to offer the rebate program until the funds are depleted. 

The second phase of the Illinois appliance rebate program will begin in April of 2010 (targeting Earth Day), and is projected to last no more than a few weeks. The second phase of the rebate program will offer rebates through retailers of 10-15% on Energy Star appliances of $50-100. The appliances included in the Ill rebate program include:

·         Refrigerators

·         Washers

·         Dishwashers

·         Freezers

·         Room air conditioners

The Ill rebate program also will give an additional rebate of $50-100 if the old appliance is turned in for recycling.  The state may plan to offer the rebate program for an additional period in the fall of 2010 if funds remain.

The average home spends about $2,200 on energy bills every year, and changing to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating can save $75 a year in energy costs, while saving the environment by reducing fossil fuel emissions. In addition consumer spending, while on the rise, should increase once the government appliance rebate program goes into full effect in the spring of 2010.

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