Florida residents can get ready to take advantage of an appliance rebate program this spring, one that’s similar to cash for clunkers. Did you know that the average home spends about $2,200 on energy bills every year? Change to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, and you can save $75 a year in energy costs, while saving the environment.

Until recent news of an upcoming government appliance rebate program (dubbed “Cash for Appliances” or “Cash for Refrigerators”), many Americans had heard of Energy Star appliances, but didn’t really know much about them other than they cost more than average appliances.

Florida‘s Energy and Climate Commission plan on implementing the Florida appliance rebate program this spring, and it’s possible your family could save more than $1,000 in appliance rebates.

 
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FLORIDA APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM

So far, commissioners are trying to decide whether to offer a flat discount rate of 15 percent to 20 percent OR give rebates based on a tiered system. Basically, the more money you spend, and the better energy appliance efficiency, the more money you’ll get back.

Currently there are six different Energy Star eligible appliances:

• tank-less water heaters
• room air conditioners
• clothes washing machines
• refrigerators




• dish washers
• freezers

Appliance Recycling Incentive

You may be eligible for even more money if you trade in your old appliances. So on top of the new appliance rebate, you can also get money back for your old one. Currently there is no set program in place, but requirements are expected early next year.

Bottom Line Save Money!

When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model.

 The Florida appliance rebate is intended to provide a boost to the states economy one household at a time, and residents of Florida can expect their $17 million dollar boost to become available in the spring of 2010.   

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