The US Department of Energy has approved the Illinois appliance rebate program, and the state is slated to begin it $12,379,000 share of the program in two phases with the first phase starting in January of 2010.

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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