Appliance rebates beginning in March!

By Gwen - Last updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - Save & Share - Leave a Comment

This story hit the evening news one day last week, but we wanted to publish it here in case you missed that report. There’s a new federal program that encourages consumers to replace their appliances. (It’s sort of like “Cash for Clunkers,” only this time it’s fridges, washers and hot water heaters.) If you’re in the market for a new appliance, you’ll want to know about this and take advantage of the cost-savings.

Here’s how it works: Customers must replace an existing unit with an eligible “ENERGY STAR” appliance from a participating retailer. (Metro Appliances & More is a participating retailer. Click here to see where they’re located.) The retailer will haul away the unit that you’re replacing and provide proof it was hauled away.

The idea behind the program is to help families save money, protect the environment, stimulate the economy and create jobs. Go to www.arkansasenergy.org to read more about it.

Here’s a list of appliances involved with this program:

Refrigerator (rebate of $125)

Clothes washer (rebate of $175)

Hot water heaters (gas storage, gas condensing, gas tankless, heat pump) (Rebate of $200)

Program rules:

Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated program funds are depleted. First-come, first-served status will be determined by the date the application arrives at the rebate fulfillment center. (That means you better mail it in QUICKLY so you can get your rebate check.)

Purchaser must be an Arkansas residential consumer, supplying a home address. (Business customers aren’t eligible.)

Households are limited to one rebate per appliance category per household.

Purchase must be made during rebate offer period.

Appliances must be installed within Arkansas state boundaries.

Only ENERGY STAR rated refrigerators, clothes washers and select hot water heaters at the stated rebate levels are eligible. Qualifying units must be listed on the ENERGY STAR website. (Click here to see it.)

Rebates are only available for replacement of existing units with new qualifying appliances.

Purchase must be made from a participating Arkansas retail location or participating vendor (like a licensed plumber.) Online purchases not allowed.

Rebate forms must be completely and accurately filled out and accompanied by proof-of-purchase and documentation from a participating retailer that the replaced unit was HAULED AWAY. Customers can also show proof of recycling in lieu of documentation from a participating retailer that the replaced unit was hauled away.