- 2011 Rebates Update: Heating & Cooling
Here’s the the latest information on tax credits for residential heating and cooling equipment.
READ MORE > - 2011 Rebates Update: Solar
Here is the latest information on tax credits for residential solar water heating and photovoltaic systems.
READ MORE > - 2011 Rebates Update: Wind & Geothermal Systems
Here is the latest information on tax credits for residential wind and geothermal systems.
READ MORE >
‘Cash for Clunkers,’ household edition
Posted on 04. Dec, 2009 by GMS Editor in Featured, Newsflash, ShowOnLatestPanel
By Peter Whoriskey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 27, 2009
In U.S. history, there may have been no better time to own a junk car, a rattling old fridge and a leaking dishwasher.
On the heels of its ballyhooed “Cash for Clunkers” program for cars, the federal government is expected to finalize details in the coming weeks of another tax-supported shopping extravaganza, known as “Cash for Appliances.”
Supported by $300 million from the economic stimulus, the program will offer rebates to consumers who buy energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and other appliances to replace their older models.
Although the $787 billion stimulus program was signed by Obama in February of 2009, much of the cash-for-appliances money won’t hit the streets until next February, March or April. The rebate program is being run by state governments, which must define and enact their rebate plans with federal government funding and approval. A survey of some of the largest states shows that California is planning to begin its program in March, New York in February, Pennsylvania in the spring, Illinois in January and April.
“Our desire would be to see these programs rolled out as soon as funding is available,” said Jill Notini, a spokeswoman for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. “Unfortunately, you may have people saying, ‘It’s kind of on the blink, but we’ll wait.’ We wish that the states would follow the intent, which is to stimulate the economy now.”
The number of shipments of home appliances in the United States, which is closely linked to new home construction, is down 12 percent from last year, Notini said, and this comes after three years of decline.
No one doubts that the appliances program will attract consumers. While the programs will vary by state, some of the proposed rebates that have been announced so far range from $50 to $100 per appliance. The state-administered programs also have varying requirements regarding whether consumers must recycle an old appliance to qualify for the rebate
