California is out of the gate with one of the first publicized Cash for Appliances state plans and focusing on basic home appliances including washing machines, refrigerators, and window unit air conditioners.
Cash for Appliances
Cash for Appliances is a stimulus package similar to the 2009 summer Cash for Clunkers car program designed to jumpstart the economy and to foster energy conservation by providing incentives to invest in energy efficient products.
President Barack Obama has earmarked $300 million to fund the program with each state receiving funds based on population. That puts California at the top of the list with $35.2 million in appliance funds.
Unlike the Cash for Clunker program which required a trade in, Cash for Appliances is a straight purchase with a rebate in some states (but not now in CA - need a vochure on trade in), so residents do not need to arrange to cart in old appliances to qualify in some places. Most vendors, however, do arrange for delivery and also removal if old appliances are no longer needed or wanted.
In addition, Cash for Clunker Appliances is not federally coordinated. Each state devises and implements a plan based on the needs of the state residents. That means the qualifying appliances will differ state to state as well as specific rebate details. All appliances must, however, be Energy Star rated as mandated by the federal government.
Cash for Appliances does not nullify any state or local incentives for buying green household products, so residents who choose wisely can cash in on more than one program. In other words, double dipping is allowed as long as all requirements are met for various incentive programs.
California Cash for Appliances
The tentative plan for the state of California is to offer rebates on the lower end home appliances so that families at all income levels can conceivably afford to participate and benefit from the government rebate stimulus funding.
Currently, the California Cash for Clunker Appliances Program Includes:
- Washing machines - $100 rebate
- Refrigerators - $75 rebate
- Window Air Conditioning Units - $50 rebate
Government officials in California are still ironing out the details, so changes to the program are possible; however, all indications are that CA will be focusing on more modest and common appliances versus the bigger ticket items like full home heating and cooling systems or items less often purchased by residents (like water heaters).
When Can Californians Expect to See Appliance Rebates?
Early predictions were that Cash for Appliances might clear and be in place for the holiday season 2009, but California is projecting a spring 2010 roll out of the state Cash for Appliances deals. Holiday sales tend to be strong, so a later program date may help in keeping spending steady versus a quick holiday spurt followed by a slump.
Cyndi Allison - Southern born and fed, Cyndi Allison is a college lecturer and newspaper advisor as well as being a freelance writer. She writes on ...
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