New National Rebate Program for ENERGY STAR Appliances

2010 might be the perfect year to replace your old home appliances. A new government initiative, modeled after the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, provides rebates to consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances to replace their older energy-hogging models.

The program will be administered at the state level, so the details will be different depending on your location. To find out what your state is offering, Consumer Reports has created this interactive map:

You can also visit the Department of Energy’s directory for local programs (http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html) and select your state.

Rebates will only be available during the specific time period established by your state, so make sure to check out when your program begins and ends. Also keep in mind that the program has only one-tenth as much funding as Cash for Clunkers, so rebates could run out fast.

This is a great opportunity for consumers to save money both through the rebate and through energy conservation from the use of more efficient appliances. The older the appliance, the greater potential you have to save on your utility bills going forward. Do consider though, that for appliances that are less than five years old, it might not make sense to buy a replacement just for the rebate unless you plan to upgrade to a much higher efficiency model.

Also in effect through Dec. 31, 2010, is a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of certain energy-efficient equipment items for your primary home (up to $1,500). Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant can help you to make sense of these rebates and credits as part of a Green Home Makeover. Contact your local Eco-Consultant for more details, and start benefiting from energy conservation within your home.

Have you taken advantage of any green tax credits, rebates, or incentives? Let us know in the comments below!