HONOLULU (April 6, 2010) – Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government created a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to local consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program.
The federal government has set aside $300 million from the stimulus package to fund the new cash for appliances program. The intended benefit of the program is two fold. The first goal is to provide another way to stimulate the economy in an industry that has seen a 15 percent drop in sales, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
The second goal is to increase energy efficiency in households by replacing old appliances with newer “greener” ones. According to ENERGYSTAR.gov, the typical household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills but could save over one-third or about $700 per year by making the switch to ENERGY STAR products.
“Replacing older appliances with more energy efficient models will not only help the environment and provide a little boost to the economy, it will also have a positive impact on a homeowner’s bottom line when the energy bills come in month after month,” said Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii’s BBB.
The implementation of the program and distribution of rebates will occur at the state level. Hawaii’s program will launch this spring and will receive about $1.2 million of the $300 million available from the federal Department of Energy.
For Oahu, Maui County, and the Big Island, the following rebates are available:
- Ceiling fan - $40
- Clothes washer - $50
- Dishwasher - $50
- Refrigerator - $50
- Window air conditioner - $75
- Ductless split air conditioner - $110
- Central air conditioning maintenance - $50
Residents must include both the new appliance sales receipt and proof that the replaced products were removed and recycled.
Kauai Island Utility Corporation is offering a $50 rebate incentive to consumers who retire older, less efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers. Appliances must be purchased within the following promotional periods:
- Refrigerator - February 1 to March 31, 2010
- Clothes washers - May 1 to June 30, 2010
- Dishwashers - August 1 to September 30, 2010
No trade-in will be required. Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, in which participants had to hand over their old car and the clunker was sent to the scrap heap, participants in Cash for Appliances don’t have to exchange an older appliance for a new one.
Take advantage of similar programs. Both the federal and Hawaii state governments offer tax credits for using energy efficient equipment and technology. Information from the federal government is available at www.energy.gov/recovery. Details on Hawaii’s business and residential programs is at www.hawaiienergy.com. Also, the Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency provides a state-by-state breakdown of local incentives and policies for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
For more BBB advice you can trust on how to be a savvy consumer, visit bbb.org.
Established in 1945, Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau® (BBB) is the local authority on trust in the marketplace. BBB is an unbiased, nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Only businesses and charities that meet and adhere to BBB standards can receive BBB accreditation. Hawaii’s BBB provides objective advice, free business and charity reports, and educational resources on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers fair and timely dispute resolution programs for consumers and businesses. BBB resources are available online at bbb.org.