Cash for Clunkers, Appliance Style

After the success of the Cash for Clunkers program in getting Americans to trade in their old, fuel-inefficient vehicles for newer, cleaner models, the Obama administration has now turned it sights toward old household appliances. The federal government will begin doling out money from the economic stimulus package to help customers replace their household appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances.

So far, California has received $35.2 million in federal money specifically designated for the task of updating California’s appliances in an attempt to reduce pollution. In addition to being easier on the environment, switching to more efficient household appliances will also cut back on monthly utility costs.

Energy Star rebates will be available for central and room air conditioners, air source and geothermal heat pumps, boilers, oil and gas furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers. Government officials have expressed their hope that the appliance version of the Cash for Clunkers version will have a similarly positive effect on the economy when compared to the original Cash for Clunkers program.

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