What About Your Clunker Appliances?
The Cash for Clunkers program (CARS) may be taking its final bow this evening, but all the cash-for-clunkering has just been too fun to give up altogether. The federal government has earmarked $300 million towards supporting the sale of energy-efficient home appliances including refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers. Promising rebates of $50-$200, the program-- nicknamed "Cash for Refrigerators"-- hopes to spark a turnaround in the slowed production of appliance manufacturers such as Whirlpool and Electrolux.
Unlike the popular CARS program, the Cash for Appliances won't require a trade-in of an inefficient appliance.
States are slated to file for the Cash for Appliances program with the Department of Energy by October 15th 2009.
Which appliances will qualify for a rebate?
Appliances covered by the DOE's Energy Star seal will apply. Over half of household appliances manufactured in 2008 met the requirements. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators will qualify.
This revival of the amazingly popular program just makes us wonder what else can be cash-for-clunkered off? Thinking beyond cars and appliances, perhaps the Obama administration can offer trade-in rebates for broken relationships, inefficient freeways, and those extra pounds that always seem to pack in during the holiday season.
Related Resources:
- Latest in Stimulus: 'Cash for Refrigerators' (BusinessWeek)
- 'Cash for Refirgerators': Like Clunkers, But For Appliances (ABC News)
- US Program Will Offer Rebates For Household Appliances (Wall Street Journal)