Virginia's Cash for Appliances Program Kicks Off April 28, 2010

Virginia's Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, a/k/a Virginia's Cash for Appliances program, begins on April 28, 2010. This program, which is funded with $7.45 million dollars of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will give Virginians a chance to trade in their appliance clunkers for newer, more energy efficient ones, by offering a rebate to help offset the cost of trading up. Virginia's Cash for Appliances program will run until funds are exhausted, so it is encouraged to shop early and reserve your rebate to ensure that you get your share of the ARRA pie.

How much money are we talking here?

Don't expect to save a bundle, unless you are planning to buy some larger appliances such as heat pumps. The maximum rebate offered under Virginia's Cash for Appliances Rebate Program is just $300 for a heat pump. More modest appliances, such as a clothes dryer, will only net you $75. If you choose to replace your aging gas water heater, only expect to recoup $35 from the rebate program.

Heat Pump - $300.00; up to 13,000 rebates available state-wide

Gas Furnace - $250.00; up to 5,626 rebates available state-wide

Tankless Gas Water Heater - $225.00; up to 4,026 rebates available state-wide

Clothes Washer - $75.00; up to 4,600 rebates available state-wide

Refrigerator - $60.00; up to 9,333 rebates available state-wide

Storage Gas Water Heater - $35.00; up to 4,813 rebates available state-wide

Notably absent: clothes dryers. Virginians looking to upgrade their clothes dryer will not be eligible for a rebate as they are not included in the Cash for Appliances program.

Reserve your Cash for Appliances Rebate online beginning April 28

Don't miss out on your rebate! If you are still shopping for the best price, be sure to go online at the Virginia Department of Mining, Minerals and Energy (DMME) site to reserve your rebate. That will give you some time to shop around for your Energy Star appliance, while still reserving your rebate. Note: you must claim your rebate within sixty (60) days of reservation.

Note that you may only buy one qualifying item, so choose wisely. If you are in the market to upgrade your refrigerator and clothes washer, buying the clothes washer instead will give you the most money back through the program. If your utility program offers an overlapping rebate, provided that that rebate is also not funded via the ARRA, you can double dip. Check with your utility company to see if they have a program.

In addition, you may also claim manufacturer rebate incentives if available. Ask the sales associate about any other rebates or tax credits that may be available to you for buying energy efficient appliances.

Some retailers, like Sears, are stepping up to the plate and assisting customers with rebate submissions. However, some Virginia residents with specific utilities will need to go through their utility's link on the DMME site on or after April 28, 2010 to claim their rebate. You can shop online for your new Energy Star appliance; however, you must be careful to only buy an item from a Virginia vendor with a business location in the Commonwealth. Your new appliance must also replace an existing appliance, which will need to be properly recycled or hauled away and disposed.

Is your appliance clunker not on Virginia's Cash for Appliances rebate list?

If you need to replace other household appliances, consider waiting until October. From October 8, 2010-October 11, 2010, Virginians can cash in on the state's Energy Star tax free weekend. This special weekend of tax free sales on Energy Star appliances occurs once a year and includes items that are not included in the current Cash for Appliances program. What items are included in the October event? Though there is some overlap in the lists, dishwashers are included. Other items included are WaterSense sinks, faucets, and toilets. It is also a good time to buy a programmable thermostat, fluorescent light bulbs or an air conditioner. For the full list, please see Virginia Energy Star link below.

Sources:
DMME Rebate page link: http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/ARRA.shtml
DMME rebate fact sheet: http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/RebateFactSheet.pdf
Cash for Appliances FAQ: http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/SEEARPFAQ.pdf
Virginia's Energy Star: http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=EnergyStarQualifiedProductsHoliday