If saving energy costs is high on your list of ways to meet your budget AND be a better world citizen, take a look at the Efficiency Maine Appliance Rebate Program. You can get rebates today and lower bills by replacing old appliances with selected energy star models.
- Clothes washer – $50 rebate
- Refrigerator over 7.5 cu.ft/Freezer – $75 rebate
- Refrigerator 7.5 cu.ft. or less – $25 rebates
- Air conditioner/Deumidifier – $25 rebate
There are rules, of course. Appliances must be purchased in Maine in order to get the Efficiency Maine rebate. Rebates are available for purchases from October 2009 to June 30, 2010. Appliance providers from department stores like Sears to big box places like Lowes have Energy Star appliances and rebate information. Be sure to obtain a mail-in rebate form from the retailer at purchase time to submit with a copy of your receipt.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers notes that replacing older home appliances is the most practical way to reduce energy consumption.
According to AHAM, if you have older appliances, you’ll save most by replacing the washer first. Replacing an 8 year old washer will save more than $60 in electricity and nearly 5,000 gallons of water (for those of us who pay water and sewage bills) a year.
When is it time to replace an appliance? Here’s an average life expectancy from ServiceMaster and other repair companies:
- Gas and electric ranges 8-12 years
- Refrigerator (top mount or side-by-side 8-14 years
- Washers 7-12 years
- Dryers 8-14 years
- Dishwashers 7-12 years
- Electric water heaters 14 years
- Gas water heaters 9 years
- Freezers 12-16 years