I’ve been eating, sleeping and breathing the upcoming appliance stimulus program, which I like to call Cash for Appliances and the State of Minnesota likes to call the “Trade & Save Appliance Program.”
The program’s official site launched today with information about the program. At 8 a.m. March 1, the site will launch a rebate reservation module.
To keep yourself busy until then, consider my frequently asked questions. Add your own questions in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer them.
If you rely on e-mail reminders to keep from missing important events, you’ll love our Appliance Stimulus E-mail Alerts. We’ll make sure you get the best shot at getting a rebate. E-mail stimulus@warnersstellian.com with the subject SUBSCRIBE.
What appliances qualify for a rebate?
How many rebates will be available?
Aren’t all new appliances energy-efficient?
Do I have to spend a certain amount to get a rebate?
How will I receive the rebate?
How long does the program run?
What if rebate funds run out for the appliance category I want to buy?
Can I get a rebate on a previous appliance purchase?
Is there a limit of rebates per household?
Can I get these rebates in conjunction with rebates from my utility/municipality?
Can renters/rental property owners receive a rebate?
Do I have to turn in my old appliance to be eligible for a rebate?
Why can’t I get a rebate for buying a new dryer or stove?
Where can I buy an appliance to get my rebate?
Do you haul away/recycle my old appliances?
How long will it take to get my rebate?
Why are there two rebate amounts listed under refrigerators and freezers?
Will retailers have the forms I need?
What appliances qualify for a rebate?
Energy Star-labeled refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers will be eligible for a rebate.
How many rebates will be available?
Approximately 25,450 rebates will be available:
- 6,035 clothes washers ($200 rebate)
- 6,005 dishwashers ($150 rebate)
- 1,999 freezers ($100 rebate with purchase and “proof of demanufacturing”; $50 for purchase only)
- 11,411 refrigerators ($200 rebate with purchase and “proof of demanufacturing”; $100 for purchase only)
Energy Star is the government labeling system that helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products, including appliances. Learn more at www.energystar.gov.
Your sales associate will be trained on the requirements of the program and can help you select an Energy Star appliance that qualifies for a rebate and fits your specific needs.
Aren’t all new appliances energy-efficient?
To some degree, yes. The federal government holds all new appliances to certain standards. Energy Star labels appliances that go a specific percentage above and beyond that standard, depending on appliance category.
Do I have to spend a certain amount to get a rebate?
No.
How will I receive the rebate?
After going through the rebate reservation process and the rebate submission process, you will receive a check in the mail in approximately 30 days.
No.
Households are limited to one rebate, which max out at $200 for a clothes washer or refrigerator with proof that the old refrigerator has been properly recycled. Customers can receive a $150 rebate for a dishwasher or $100 for a freezer with proof of recycling.
A rebate reservation website will launch at 8 a.m. CST, March 1, 2010, at which time you can also call 1-877-230-9119.
Beginning 8 a.m. March 1, 2010, you can reserve a rebate on the program’s Web site (www.mnappliancerebate.com) or call a program-specific phone number (1-877-230-9119).
You will need to know what category of appliance (i.e. refrigerator) you will be purchasing.
If funds are available in the category you’ve selected, you will print submission forms (including proof of recycling forms if you’re purchasing a refrigerator or freezer and would like to get the full rebate amount), which carry your unique submission code.
You will have 30 days to purchase, recycle and submit the application forms by mail. Thirty days will be determined by postmark date of forms mailed.
How long does the program run?
The rebate program will run until March 31, 2010, or until funds are exhausted.
What if rebate funds run out for the appliance category I want to buy?
A limited amount of people will be placed on a waiting list, by appliance category (i.e. clothes washers).
People placed on the waiting list will need to make a purchase and submit rebate forms as well and could receive a rebate, should another person with a rebate reservation not submit their forms within 30 days or submit forms with an egregious error. Rebates will be awarded to those on the waiting list who’s forms have been received on first-come, first-served system.
Can I get a rebate on a previous appliance purchase?
No, rebates won’t apply to purchases made previous to March 1.
Is there a limit of rebates per household?
Yes. Rebates are limited to one per household.
Can I get these rebates in conjunction with rebates from my utility/municipality?
Yes. Rebates can be received in addition to any other incentives being offered. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for additional rebates offered in Minnesota.
Can renters/rental property owners receive a rebate?
No. Only residential homeowners will qualify for a rebate. Commercial use won’t qualify for the program. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for additional rebates offered for multihousing properties and commercial applications in Minnesota.
Do I have to turn in my old appliance to be eligible for a rebate?
You will be asked to self-certify the recycling of your old washer or dishwasher according to state laws and regulations. Customers who properly recycle refrigerators and freezers can double their rebates from $100 and $50, respectively, to $200 and $100.
The program was designed to take older, inefficient appliances off the energy grid.
Plus, old refrigerators cost A LOT of money to run, so it’s probably not worth it to your energy bill and your conscience.
Why can’t I get a rebate for buying a new dryer or stove?
Currently, Energy Star only rates refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers and water coolers. Appliance categories such as dryers don’t vary significantly enough from one to another in energy use to be differentiated.
Where can I buy an appliance to get my rebate?
You must purchase from a Minnesota retailer to qualify for a rebate.
We think you should buy from Warners’ Stellian.
The rebate program is designed to stimulate the local industry. Purchasing from a locally owned, independent retailer such as Warners’ Stellian ensures the most of your dollar stays within the state:
When you spend $1 at a local independent, an average of 68 cents is recirculated into the local economy. In contrast, when you spend $1 at a national chain, only about 43 cents stays at home. If Twin Cities consumers shift even 10% of their spending from chains to locals for one day, the Twin Cities economy gains some $2 million.
We are also an official program partner organization with an expert knowledge of the program. We’ll make the process painless for you.
Do you haul away/recycle my old appliances?
Yes. We always recycle appliances one-for-one with minimum purchase ($499), and we’ll make the delivery, installation and recycling (or “demanufacturing”) process painless for you. You can trust our professional crews in your own home.
Make sure to keep your proof of demanufacturing form for our delivery crew to sign at time of delivery.
How long will it take to get my rebate?
You will receive a check by mail within approximately 30 days after your rebate submission forms are received.
Why are two rebate amounts listed under refrigerators and freezers?
The “proof of demanufacturing” is required to earn 100% of the rebate on either of these two appliances and can be signed by any party picking up an appliance who certifies that it will be taken off the grid and turned over to an appropriate recycler ensuring the appliance will be fully decommissioned and the CFCs recycled.
This is to incent consumers to turn over their old working refrigerator or freezer instead of keeping it or reselling it.
Will retailers have the forms I need?
No. Retailers can’t print or fill out any forms for you because your rebate reservation carries a unique submission code.
Who is administering these rebates?
The program, part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is run on the state level by the Office of Energy Security.
Will WS be offering any incentives or in-house rebates to encourage purchases at your store vs. Sears or Best Buy or a other national chain?
We’re still planning that, Jennifer. I’ll be sure to let you know when we have more specifics.
Right now I can tell you that we offer free delivery and proper recycling on purchases over $499 — no rebates or forms necessary.
I also feel that the level of experience and training our staff has — from sales to delivery/install to customer service — is a great incentive.
I want to purchase a new refrigerator and be eligible for the stimulus payment.
Nancy Herbst
4009 Heritage Hills Drive #305
Bloomington MN 55437
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I have your email and can subscribe you to our Appliance Stimulus E-mail Alerts so that you’re ready to reserve a rebate for a refrigerator when they become available March 1.
Only customers can apply for the rebates, so I can’t sign you up but I’ll do everything I can to help you get one!
Thanks,
Julie