Monday morning, ABC 7 News visited Abt to discuss the stimulus program for appliances, beginning Friday. Illinois received $12 million for Energy Star qualifying hot water heaters, central air conditioners, furnaces, and appliances.
The rebate began for hot water heaters, central air conditioners, and furnaces on January 31st of this year. Half of the stimulus money has already been doled out.
Beginning this Friday, April 16, any in-store purchase of Energy Star qualified clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and room air conditioners from participating retailers will be eligible for a rebate. The rebate program ends April 25th or when the funds run out.
The Illinois government has imposed a cap on the rebate program. A maximum rebate of $400 per appliance will be allowed. Prior to the new rebate cap, 15% of the cost of the appliance was going to be reimbursed. The change will enable more people to participate in the program and the funding will reach more participants. This will ensure that high-end appliance purchases will not deplete the funds too quickly.
There are a couple of ways to participate in the rebate program. You will automatically receive your rebate on Energy Star qualifying appliances at the point-of-purchase. There is an additional $75 mail-in-rebate exists for those who opt to recycle old refrigerators and freezers.
The recycling rebate must be filled out and mailed in. Those who elect to recycle their old refrigerators and freezers will pay the $29-$49 Abt fee and then they will receive the $75 after the rebate is processed.
-Kelly B.
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