Government Announces Rebates for Certain Appliances

Purchase a new energy-efficient appliance and receive a $105 rebate from Uncle Sam.

A bundled purchase of a refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher will generate a $555 bundle if all three old appliances are recycled.

Congressman John Hall was in the area Monday visiting Appliance Sales Plus in Somers, where he promoted the Cash for Appliances rebates funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Hall told the COURIER the program was another way for federal economic stimulus money legislation to “help Main Street. It encourages people to shop locally and puts money back in their pockets when they do.”

Hall encouraged those planning on replacing an appliance or two to “do so today if, at all possible at a small business.”

Karl Thimm of Mahopac, owner of Appliance Sales Plus, described the program that is being administered by the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority as a “win-win. Not only has the Cash for Appliances program brought more customers into my store but it has also prompted manufacturers to offer their own rebates, which have further boosted sales. Customers are not only saving in rebates but in electricity as well since the new appliances are all energy efficient.”

The congressman noted in many instances, the appliances will pay for themselves within a 2-3 year period with the rebates and money saved in energy conservation.

The program was originally intended to expire last month but has been extended until the federal funding has been exhausted.

Hall encouraged consumers in the Putnam area to “move quickly. Take advantage of this rebate program but remember that new appliances purchased must be Energy Star qualified.”

—Eric Gross