State Offers Rebates for Energy Efficient Appliances

Starting Jan. 31, 2010, Illinois residents can save money while increasing their energy efficiency. The Illinois Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program provides incentives for consumers to replace older appliances with specific residential ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, water heaters and HVAC equipment. The new appliances must be purchased in Illinois through participating retail stores or contractors.

Qualifying appliance include refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, water heaters, and highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems. The program is being funded by nearly $12.4 million the state will receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment will be available beginning Jan. 31, 2010. A 25 percent instant rebate will be available to purchasers of Energy Star water heaters from participating retailers. HVAC customers will receive an instant rebate from participating contractors that are listed on the ComEd, AmerenIU, or Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network.

The second phase of the program, which will run from April 16-25, 2010, provides a flat 15 percent rebate to consumers who purchase energy efficient appliances at participating retail stores. Consumers who turn in their old appliances for recycling will also be eligible for an additional mail-in rebate of $50-$100.

For more information, visit www.illinoisenergy.org or call 877-782-7005.