by Melissa Zietz

I love a bargain. I love coupons, I love getting things for free, and I love getting money back on purchases, especially on earth-friendly goods!

Therefore, I was thrilled to find out that Cash-Back Rewards are now available under the Wisconsin State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). Simply go shopping (gladly), purchase an Energy Star qualified appliance, then complete and send in a reward application. It’s the excuse I’ve been looking for to replace our “charming” 1960s dishwasher!

The cash-back program started on January 1st, and here is how it works (for additional information, contact Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077):

• Cash-Back Rewards are only available to residential customers who are replacing an existing appliance that will be installed in a Wisconsin residence. Businesses, including landlords, are not eligible.

• Rewards are available on qualified appliances installed in Wisconsin residences. Go here to see which makes and models qualify: www.focusonenergy.com/Residential/loose_pages/recovery.aspx.

• Rewards are for replacement appliances only. Appliances installed in new construction are not eligible for rewards.

• The rebates will not be retroactive. Purchases made prior to January 1, 2010 will not be eligible to receive Cash-Back Rewards.

• The program is available to all residential customers regardless if their utilities participate in Focus on Energy. For customers whose utilities do participate in Focus on Energy, eligibility for both rewards is possible if the equipment qualifies for both SEEARP and Focus on Energy.

• Retailers or contractors will provide the mail-in reward application at the time of purchase. Customers must send in the form within 30 days of purchase and can expect a reward check within 6 to 8 weeks.

• Customers applying for Cash-Back Rewards on refrigerators, freezers, or central air conditioners must provide proof that their old unit was taken out of service and properly recycled.

• The program will last until February 2012 or until funds are exhausted. The allocation of funding for the State of Wisconsin is $5.4 million.

Appliances eligible for Cash-Back Rewards

Check out the following list of the types of appliances that are eligible for Cash-Back Rewards through the program. The rebates are great!

• Boilers – $200

• Central air conditioners & Air-source Heat Pumps – $75

• Furnaces (oil and gas) – $200

• Geothermal Heat pumps – $75

• Clothes washers – $100

• Dishwashers – $25

• Freezers – $50 & Refrigerators – $75

• Water heaters – $150 (Electric heat pump water heaters – $50)

• Solar hot water – $2,000

Benefits of Energy Star Appliances

This is one of those times when you can feel good about shopping. There are many ways that an Energy Star appliance can save you money and help the environment to boot!

• Lower Utility Bills. Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household’s energy use. A comprehensive package of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save up to $80 a year in energy costs compared to standard appliances.

• Improved Quality and Durability. Energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties.

• Enhanced Performance. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances often outperform standard appliances due to improved design and advanced technologies. For instance, some ENERGY STAR qualified appliances include features that decrease operating noise, while others include technologies that reduce water use.

Even if your current appliances aren’t avocado green, you may see significant savings by switching to ones that are Energy Star qualified. After all, every appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home and what it costs to operate and maintain it each month.

Sources: www.focusonenergy.com, www.energystar.gov