by Liz Benson

First, there was Cash for Clunkers and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, later expanded to all home buyers. But, what if you don’t need a new car or want to move? Now, you have another chance to get in on the economic stimulus money – rebates for buying a new (and more energy efficient) appliance. My kitchen is vintage 1980, so I have been planning on upgrading my appliances. Now, if I wait until March, I should have some extra money coming my way.

The Federal government is giving money to each state based on how many people live there – Colorado is getting over 4.7 million dollars – and each state has to submit a plan for how they will give out the money to residents who buy energy efficient appliances. The details are not out yet, but the state is expected to offer a mail-in rebate for qualifying purchases of Energy Star rated appliances, furnaces and water heaters. It will not be retro-active and when the money runs out, the rebates end. The Colorado rebate program is expected to begin in March. I just hope my fridge (which has been making some strange noises) makes it till then.

Read the U.S. Dept of Energy plan and the Colorado plan for the rebate money.  Check out the Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit to see how much money you can expect to save in energy costs.

blog posted by elephant’s Realtor – Liz Benson