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Need a New Appliance? "Cash For Appliances" Rebates Start Monday.

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: May 17, 2010 at 4:33 PM MST

Story Updated: May 17, 2010 at 5:49 PM MST

Last summer’s popular Cash for Clunkers program resulted in nearly 700,000 cars being traded in for more fuel efficient vehicles.

And now, kitchens all across the state may soon be seeing some upgrades - thanks to a new kind of rebate program.

Now could be the perfect time to get rid of your old refrigerators and dishwashers.

The Montana Appliance Rebate Program officially kicks off a week from today – granting over 800 thousand dollars towards newer, energy efficient appliances – for those ready to part with their older models.

During these tough economic times, we could all use a little financial help.

“It’s a little tough,” remarks Great Falls resident Marilyn Ployhar.

Come Monday, those in the market to buy a new refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher or washing machine will get it.

Anticipates Michael Crosby, brand central manager of Sears in Great Falls, “Mainly, I think it’s going to be a lot of people who, you know, their appliances are going out right now. It’s going to kind of give them an extra push to come in and want to buy now.”

Funded by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, rebates of up to $200 per household will be given to consumers ready to cash in on their old appliances for energy star certified ones.

“It’s a really good opportunity because it’s going to give people a little bit of extra money. Somebody may need a refrigerator – they have an old fridge that’s starting to go out – this is a little bit of extra money right now for them to be able to go ahead and replace that fridge,” says Crosby.

Jennifer Lehman and her husband Taylor are shopping for a new washer – to replace the current one they have from the 70’s.

“It was going to go into the recycling center or the garbage bin, so if I can get a little money out of it, it kind of works out to my advantage,” she says.
Adds her husband, “You can shop around and still get the rebate. Definitely would take advantage of it.”

Besides saving money right off the bat, consumers can expect to reap long term financial benefits by purchasing a new appliance.

“Less energy consumption, so you’re going to save a lot of water on a lot of these units. You not only save yourself some money on purchasing the unit, but in the long run, you’re saving yourself money on utility bills,” Crosby says.

Although Ployhar says she isn’t looking for any new appliances right now, this is a program she can get behind.

“The new appliances are always being made more energy efficient and of course that saves you more than one way, so it’s a good thing.”

The rebate is good only on energy star certified appliances, and the incentive program will run until the funding is used up.

In order to receive the rebate, you must also show proper disposal of the old unit.

Some places, including Sears, will do it for you for a small fee.

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