Energy Star Tax Credits

Energy Star Refrigerators

Frugal Living Stars Energy Star Tax Credits

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After you compare refrigerators and select the best model, check out additional savings offered in the way of Energy Star tax credits. Besides purchasing an energy efficient refrigerator, the purchase of energy star refrigerators qualifies you for rebate offers!

Every home and family has different needs as far as the style and size of refrigerator they like. As you comparison shop, it may be tempting to buy the largest refrigerator because you may be thinking more room equals more freezer storage.

Keep in mind; it may be less costly to buy a separate smaller freezer than to pay the energy costs to run a gigantic fridge/freezer combo!

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* A higher rated energy efficient refrigerator usually means a more expensive appliance, the trade off in valuable energy savings down the road.

By October 15, 2009, individual state plans are due to the Department of Energy for the planned disbursement of the $300 million allotted through the stimulus package for consumer rebates on qualified Energy Star appliances.

Each state is in charge of developing their own rebate program and can decide which appliances they wish to include of the following:

* Central air conditioning units

* Geothermal and air source heat pumps

* Boilers

* Gas and oil furnaces

* Room air conditioners

* Washing machines

* Dishwashers

* Refrigerators/Freezers

* Water heaters

A Glance at other rating terms

The term SEER measures efficiency in central air conditioners. The higher the number the better so look for a unit of 12 or above. EER is used for room A/C units and the higher the number applies here as well for the more efficient air conditioner.

EF is used to determine the efficiency of washing machines. The number shows how many cycles the washer completes on one-kilowatt hour of electricity. Energy Star washers are rated 2.5, as opposed to the federal standard of 1.18. 

Once the state plans are approved, and the funds are paid, the states can begin to implement their programs. Depending on the state, the consumer rebates may be available by late 2009 or early 2010.

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Rebate amounts range from $50 to $250, which depends in part on the purchase price and actual product being purchased. Federal tax credits and other monetary incentives may be claimed for the identical products, as long as they are in eligible under the rules of the program.

* Energy Star tax credits offer homeowners up to $1,500 in 2009 and 2010 on the total purchase of products that have earned the energy star certification.

* Home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Sears sell a wide range of energy star refrigerators.

* It is not necessary to set the temperature in your refrigerator on the coldest setting possible to keep the food cold! Use the power saver option when available. Many Sears Kenmore models come with a power miser switch to save energy.

* When you purchase energy star refrigerators, the rating number will be displayed as to how many kilowatt-hours of electricity the appliance typically consumes in a year.

It pays to look into energy star appliances when you are deciding on an appliance purchase. If you are still using the hand me down fridge from your Grandmother that the door does not close properly on without a shove, chances are it is not very efficient.

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There are new technologies being introduced all the time that cut power consumption and reduce electricity costs. Depending on cost, Energy Star refrigerators pay for themselves in energy cost savings within three to four years.

An extra incentive is eligibility for energy star tax credits or rebates!

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