Appliance Rebate Program Coming to Montana in April 2010

It’s never too early to mark your calendars…Cash For Clunkers is coming back to Montana, but this time it’s for home appliances and not cars. The program will allow consumers to replace their old appliances with new, more energy-efficient models. Montana will be allocated a little more than $900,000 from the federal program to cover about 9.700 rebates.

Maybe you have clients that have a house for sale, but with extremely old appliances that need that little extra “oomph” to push their kitchen over the top, this may be their solution! Under the program, refrigerators and washing machines will net a $100 rebate; freezers will pay $70 and dishwashers will get $50. Appliances must be Energy Star rated to qualify for the rebates. We will all have to act fast as the demand could exceed the rebate supply.

Any Montana resident is eligible for the program, including those who rent. Not more than one rebate per appliance is allowed for each household. The program doesn’t apply to rental property owners or commercial enterprises.

The benefits are saving energy and money on the monthly utility bill as well as getting new appliances. Older appliances are particularly energy inefficient and the program encourages their replacement. The program will start in April 2010 and the funds must be expended by February 2012. Rebates are not retroactive prior to April 2010. You may claim this rebate in addition to any rebates offered through manufacturers and/or local utility rebate programs. For forms to make application in April check http://www.appliancerebate.com/