Going green can mean cash back

Rebate mania is in the air as rebates are being offered on many energy efficient appliances and products.

Rebates and tax credits are offered on everything from vehicles to shower heads. There are significant energy efficient rebates offered on certain washers, dryers, window panes, solar panels and even pool pumps. At Sears, rebates are offered on some washers and refrigerators.

“People are more conscious of energy efficiency and if they get a rebate that’s great,” said Tom Hughes, owner of Sears stores in Porterville and Selma. Hughes explained that there are two types of rebates; manufacturer, which gives a customer a rebate if he or she buys the product, and rebates from Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric for energy efficiency. These rebates are usually posted on the bills. A refrigerator rebate at Sears is $50 dollars.  

The companies offer a myriad of rebates on energy saving products.
Southern California Edison offers rebates on energy efficient electric water heaters or hybrid electric heat pump water heaters, while Southern California gas offers rebates on certain attic or wall insulation at 15 cents per square foot.

The government also offers many forms of tax credits, including from $2,500 to $7,500 on electric vehicles. There are also state and federal credits offer on solar power systems.
On the Sears website, a Kenmore Elite 4.0 cu. ft. Front-Load Steam Washer ENERGY STAR model 41472 regularly sells for $1,293.99, but is being sold for $899.99 with a rebate savings of up to $150. However, as Hughes pointed out, the purchaser must fill out a form and send it in.

Regardless of the savings, though, some consumers consider up front cost.

“We recently purchased a new refrigerator. I checked the PGE website to see which models qualify for their rebate, and when I shopped for those specific models, I found that they were way over my price range, even after considering the rebate. So, I went with what was in our budget, and still got a nice energy star fridge, but no rebate,” said Heather Wood in response to a question on Facebook.

On the flip side, one consumer bought an appliance based on the rebate.

“I bought an LG refrigerator because of the great rebate and later found out it wasn’t as energy efficient as advertised. The fridge is dangerous and LG has done nothing to make it right. I don’t suggest going and buying anything just because the rebate looks good,” said Charity Thill on Facebook.

At the Glass Doctor of Tulare County, a $20 rebate is offered on all Milgard Tuscany series windows and doors through Oct. 12. However to receive the rebate a customer must purchase four windows and a door or replace at least eight windows.

“Milgard is energy efficient. They’re the best,” said John Lalanne one of the owners who explained that the windows are dual panes. “If you install single panes the air conditioning works harder. Double panes work a lot more efficiently as the windows reflect heat.”

For more information on energy tax credits or rebates visit www.energystar.gov and www.energy.gov/savings.

Utility company rebates
Southern California Gas
Clothes Washer — $35 rebate
Dishwasher — $30 rebate
Low Flow Showerhead — $15 rebate
Furnace-Natural Gas Furnace — $200
Attic or Wall Insulation — 15 cents to 50 cents per square feet rebate
Water heaters — $30 or $75 dollar rebate.
Tankless Water Heaters — up to $400 rebate

Southern California Edison
Pool Pumps — $200
Refrigerator recycling — $35
Portable Room Air Conditioner — Get $20 back on a qualifying model
Whole House Fan — $50
Energy efficient evaporative cooling-single stage or two stage ducted system — per unit
Air-Conditioning maintenance rebates of up to $200