Florida Mortgage Lender Blog & Real Estate News

If you’re in need of an appliance for your Florida home, you may want to buy now to save cash. The U.S. government is giving you good reasons to buy energy-efficient appliances through its Energy Star designation. Thirty-six states have launched programs to distribute almost $300 million in rebates to consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances.

The federally-funded programs are similar to the hotly debated cash-for-clunkers auto rebate program of 2009. Rebates differ by state and appliance but typically run between $50 to $75 on refrigerators, washers, dryers and freezers.

To qualify for rebates, consumers must buy Energy Star appliances, which meet or beat energy standards. These standards are set by the federal government and are up to 30 percent more efficient than non-Energy Star appliances.

Should you buy new appliances for your Florida home now? Say yes if:

· You need a new appliance anyway.

· You’re tired of throwing away money every time you operate inefficient appliances.

· You want a good deal on a new appliance.

· You want to help the environment by going green and saving energy.

You may even be able to trade in your old-but-still running refrigerator or dishwasher when you buy a new Energy Star model. For the specific rules and amount you’ll save, go to Energy Savers.

Want to save even more? You may also be eligible for rebates offered by manufacturers, local utilities and retailers. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears are all planning special promotions in certain states to coincide with the federal rebate program.

Research the stores’ promotions before you buy. To find a list of retailers of Energy Star qualified products in your area and the categories of products they carry, use the Energy Star Store Locator.

Since rebates for Energy Star qualified (or higher) appliances are generally being given on a first-come, first-served basis, and because funding is limited, you might want to act fast before the available cash is gone.

If you’d like to buy a new Florida home for your new appliances, we can help. Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.