Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - If you need a new appliance for your home, try and hold off until next month.
The state will be using stimulus money to roll out a "Cash for Appliances" program sometime in mid-November.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA, will run the program here in New York; they're still waiting for the federal government to sign off on the final plan, but essentially all you'll have to do is buy a new Energy Star appliance, and you'll get some cash back.
Included are washers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dishwashers.
Depending on the make and model, you can get anywhere from a $50 to $200 rebate.
It won't matter which store you purchase the appliance from, you'll just have to send in your receipt and a rebate application to NYSERDA, and they'll send you a check.
Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, you will not have to trade anything in to get this rebate; you just have to buy a brand new model that meets the requirements.
Many of you have also asked whether the rebates can be claimed retroactively, as you've just purchased new appliances. The answer is no. You have to wait until the start date is set and buy anytime after that.
The rebates will be available until the $22 million New York will get runs out. NYSERDA estimates that'll be at least into early 2010.
Though the program is slated to begin in mid-November, until the feds sign off on it, NYSERDA can't move forward with any other details.
The Department of Energy is expected to start reviewing NYSERDA’s application Wednesday.
As soon as the details and dates are concrete, we will let you know.
