Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The state has finalized plans for its "Cash for Appliances" rebate program -- and they are significantly different from the original version.
If you want to cash in, you'll now have to wait until February to do it, and the list of approved appliances has shrunk.
The state says it made some major changes to the plan after talking with appliance retailers who needed more time to prepare, and thought having a defined time period would work most efficiently.
NYSERDA has now chosen to offer the rebates on just three major appliances. Here's The Real Deal:
If you purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator, you get a $75 rebate. If you can prove you recycled your old one, it gets bumped up to $105.
Clothes washers will also qualify for a $75 rebate, $100 if you recycle your old one.
Freezers will get you $50 back; $75 if you properly dispose of the old one.
If you buy all three items, or two of them and an Energy Star dishwasher, you can get a $500 rebate, or $550 if you recycle your old appliances. There is no rebate offer for buying a dishwasher separately; it must be purchased with the other appliances.
NYSERDA had told us they were hoping these rebates would be available starting in November; now, they say they'll offer them from February 12th to the 21st.
If there's still money left over after the designated time period, they'll open up the program again, but they won't know that until they see how many people cash in.
It doesn't matter where you buy the appliances, you'll just need proof of purchase to get the rebate and proof of recycling to get the additional money.
NYSERDA says they chose these particular appliances because they could produce the most energy savings if replaced.
If you go for the package deal, all of the appliances have to be purchased at the same time.
NYSERDA says customers will still be eligible for other manufacturer rebates and incentives along with this rebate.
