Cash for Appliances
Cash for Clunkers is about to end (again). This fall, the U.S. is scheduled for a program of cash rebates for purchase of energy-efficient appliances, which of course is now being dubbed “Cash for Appliances,” even though it barely resembles Cash for Clunkers and has been done before.
It’s simple, really. People who buy new appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, or dishwashers, can get a rebate of $50 to $200 for buying the Energy-Star labeled versions. That’s it. You don’t have to trade in or destroy your old appliances. In fact, you can keep your old, energy-sucking fridge running in the garage if you feel like it.
It’s all part of the economic stimulus bill, and the details are being handled by individual states. The federal government is just providing the money. Many states and local utility companies have provided appliance rebate programs before, so this won’t even be anything new.
Energy efficiency is good. Many people can save money by getting rid of an older (10+ years old is a good guideline) refrigerator and replacing it with a more energy efficient model. It also helps us, as a society, conserve precious energy resources.
If we’re just encouraging people to buy a second refrigerator, though, that kind of defeats the purpose. And we don’t know what customers’ intentions will be.
So, my question is, will this program really help people, or is it just another way of encouraging consumerism in order to prop up an unsustainable economy?
In the case of appliances, I’m more inclined to think kindly of the program than otherwise. And in my case, I know I won’t be buying any appliances either way – I’m a renter, and appliances are provided.
More info: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/aug2009/db20090821_304909.htm
This post has 4 comments
August 24th, 2009
[scratches head] You mean the refrigerator in Novato is not energy efficient? It’s only… well, it’s at least forty-five years old, because I saw it in a picture of Mam’s sweet sixteen party.
August 24th, 2009
It’s 60 years old. Granny and Grandpa bought it when your mom was born.
August 25th, 2009
I think this would be a more worthwhile program but there is the possibility you noted that people will still hang on to their energy inefficient appliances which defeats part of the purpose.
I probably won’t use it even though I do need new appliances as these are quite old and were here when I moved in. But there isn’t $ for such a purchase right now, cash incentive or not, so I’ll just keep using these until they either stop working or I can save money to replace them.
August 25th, 2009
I like this idea better than the car one. I think for most people that’s not enough money to matter unless they were already going to buy something, it is enough to get them to buy an energy star over a non I think though.
And it may just be me but even if they do use a lot of power I would rather if the item still works it go to a poor family and if it doesn’t it get recycled for parts.