Federal and State Governments Offer Incentives to Upgrade Your Old Household Appliances

By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

The federal government is providing over $300 million in stimulus money to reward homeowners who purchases energy-efficient appliances for their home. The State of Maryland is receiving over $3.5 million. It is up to each state to designate which appliances qualify for the new plan. This stimulus package was created to give a boost to the ailing retail market and the environment. Many utility companies are already offering rebate programs for appliances that utilize less water and energy than older standard models.

The stimulus is just another stepping stone to boost our economy. The federal government also offers tax incentives for other energy-efficient installments in homes. Items such as new windows and insulation qualify for this program. Maryland offers some matching incentives as well.

Recycling old appliances is an option for consumers who do not want to just throw them out. Steel is the main recyclable component of older model kitchen appliances. This not only helps the environment, it saves homeowner’s money on their utility bills each month. Some people have saved over $40 a month in costs. BGE will come to your home, pick up your refrigerator or freezer and pay you $50 each as an incentive to recycle and replace them. Not bad huh?