Cash for Appliances program begins today

Fed-funded, state- run program meant to promote energy efficiency and help stimulate economy.

DAYTON — Today, March 26, is the first day of the Cash for Appliances program, officially called the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

Cash for Appliances is a federally funded, state-run program that is designed to promote energy efficiency and to stimulate the economy by offering rebates for residents who purchase select Energy Star-qualified appliances and recycle their old appliances.

In Ohio, residents can get $100 for refrigerators (minirefrigerators are not eligible), dishwashers and high-efficiency gas storage water heaters; $150 for clothes washers; and $250 for electric-pump water heaters.

Here’s how it works:

• Starting at 8 a.m. today, call (888) 686-8896 or visit www.OhioApplianceRebate.com to reserve a rebate.

• Within three days of getting that reservation, purchase an eligible Energy Star-qualified appliance from an Ohio retailer. Online purchases are not eligible. Keep your receipt.

• Also within three days, go online to www.OhioApplianceRebate.com or call (888) 686-8896 to redeem your rebate. Online will be the quickest.

• If online, print out your redemption form. If on the phone, follow the instructions provided.

• Recycle your old appliance and obtain proof of recycling. Many retailers will haul away your old appliance and provide recycling proof. Ask about this before buying your new appliance.

• Mail in the redemption form, original receipt and proof of recycling to the address provided on the form within 30 days.

• Consumers can expect to receive their rebate in eight to 10 weeks.

Ohio received more than $11 million for this program from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Ohio Department of Development, which is administering the program, said the rebates could run out within a few weeks.

For more information, visit www.OhioApplianceRebate.com or call (888) 686-8896.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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