Energy Star Rebates

You can earn Energy Star rebates if you purchase specific products that have been deemed energy-efficient under the Energy Star program. The Federal tax rebate program was not extended into 2008, but there are other rebate programs still available.

Energy Star is a joint program established in 1992 between the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy to help consumers save money and protect the environment by using energy-efficient products.

The program centers on a voluntary program with over 9,000 private and public manufacturers and organizations that provide the technical information consumers need to choose energy-efficient products and systems. Manufacturers place a yellow Energy Star label on their products to show consumers a rating of the energy efficiency of their product.

Computers and monitors were the first products to be labeled. The program expanded to labeling other office equipment as well as residential heating and cooling equipment.

The Energy Star program has been highly successful:

• Participation by manufacturers – The Energy Star label can now be found on over 50 product categories of major appliances, home electronics and lighting.
• Energy-saving technology – The program has also been instrumental in the nationwide use of energy-saving technology such as more efficient fluorescent lighting, LED traffic lights and power management systems in equipment to provide low standby use of energy.
• Energy savings – In 2006, Americans saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 25 million cars and to save $14 billion on their utility bills. (Source: EnergyStar website)

Consumers, both residential and business, can save money on their utility bills if they purchase products with the Energy Star label.

Energy Star partners sponsor offers and Energy Star rebates to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient products. The offers range from rebates on qualified products to sales tax credits. The offer is usually advertised where you purchase the product. Rebate offers are also listed online.

Local utility companies often offer special incentives to their customers to purchase Energy Star products that will make their home more energy-efficient. Typical incentives include a rebate on the purchase of:

• Specific brands and models of washing machines, air conditioners and heaters
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Light bulbs
• Insulation materials

If you made changes to your home or purchased a car that provide energy efficiency you could have qualified for tax credits on your 2007 Federal income tax. For example:

• Windows and doors – Credit of 10 percent of cost of replacement windows, skylights, storm windows, storm doors and exterior doors.
• Roofing – Credit of 10 percent of cost of a new metal roof.
• Insulation – Credit of 10 percent of cost of qualified insulation product.
• Central air conditioning and heating – $300 credit for purchasing a new air conditioner, heat pump, fan, furnace or hot water boiler.
• Water heater – $300 credit for purchasing a new water heater.
• Car – A credit for purchasing a new hybrid vehicle.
• Solar Energy Systems – Credit of 30 percent of cost for a new solar energy system.

The Federal tax credits program expired in December, 2007. Legislation to extend the program did not pass both houses of Congress. The congressional leadership has said they will continue to look at ways to get the tax rebate program extended.

Look for the Energy Star label when you purchase any energy-based product – whether it is a major purchase such as a house furnace or a smaller purchase such as a space heater. The label will help you compare the energy efficiency of the product you are considering against other competitive products. You will save money on your energy bill if your home is more energy-efficient. You can earn extra savings if you also look for rebates offered by the manufacturer or your local utility company when you purchase specified energy-efficient products.

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