Since the program’s launch March 26, almost 21,000 rebates have been reserved for dishwashers, exhausting available funds for that category. As one of the least expensive qualifying Energy Star categories, it also offered the best rebate value, said Paul Fulton, merchandising manager for Home Depot’s Butler County stores.
Jane and Rick McGuire of Middletown said they were hoping to get a dishwasher at the local Lowe’s, but didn’t reserve a rebate ahead of time. They’re now hoping to get a new refrigerator.
“We don’t need one really, but this is a chance to upgrade for less money,” Jane McGuire said.
Under the rebate program, residential consumers can earn rebates for replacing inefficient appliances with select Energy Star models. Amounts range from $100 for refrigerators, dishwashers and high-efficiency gas water heaters, $150 for clothes washers and $250 for electric heat pump water heaters.
Rebates can be reserved online at OhioApplianceRebate.com or by calling (888) 686-8896. Residents will have 72 hours to buy a qualifying appliance.
Buyers must then send in their original receipt, rebate form and proof of recycling form to receive the funds. Online purchases do not qualify for a rebate and households can only receive one rebate per appliance type, according to the Ohio Department of Development, which is administering the program.
Craig Spears of Hamilton said he was researching appliances at the Home Depot on Winford Avenue in Fairfield Twp. to decide if the $100 “was worth the plunge.” He had his heart set on the LG stainless steel french door refrigerator model for $1,500.
“I’m going to bring my wife tomorrow. It’s a lot of money and I wish the rebate was more for refrigerators, but then I would be spending full-price if it wasn’t for the rebate,” Spears said.
The deadline to apply for a rebate is April 19 for all appliances, May 24 for the water heaters.
Rebate forms must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the date of the appliance purchase. Rebate checks will be mailed eight to 10 weeks after receipt of the required documents, according to the state.
About the Author