Cash for Appliances Being Hailed a Success by Consumers

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Eager Oklahomans didn't waste much time getting their hands on discounted appliances. Starting today the state kicked off the much anticipated Appliance Rebate program.

The federal government provided the state with $3.5 million to help encourage people to get rid of their old appliances and buy new, more energy efficient ones.

Depending on the item a consumer could save anywhere from $50 for a room air conditioner to $250 for a ground source heat pump or an air source heat pump.

At Harry's TV and Appliances, one of the many stores taking part in the program, some of the hot items were refrigerators as well as washers. Customers begin showing up at the store at 6:30 a.m., but due to the programs rules no items could be sold before 9 a.m.

"We've probably written more tickets in the last hour then we normally would in a week or more," said Harry Seley, Harry's TV and Appliance owner.

Annie Barnes, who was shopping for a new refrigerator, said she had held off buying a one so she could take advantage of the rebate offer.

"I thought it was worth it. I'm kind of a penny pincher," Barnes said.

The program, which will last until the stimulus money is gone, is designed to help get rid of older less environmentally friendly appliances. 

"Some of the stuff that was 25-year-old really used a lot of electricity, and they'll cut it down to half or less from what they would have had," Seley said.

He said that should be reason enough for the government to implement the program.

"The idea is to get the items off the electrical grid and it should do that," Seley said.

However, what is concerning for Seley is what happened following the 'Cash for Clunkers' program when many car dealerships experienced a drastic decrease in business.

What to do after buying your appliance:

- Consumers will arrange through their retailer or other means to have the old appliance removed from the home.

-Consumers must mail their rebate application and copy of their receipt by June 30 to receive a rebate.

-Rebates should arrive by mail in the form of a check in 4 to 6 weeks. There is no tax liability.

Oklahoma Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

The following 'B7 items qualify, with the rebate listed:

• Clothes washers, $200
• Refrigerators, $200
• Room air conditions, $50
• Water heaters, $100
• Central air conditioners, $100
• Gas furnaces, $100
• Ground source heat pumps, $250
• Air source heat pumps, $250

Learn more about Cash for Clunker Appliances