Consumers eagerly await final details about the appliance economic stimulus plan

I have noticed a surge if searches for the keywords “appliance economic stimulus” which tells me people want to know more details about the plan and how it will work, especially on how to apply for the appliance rebate. Here’s what I know from reading numerous news article about the “Cash for Appliances” program.

Here’s what I know: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is getting ready to dole out $300 million in economic stimulus money to the states as parts of a plan to get consumers to buy new, energy- efficient, Energy Star appliances.

The program, scheduled to launch sometime in late November, will be administered by each state and the rules governing what appliances qualify, what the rebate amounts will be, and who will keep track of the program must be finalized by the states by October 15.

Right now the program is vague as no national standard exists and each state will run its own cash for appliances program. In fact, most states are seeking input from their constituents. To give your input, contact your state representative or visit your state’s website.

However, according to an article from the Wall Street Journal, “Rebates will be available only for products with the government’s Energy Star label, a symbol that the appliance meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOE.”

The DOE is making recommendations to the states on what appliances should qualify and recommends in room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators because these appliances offer the greatest energy-saving potential.

Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, consumers will not have to turn in their old appliances in order to receive the rebate. In fact, thanks to the many programs offered by utility and state agencies across the country, consumers can get even more money by recycling their old appliances.

If you are a California resident, visit the Flex Your Power Website and enter your zip code to find appliance rebates in your area. The Flex Your Power Website is run by a partnership between utilities, residents, businesses, and other nonprofit agencies, all working to save energy.

If you are a New Jersey resident, get a cash rebate of $30 for your working Refrigerators and Freezers in addition to free pick up and recycling. To schedule the pickup of a refrigerator or freezer for recycling, New Jersey residents can call (877) 270-3520 or visit www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

Check with your town or city’s recycling program or sanitation service to see if you can get any cash back for your old, working appliance. According to an article from USAToday.com, more than 60 utilities across the nation offer some sort of refrigerator/freezer recycling program.

• To find an appliance or rebate program where you live, visit the ENERGY STAR website at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator.
• To find additional state or local utility tax incentives or rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

Read about other types of federal tax credit available for energy-efficient home improvements.

Air Washers, Air Purifiers, and Humidifiers on sale

Discounted Venta Airwashers, Air Purifiers, and Humidifiers,  no coupon or discount code needed.

Save on Venta Airwashers and enjoy cleaner air in your home today. Venta Airwashers uses a special water filtration system so no filter is needed, in fact, water is the filter. Disks rotate through water inside the air purifier and the disks trap dirt, dust, dander, smoke, and other allergens that are in your home’s air. Fine particles as small as 10 microns (10/1000 mm) are trapped and removed from your home’s air.

At the same time, your Venta Air Purifier is adding moisture to the dry air in your home through natural evaporating. You home’s air is humidified to the correct percentage by cold evaporation, acknowledged to be the best method.

Venta Airwasher- LW24 - More information/purchase

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The Venta Airwasher LW24 is a two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier and doesn’t require any filters, unlike other purifiers, which will save you money. The filter for the venta is regular tap water. The Venta Airwasher LW24 is recommended for rooms 360 sq. ft. (18′ x 20′). It features three different speed setting and can hold up to two gallons of water.  The unit is also nearly noiseless, odorless, and consumes very little power. The Venta Airwasher LW24 comes with a 10 year warranty.

Reviews by consumers who have purchased the Venta Airwasher LW24 were pleased with its simple design and self-regulating system which perfectly cleaned and humidified the air. Consumers were amazed at the difference the unit made in the quality of air inside their home. Consumers found that even on the “medium” setting their skin was less dry and their sinuses less congested. Consumers with allergies were very pleased with how it cleaned and purified the air.

Aromatherapy additives are available with you can add to your air purifier (separate purchase required) which will give your home a lovely scent of warm and inviting vanilla, soothing lavender or comforting eucalyptus.

Venta Airwasher LW14 - A Two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier! More info/buy now

Venta Airwasher LW14

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Venta Airwasher LW14 is a two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier and doesn’t require any filters or filter pads; instead it uses ordinary tap water as its filter. It is recommended for rooms up to 180 sq. ft. (12′ x 15′) and is simple to maintain and operate.  The Venta Airwasher LW14 has two speed settings and holds 1.2 gallons of water. Also comes with a 10 year warranty.

Consumers loved the dual operation of the Venta Airwasher LW14, the solid construction, long warranty, sturdy design and its ability to perfectly humidify the air.

Add the soothing scents of vanilla, lavender, or eucalyptus to your Venta Airwasher and enjoy a refreshing and pleasant scent experience. (Separate purchase required)

Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier VS 370 - Maintenance-free humidifier, just add water

Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier VS370

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The Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier first and only maintenance-free humidifier! With Venta-Sonic, just add water–there are no germs, no filter, no cleaning, and no white dust. Impurities and minerals are trapped in the Maintenance-Free Box (part number 1090036)–just lift, remove, and replace it once a year.
Simple operation, extremely easy to fill water tank, extremely quiet, and has a daily output of up to 4 gallons. Suitable for large rooms – up to 850 sq. ft. and holds two gallons of water.

Reviewers and consumers loved this low-maintenance, quiet, and easy-to-use humidifier.

Lower your cooling bills this summer

Use these tips to save money and keep cool during the summer.

1. Weather-proof your home. Most people associate weather proofing and drafts as an activity you do when preparing for winter. However, weather proofing is just as valuable in the summer especial when drafts lead to cool air leaking out and hot air seeping in.

• Air infiltration will also cause your in-room air conditioner or HVAC system to work harder to cool more which in turn increase your electric bills.
• Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents to the exterior, like extraction fans or clothes dryer vents. Use a stick of incense to detect air movement and to see if you have a draft.
• Check the weather stripping on your windows and doors and replace if needed.
• Use spray foam or the proper calk (there are several kinds and this story helps explain them well) around windows and doors to fill small gaps and holes. Also check around outlets, cable jacks, telephone lines and dryer vents for gaps that causes air to escape.

1. The recommended minimum setting for energy efficiency during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a programmable thermostat to decrease the temperatures in your home only when you are in it. According to this article from The Rancho Cordova Post, a programmable thermostat can save you over $100 per year over the non-programmable kinds.
2. If you are going to be away from home for more than four hours, turn the AC off. If you are going to be gone less than two, keep the AC level the same.
3. Purchase a whole house fan or ceiling fan to circulate cool air throughout your home.
4. Skip the oven and cook using a microwave or grill outside in order to reduce the residual heat caused by a stove.

5. Properly maintain your air conditioner

• Change or clean the air filter (if you have a reusable filter.) It is recommended that you clean of change the air filter on your air conditioner at least twice a month during cooling season.
• Clean the dust off of your air conditioners coils with a coil brush. Remove the cover and use a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air to clean the coils. The coils need to be clean for proper heat transfer.
• Straighten any AC fins that might have gotten bent over the year or while in storage.
• Dirty air conditioner parts and a dirty filter can cause your unit to work harder. Not only does this wear on the unit, it costs you more money to run the unit in the first place.
• When purchasing a new in-room air conditioner, buy only what you need. Measure the size of the room first and then multiply the length by the width and that total is your square footage. You can use a chart or calculation provided by a manufacturer (usually available on their website) to determine how many BTUs you need your air conditioner to handle. You will also want to take into account how shady or sunny the room will be. Add ten percent more for a sunny room, and take ten percent away for shaded rooms.

6. Unplug your phone charger and small appliances when not in use.

7. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads.
8. Lines dry your clothes and skip the clothes dryer for the summer and even into the fall.
9. Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any rebates of credits for purchasing programmable thermostats, Energy efficient air conditioning units, attic insulation. In Florida, the City of Ocala Electric 10. Utility is offer rebates on home heating and cooling upgrades and other energy-efficient appliances. Check with your local utility company to see what they offer.
11. Any energy-efficient improvements you make to your home might be viable for the federal tax credit. Areas covered include windows and doors, insulation, and HVAC improvements, check the EnergyStar.Gov Website to see what you need to do in order to qualify.

Appliance Parts:

• Kenmore Air Conditioner Parts
• GE Air Conditioner Parts
• Maytag Air Conditioner Parts
• Whirlpool Air Conditioner Parts
• Samsung Air Conditioner Parts