Shop Smart

Buying energy efficient appliances these days is just plain smart!  You’re not only saving the environment by using fewer natural resources, but you’re also saving money in your pocket through lower utility bills.   Keep in mind, you can increase the economic benefits of buying more energy efficient appliances by checking for rebates offered by your local energy and water utilities or tax incentives available from your state or federal government.  Rebates are most common for high efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, lighting products and cooling equipment.  Rebate programs are much more common among electric companies than gas, although some gas utilities offer rebates for high efficiency furnaces and boilers.  

• Research available tax credits on the Tax Incentives Awareness Project (TIAP) or DSIRE, an online database of state and federal incentives for efficiency and renewables.
• If you are in the market to buy a major appliance soon, call your utility or state energy office to see if rebates are offered for efficient models.  Don’t forget to check with the water utility if you are purchasing a dishwasher, washing machine or water heater.

Source:  http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/