Appliance Rebates Kick Off Today
Pat Curry WGN News
April 16, 2010
CHICAGO - Many Illinois retail stores are opening earlier than usual Friday anticipating crowds seeking deals on appliances.
The Cash for Appliances program started Friday, but in reality it's a rebate program.
Consumers buying certain appliances can expect a 15 percent instant rebate when they purchase eligible appliances.
The program starts Friday, April 16 and runs until April 25, or when $6.5 million in funding runs out. Some outlets believe the program could even sell out by today.
That 15 percent rebate could translate up to $400 on qualified appliances.
The idea is to provide incentives for consumers to replace older appliances with energy-efficient ones.
In the first phase of the program that began January 31 and ended February 21, rebates were offered for heating products, air conditioners and water heaters.
The state's Department of Commerce and Economic Oppportunity said that program generated more than $30 million in water heater.
Today's eligible products include:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Clothes washers
- Dishwashers
- Room air conditioners
In addition, many stores are offering other incentives such as extending the period for discounts on appliances. Check your individual retail outlets for more information.
One more thing from the DCEO--To receive new product rebates, consumers must purchase from "participating" retailers. Consumers who purchase a new refrigerator (mini-fridges excluded) or freezer, can receive an additional mail-in rebate with proof that their old appliance was hauled away when the new one was delivered.
Here are a few things that Abt is doing differently regarding the appliance rebate program:
- Abt will continue to offer the 15% off Energy Star appliances even after the money is gone. Some appliances will even be marked down as much as 40%.
- Abt will be opening early on Friday, April 16th at 7:30am. They will have police directing traffic.
- Abt will have every manufacturer (Maytag, Sharp, etc) at the store to answer any additional questions that the sales staff can't handle.
- Many people may not know that there is a $400 limit to each item.
© 2010, WGN-TV, Chicago