America Can’t Get Enough of Clunkers

The Cash for Clunkers program that drove Americans to turn in their old cars and spike new car sales is in play for appliances.   A couple of catches however: 1) the US Department of Energy is counting on the states to implement the program, and 2) it is likely you won’t have to bring in a clunker, energy hogging appliance in order to get the rebate.

The details are being worked out state by state. According to a report by CNET senior writer of the Green Tech blog, Martin LaMonica, rebates program should be in place by later this year or the start of 2010.

The appliances likely to be covered include energy hog refrigerators, dish washers, and washers and dryers among others.  The latest appliances to look for are those with the Department of Energy’s, Energy Star label.  That’s a 1992 program that identifies products that are typically 10 – 30 percent more efficient than comparable products.

Here is a state-by-state breakdown of available clunker cash State DOE funds

Mark Glover of McClatchy Newspapers writes that many retailers are gearing up for the appliance clunker cash program.

They are anticipating the same kind of consumer response as the car market, even though it is a fraction of the amount, $300 million for appliances compared with an estimate $3 billion (so far) for the cars program.

Given that this is a state program, it will be interesting to see how the program is applied for internet sales.  We checked an internet appliance etailers, Mike Luongo, president of AM Royal anticipates a program that will benefit consumers and businesses alike.  He is hopeful that common sense will prevail when regulators realize internet retailers serve customers in 50 states.  Trying to administer 50 unique state rebate programs is a large burden to small business.  “It should be as simple as possible to administer, for example a flat rate or single calculation per state that can be in a drop down menu.  A simple program will benefit consumers most because it gives them the greatest choice and competitive prices. That’s what ultimately will achieve the program’s goals of more energy efficient appliances in use and a push for the economic recovery that is just showing signs of beginning,” said Luongo.

Rebates for appliances have been around for a while. The California Energy Commission, for example ,credits its program for helping keep electricity per capita in that state essentially unchanged for nearly 30 years.

If you need a new appliance, now, or really soon might be a good time to be an energy saver.   Here is a list of some that will get you saving kilowatts faster with great installation:

Before You Buy the Big Screen – Check This List

Speaking as an experienced father of five, the big screen is a worthwhile investment, trust me.  It helps in so many ways, for example, it’s the desired destination for the teenage posse and at least I know where they are (they leave enough of a mess). For the pre-teen set playing the Nintendo Wii on a big screen is the ultimate in family gaming. (It’s withdrawal also comes in handy as an excellent punishment in the event chores are not getting done.)  It’s my new media version of spare the Wii and spoil the child.

Beyond the parenting, I’ve learned a few things about logistics and new age entertainment that I’d like to share with HDTV buyers.

1. Running wires is not as easy as it looks: You either need to be an electrician or good at drywall to do this yourself.  Me, I’m good at watching TV, so I’m going to concentrate on that.
2. Never underestimate the number of other machines that will go near the HDTV – To get that nice clean look you see in ads for televisions you need to think through where all the stuff that brings the picture, games, and movies to your screen is going to go.    If you are really one of the cool kids, try a picture in a picture frame, literally
3. Old school media needs a place too. By this I mean, DVDs, game CDs cartridges, etc.  These necessary physical packages need to be somewhere around the TV, until of course we are downloading all of our programming and games from somewhere else.  For the foreseeable future however, baskets, drawers, doors, can help hide the mess and make others believe you are really organized.
4. Distance, angles, natural light, and pictures – All these variables will impact the experience.  I purchased an LCD because of price, but really I should have gone with a plasma in a basement with no natural light or glare sources.  I will likely move that basement TV to a bedroom and get a larger screen in the basement. Live and learn.

The big screen was the best family Christmas gift.  I got the idea suddenly last year as I saw prices tank.  I could have thought through the decision a bit more, but as it was I stayed within budget, so no regrets.  This year, I’d suggest having 2 or 3 brands and models and prices in mind, then create a way to get alerts or go to websites weekly to check availablility.  Here is a list of online TV etailers as a place to start

• B & H
• Beach
• Electronics Expo
• Butterfly Photo

Have you shopped around for a set?  What did you learn along the way?