Cash For Clunker Appliance Rebate Program Kicks Off

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The wildly successful Cash for Clunkers program is back, and this time, the federal government is calling for your old appliances. They want you to trade in old refrigerators and washing machines and buy more energy efficient models.

Jean Brown is on a shopping mission.

News On 6: "What brought you here today?"

Jean Brown: "Cash for Clunkers!"

She is working on her game plan to take advantage of the federal government's Cash for Clunkers for appliances program. Brown says it's time to say sayonara to her old fridge.

"Twenty-eight years! I've made my Whirlpool last for a very long time. So it's definitely time for a refrigerator, and the Cash for Clunkers is just a no brainer," she said.

Oklahoma state officials say the $3.5 million rebate program may mean 23,000 rebates.

"They talk about it being like Black Friday, but it's not like a Gameboy where you know beforehand exactly what you want - it's just run to that place grab it and run to the door," said Lee Sherman, Hahn Appliance Warehouse.

Hahn Appliance Warehouse says they expect the rebates to go quickly.

"As the rebates from all across the state are sent in, the money clock goes down. And when you are out of money you can't get a rebate anymore," Sherman said.

They say the program is a win-win: better for your wallet; better for the environment.

"An energy saver washer for instance, like one of the front loads here, will use 20-25 gallons less water per load. That's a lot of water," said Lee Sherman of Hahn Appliance Warehouse.

If you want to qualify for the rebate, you'll have to buy an Energy Star appliance. And if you aren't sure - just ask.

The rebates range from $50 to $250 dollars, depending on the appliance you trade in. The refrigerator rebate is the motivation Brown needed to say farewell to her old fridge.

"Two hundred will help," said shopper Jean Brown. "Every little bit helps in this economy, that's for sure."

Many stores are opening early tomorrow. Hahn Appliances is opening at 5 a.m.

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