The Federal Government works with product manufacturers and distributors to provide discounts on products used in our businesses and homes that reduce energy consumption.
Often the rebate information is listed on the product in the store when you purchase it but more often then not rebates never make it to the consumer.
You also have situations where a retailer might push a non-rebate product over a rebated product because they make more on the sale.
For this reason it is important that you take the time to do a little research before you make your purchases. If the money that is allocated for rebates is not used then it can go back into the federal government or departments general fund and might endup being used for programs you won’t benefit from.
So where can you find government rebates?
A good place to start is the EPA’s Website. Their Rebate Locator will show rebates in your area.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator
Another great place to look is your local and state government websites. They often have additional programs that make use of Federal and State dollars.
You should also check with your Retailer and Manufacturer but remember that they might not know about all government rebates on their products because they are not always the place that you send in your coupons to get the rebate.
Finally if you are purchasing appliances you should check with your utilities company. Almost every Utility whether Gas, Electric or Water has a list of products that you can purchase at discount.
Stacking your rebates is a good idea. You should also match rebate programs with retail sales.
what types of products can you get on discount or with rebates?
Appliances
Clothes Washers
Dishwashers
Refrigerators & Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
Room Air Conditioners
Water Coolers
Fans
Ceiling Fans
Residential Ventilation Fans
Heating and Cooling Equipment
Boilers
Ceiling Fans
Central AC
Electric Air-Source Heat Pump
Furnaces
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Programmable Thermostats
Home Electronics
Audio and DVD Products
Combination Units
Cordless Phones
DVD Products
Home Audio
Phones and Answering Machines
Set-top Boxes
Televisions
Home Envelope
Insulation
Roof Products
Windows, Doors & Skylights
Lighting Products
CFL Bulbs
Ceiling Fans
Decorative Light Strings
Light Fixtures
Office Equipment
Computers
Copiers
Copiers and Fax Machines
Digital Duplicators
Fax Machines
Mailing Machines
Monitors
Multifunction Devices
Notebook Computers/Tablet PCs
Printers
Printers, Scanners, and All-in-Ones
Scanners
Residential Water Heaters
Gas Condensing
Heat Pump
High-Efficiency Gas Storage
Solar – Electric
Solar – Gas
Whole-Home Gas Tankless