The Program dates are fuzzy with conflicting dates depending on which state website or press release you are reading. A New Jersey Board of Public Utilities press release dated October 28, 2009 states a program launch of January 1, 2010, yet the New Jersey Clean Energy website is listing a tentative start date of April, 2010. Continue to watch both the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and New Jersey Clean Energy websites to monitor the starting date.

The New Jersey Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate Program will have $8.33 million in funding from the federal government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for consumers residing in New Jersey who buy Energy Star Appliances to receive rebates from. The New Jersey Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates in the Board of Public Utilities press release are listed as $35 for clothes washers, $25 – 75 for dishwashers, $75 – 100 for refrigerators, $250 for electric heat pump water heaters, and $1,200 for solar (gas back up) water heaters.

In addition to the above rebate program, money is also being applied to the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, which will allow customers of the municipal utilities throughout the state that were previously not eligible for New Jersey Clean Energy Program Rebates to receive rebates. Eligibility is also being extended to fuel oil and propane consumers by this funding action. The Municipal Utility Customers can receive rebates of $300 for central air conditioners, $300 for air source heat pumps, and $400 for ground source heat pumps. Fuel oil customers can receive $300 rebates on oil furnaces and $300 on oil boilers. Propane customers can receive rebates of $25 for gas storage water heaters, $300 for gas tankless water heaters, $300 for gas furnaces, and $300 for gas boilers. The refrigerator freezer rebate of $50 is also being expanded to offer more rebates.

With the conflicting dates being given by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and New Jersey Clean Energy websites I recommend monitoring both websites for clarification of the date details as well as any additional information on appliance eligibility. The present information also stated some appliance rebates may be offered on a seasonal or, limited time frame basis. You may also call 1-866-NJSMART for additional information.

The Rebate Program Processor has not yet been selected, the California Energy Commission is currently in the process of soliciting bids for a program processor look for details of the selection on the California Energy Commission website as well as Rebate Application information when a bidder is selected in March 2010. The program purchase dates are presently set between March 2010 and May 2010, with a claim period from April 2010 to June 2010. An additional rebate period in the summer of 2010 will be offered if funds are still available.

The California Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate targets Refrigerators with $75 Rebates, Clothes Washers with $100 Rebates, and Room Air Conditioners with $50 Rebates. The Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates in the California Program are expected to be used on *150,000 refrigerators for a total of $11,250,00, *125,000 clothes washers for a total of $12,500,00, and *100,000 room air conditioners for a total of $5,000,000. The total dollar amount of the rebates expected to be issued is 28,750,00 for appliance customers of these three items. The total amount received from the Federal Government is $35,267,00 with rebate processing estimated at below $1M and not to exceed $1.5M. These rebates layer on top of many existing rebate programs offered by many utility companies and municipalities. In addition the performance requirements of the targeted appliances is more stringent than just selecting an Energy Star appliance so additional research on the eligible appliances is required.

The present California Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates eligibility requirements are the appliance purchaser must be a California residential customer, the appliance purchased must be a replacement for an appliance in working condition from a participating California retailer, and there is a limit of one appliance in each category per household. The appliance purchase must be made during the offer dates, in addition the appliance must be taken off line and recycled with proof of purchase and proof of recycling submitted with the rebate claim form within 30-Days of purchase.

Make sure to check for complete details of the program on the California Energy Commission website, and other state energy websites to assure compliance with program details to receive your rebates. The California Appliance Stimulus Package is complex and many of the program details have not yet been finalized.

The Rebate Program is to be administered by your electric utility company Connecticut Light &Power, United Illuminating, or, Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative. Look for details to be included in your electric bills sent between November 16, 2009 – December 31, 2009, as well as on the State of Connecticut and utility company websites. Retailers should also be publishing details in circulars and in other forms of advertising. Phase 1 of the program is scheduled to launch December 15, 2009 and end February 28, 2010 followed by Phase 2 running April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010 and Phase 3 starting July 1, 2010 if funding is still remains.

The Connecticut Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate targets Refrigerators with $50 Rebates, Clothes Washers with $100 Rebates, Freezers with $50 Rebates, and Room Air Conditioners with $50 Rebates. The Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates in the Connecticut Program are expected to be used on *18,113 refrigerators for a total of $905,650, *12,076 clothes washers for a total of $1,207,600, *3,020 freezers for a total of $151,000, and 9,055 room air conditioners for a total of $452,750. The Rebates also target central air conditioners with rebates of $500 targeting the replacement of 604 units for a total of $302,000. The total dollar amount of rebates to be given out is $3,019,000. Additional rebates are available under existing utility rebate programs for refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers, and central air/heat pumps, with only Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative having an existing rebate for room air conditioners. In some cases the rebate may be doubled if used within 45 days of a utility company Home Energy Solutions Energy Audit.

The Connecticut Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates are available after purchasing with applications available from retailers, utilities either On-Line or, by calling, and the states energy information websites. Rebate applications must be sent in postmarked within 30 days of purchase to the address specified on the application and will be processed on a first come, first served basis. The rebates will only be paid as long as funding is available and there is no guarantee of a rebate being paid for submittal of an application. If a rebate is issued it should be sent to the customer within 60 days of the receipt of the application.

The Connecticut Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate Program is valid for residential CL&P, UI, and CMEEC electric customers. The Rebates cover appliances purchased, replaced and installed, on or after December 15, 2009 to May 31, 2010 or later if funding remains. The exact dates depend on approval of Phase 1 & 2. The appliances must be installed by a licensed contractor when applicable, in the territory of the sponsoring utility company, and only one rebate per appliance per household is permitted.

Make sure to check for complete details of the program on the state energy information websites, your utility company website and mailings, and at retailers to assure compliance with program details to receive your rebates.

Bosch Washing Machines

WAE20060UC, WAS20160UC, WAS24460UC, WFL2090UC, WFMC220*UC, WFMC4301UC, WFMC5301UC, WFMC530CUC, WFMC530SUC, WFMC5440UC, WFMC544SUC, WFMC5801UC, WFMC8400UC, WFMC8401UC, WFMC8440UC, WFVC3300UC, WFVC5400UC, WFVC540SUC, WFVC5440UC, WFVC544AUC, WFVC6450UC, and WFVC8440UC.

Bosch Refrigerators

B20CS51SN*, B20CS81SN*, B22CS30SN*, B22CS50SN*, B22CS80SN*, B24IR70*, B30IR70*, B36*T71*N*, B36IB70*, and B36IT71NNP.

Bosch Freezers

B18ID80*, B18IF70*, B24ID80*, B24IF70*, and B30IF70*.

Bosch Dishwashers

SGE63E0#UC, SGV45E03UC, SGX58E05UC, SHE33M0#UC, SHE33P0#UC, SHE42L1#UC, SHE43F0#UC, SHE43F1#UC, SHE43M0#UC, SHE43P0#UC, SHE43P1#UC, SHE45C0#UC, SHE45M0#UC, SHE4AM0#UC, SHE4AM1#UC, SHE53L0#UC, SHE55C0#UC, SHE55M0#UC, SHE55M1#UC, SHE55P0#UC, SHE58C0#UC, SHE5AL0#UC, SHE5AM0#UC, SHE65P0#UC, SHE68E05UC, SHE68E15UC, SHE68M0#UC, SHE68P0#UC, SHE6AF0#UC, SHE6AP0#UC, SHE98M05UC, SHV43P13UC, SHV45M03UC, SHV65P03UC, SHV68E13UC, SHV68M03UC, SHV68P03UC, SHV98M03UC, SHX33M0#UC, SHX36L15UC, SHX3AM0#UC, SHX43M0#UC, SHX43P1#UC, SHX45L05UC, SHX45M0#UC, SHX45P0#UC, SHX4AP0#UC, SHX55M0#UC, SHX5AL0#UC, SHX65P0#UC, SHX68E05UC, SHX68E15UC, SHX68M0#UC, SHX68P05UC, SHX6AP0#UC, SHX98M0#UC, and SRV53C03UC.

Other places to check for information would be large appliance dealers who are sure to be following the developments of their states programs as well as your state representatives to the state government. The deadline for states to submit their program to the federal government is October 15, 2009 and most funding should be distributed by November 30, 2009 to the states.

The Appliance Stimulus Package referred to as Cash for Appliances by many will be a popular program. Keep a watchful eye on the Appliance Stimulus Package program in your state so you can plan on getting your share of the rebates before the funding runs out.

When you get your new Energy Star Air Conditioner installed under the Appliance Stimulus Package and whatever other funding you manage to secure you should also consider getting your home insulated better if it needs it and get it sealed making sure the doors and windows are tight and the weather stripping and caulking needs are taken care of. Make sure the outer shell of your home is tight to get the maximum savings and maximum comfort out of your new system. You should also have the air conditioning installer evaluate your ducts and make sure they are sized properly for the maximum effectiveness of your system. If older ducts are being reused they should be checked and resealed as needed. Poorly performing ducts and leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of the system by as much as 20%.

Get a Programmable Thermostat installed with your new system and program it for your schedule. Consider Programmable Thermostats that have Intelligent Recovery which will start changing the temperature before you arrive home by gradually starting the air conditioning in an economical manner saving energy. Modern thermostats are able to learn the characteristics of your home and system so they start changing the temperature ahead of time so it is just right when you arrive home at the scheduled time.

Once the new System is installed make sure that it is maintained so you get the maximum efficiency out of the system. Change the filters when they get dirty so air flow is not restricted. Make sure the coils are cleaned, belts are replaced, and bearings are oiled or greased by having the system checked out every year before start up. Keep the system operating at peak performance to get the most for your energy dollars.

Call around now to find an air conditioning contractor to upgrade your system or, better yet, Find One On-Line.

Heat Pumps operate like a refrigerator in reverse. Heat is removed from the ambient air surrounding the unit and pumped into the water heater. The air coming out of the unit is actually cool and the unit also functions as a dehumidifier which can be a fringe benefit in many homes with basement water heater. Instead of running a dehumidifier you can run a heat pump and get hot water out of the deal. The AirTap unit acts as a conventional heat pump, which uses a low wattage compressor sends heat through long copper tubes which are inserted through an adaptor into your water heater hank. This heats the water just like a gas burner or electric heating element. The AirTap Heat Pump uses less power than an 8-cup coffee machine to run its compressor, and its energy consumption level is equivalent to keeping two coffee machines on for a day. According to the US Department of Energy, the average American household with a typical water heater (gas or electric) spends about 14-25% of its energy costs on heating water alone. Installing an AirTap Heat Pump can cut this cost in half. AirTap MSRP $699.

The first thing you would need to know is that your existing water heater is in good condition and worth installing the AirTap Heat Pump on it. You will also need a Phillips Screwdriver, Small Adjustable Wrench, Large Adjustable Wrench, Pipe Wrench and a Pair of Gloves. The Installation can be done in about an hour following the instructions and the video.

This fall as Appliance Stimulus Rebates, Weatherization Assistance Grants if qualified, State and Utility Rebate Programs in about ½ the states, and Income Tax Credits come together this inexpensive AirTap Heat Pump Retrofit becomes even more affordable so you can save money. Call around to find out who has AirTap Heat Pumps or, Shop On-Line.

Older water heaters do not have the thick foam insulation that today’s modern water heaters have so the stand by heat loss is higher. Many water heaters from the 1990’s when there was a run of defective dip tubes are still in use with the owners wondering why they run out of hot water. The bad dip tube allows incoming cold water to mix with the hot water leaving the tank. The Appliance Stimulus Package rebates will give you money to replace that old inefficient or, broken water heater with a new Energy Star Water Heater and the Appliance Stimulus Package rebate coupled with the energy savings can pay off the new water heater.

When a water heater fails it is usually an emergency situation and you do not take the time to select the most efficient way of heating your water. The water heater simply gets replaced and often with the most inefficient one. Now is a great time to start looking at what is available in the line up of Energy Star Appliance Stimulus Package eligible water heaters to save you money. There are many new technologies as well as some that are old but much more refined than they were 20 years ago. By taking your time and looking at the Energy Star water heater options you can cut your water heating bill in half.

Some of the Appliance Stimulus Package eligible water heaters to consider would include high efficiency gas storage, gas condensing water heaters, solar water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. High efficiency gas storage water heaters are a lot like your old gas water heater except the burner is more efficient and the tank has better insulation. Gas condensing water heaters simply have the flue gases from the burner go through a long heat exchanger to soak all the available heat out of the flue gases before venting them out side. Solar uses the power of the sun to heat your water but also require a back up water heating system to produce water at night and during long cloudy periods where there is not enough sunlight to provide your water heating needs. Heat pump water heaters are a lot like a refrigerator running in reverse. Using a refrigeration type system heat from the air in your home is pumped into the water heater.

Whatever system you choose that will work best in your application now is the time to take advantage of the Appliance Stimulus Program rebates, Weatherization Assistance Program grants if you qualify and get ready to save on your water heating bill.

For a Dishwashers to qualify for the Appliance Stimulus Package rebates it must have the Energy Star Seal, these new Energy Star models are highly improved over the older non Energy Star dishwashers. Soil sensors test the amount of soil in the water throughout the wash cycle and this new technology automatically adjusts the wash cycle time to get the best possible cleaning with a minimum use of water and energy resources. The new Energy Star dishwashers also filter the wash water allowing less water to do a better cleaning the dishes. Racks and the spray nozzles are purposely designed hold the dishes at angles that allow better cleaning. New Energy Star dishwashers will clean dishes better and save electricity and water on every load.

Replacing an older energy hog dishwasher with a new Energy Star dishwasher under the Appliance Stimulus Package will save about $40 per year on your electric bill, and about 8 gallons of water on each load. If you hand wash your dishes and get a new an Energy Star dishwasher you will save about $40 per year on your electric bill you will conserve about 5,000 gallons of water each year too. In addition new dishwashers boost the water temperature to 140 degrees F to sanitize your dishes making them much cleaner than you could do by hand. You will also spend less time doing dishes, the Energy Star website claims the time savings will amount to 230 hours a year which is almost 10 full days that you could be doing something else.

Here are some energy saving tips that you can do with your new Appliance Stimulus Package dishwasher and gain even more savings.

• Don’t rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off the dishes and will save about 20 gallons of water on each load. New Energy Star dishwashers and the modern detergents are designed to clean the dishes better so no pre rinsing is needed.
• If your dirty dishes are going be sitting for a while before the dishwasher runs use the dishwashers rinse feature which uses less water than hand rinsing would.
• The dishwasher uses the same amount of energy and water each time it runs so do not run partial loads.
• Last use the “no heat” drying cycle to save even more electricity, using Jet Dry will have them spotless.

Get on down to Best Buy, Lowes, Sears, and Home Depot, to check out the Appliance Stimulus Package eligible dishwashers or, shop On-Line. Be ready to buy your new appliances before the Appliance Stimulus Package funding runs out.

The refrigerator is one of the few appliances in the home that is always on making it one of the largest users of electricity in the home. Buying a new Energy Star refrigerator under the Appliance Stimulus Package program can get you a refrigerator that uses less electricity than a 60 watt light bulb. All Energy Star appliances qualify for the Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates and you can receive rebates of $50 – $200 when you buy a new appliance check with your state program for details. Depending on the age of the refrigerator you are replacing you can save $100 – $200 per year on your electric bill.

To make sure you get your Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate you need to be ready to buy when your states program starts before the funds run out. You saw how fast that happened with the Cash for Clunkers! Research your options now so that when the Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates start you are ready to act.

Good places to look for Appliance Stimulus Package qualifying refrigerators include:

• Sears which has 598 models of Appliance Stimulus Package eligible refrigerators ranging in price from $479 – $6569.99
• Best Buy which has 538 models of Appliance Stimulus Package eligible refrigerators ranging in price from the compact refrigerator at $129.99 to a deluxe bottom mount freezer model which is priced at $5499.99
• Lowes which is selling 411 models eligible for the Appliance Stimulus Package ranging in price from $548 to $8498 for an almost 30 cu. ft. side by side built in model.
• Home Depot which has 304 models qualifying for the Appliance Stimulus Package from a $199 compact to a $3999 side by side refrigerator.

Look over the Appliance Stimulus Package Energy Star Refrigerators and see which of the types would fit your needs. There are plenty of eligible models Side by Side, Bottom Mount Freezer, Counter Depth, Top Mount Freezer, Built In, and even Compacts to choose from with about 20 different manufacturers at those 4 stores alone. Get Ready to Get Your Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate!

Check out the Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate Eligible refrigerators today at Sears, Best Buy, Lowes, and Home Depot, or shop On-Line.