Navigating appliance rebate plan

Will the "cash for appliances" be as successful (and frustrating) as the "cash for clunkers" program?

Jeffrey Haase at the Office of Energy Security in the Minnesota Department of Commerce is expecting some of the rebate supplies to be exhausted by March 10, if not sooner. Carla Warner, director of sales at Warners' Stellian, said that it's impossible to guess how successful the program will be, but she expects clothes washers to be the most popular rebate because it's the largest cash amount ($200) and the replacement saves the most money in utilities costs.

Still, the appliance rebate frenzy might be overblown. States such as New York and Michigan that have already begun the program have not exhausted the rebate money and have extended or expect to extend their programs to use up the money.

Consumers who want to participate in the Minnesota program can request the rebate starting at 8 a.m. Monday. Only appliances with an Energy Star rating purchased on or after March 1 qualify for the rebate. Go to www.energystar.gov to find qualifying models or ask a salesperson.

Q How many rebates are available statewide?

A The 25,400 rebates include about 6,000 washers, 6,000 dishwashers, 11,400 refrigerators and 2,000 freezers. If fewer consumers request a refrigerator rebate than expected, for example, they can be reallocated to another category. If requests exceed demand, a wait list will be instituted. One rebate per household.

Q What are the rebate amounts?

Q Can I get the rebate from an appliance retailer?

A No, you have to order it at www.mnappliancerebate.com or by calling 1-877-230-9119.

Q Is this the best time to buy?

A Maybe, maybe not. Some retailers might not discount appliances as much because of the rebate frenzy. But even the appliance outlet stores such as Sears (Coon Rapids and Minneapolis) will still honor the rebates. One good deal might be to wait for Warners' Stellian Extreme Warehouse Sale March 13-14. But order your rebate before March 13 or they might be gone. One more caveat for fridge and freezer buyers: You have to have the old one hauled away and the new one delivered within 30 days of your rebate request to get the extra $50 to $100. Warners' delivery times can take a lot longer after a large sales event and you might exceed the 30-day window.

Another advantage to buying now is the large number of rebates available from manufacturers and utilities. Check with your retailer and your gas or electric utility to see if a new appliance is eligible for other rebates. Before you buy, make sure the appliance is on the list of Energy Star appliances that qualify for the rebate. Some discontinued or older models in outlet stores might not. If you're buying an at outlet or a warehouse sale, make sure it's compatible with your existing setup and fits in the space because all sales are final.

A Order your rebate ASAP anyway. You have 30 days from the date of the request to send in your paperwork. If you decide not to buy, someone else will get your rebate.