S.C. to offer rebates on Energy Star appliances

Prestige Appliances manager Trent Roth looks at the Energy Guide in a top-loading clothes washer, which will qualify for the Energy Star appliance rebate program beginning Friday. Staff photo by Haley Hughes.

Beginning Friday, rebates from South Carolina's remaining portion of the appliance rebate stimulus program will be available for qualifying Energy Star appliances purchased Friday, Jan. 27, through Feb. 5.

Qualifying appliances include Energy Star-labeled washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and room air conditioning units. Eligible washers will receive a $100 rebate while dishwashers, refrigerators and room air conditioning units will receive $50 rebates.

"We are excited to offer another rebate program that will not only help South Carolinians purchase new appliances, but will also help them save money on their utility bills by upgrading to these more energy-efficient products," said Ashlie Lancaster, director of the S.C. Energy Office. "We also hope this program will remind people to look for the Energy Star label wherever they shop."

Every appliance retailer in South Carolina is participating in the rebate program. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Prestige Appliances and True Value in downtown Aiken said customers will be able to find all qualifying appliances at their stores.

The last time the rebates were offered, Prestige Appliances had customers lined up out the door.

"It is one of the biggest sales we've ever had, and we'll have special sales on top of the rebates," said store manager Trent Roth.

Det Haislip, owner of True Value, anticipates washing machines will be a big seller.

"People will limp along with an underperforming washer, as opposed to a refrigerator when food starts to spoil," Haislip said. "I anticipate the rebates will bring the people out for washers. We've got a good selection of top loaders and front loaders.

"Any time the government is going to give you some of your money back, people notice." he said. "We've got an abundance (of qualifying appliances) and more on the way."

The store is also extending its hours this weekend. On Friday, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Customers wishing to participate in this program must be replacing an existing appliance in their primary residence with a new, Energy Star appliance of the same type, according to the S.C. Energy Office.

"To get the rebate, they must complete an application and send that in along with the corresponding receipt," said Home Depot spokesman Craig Fischel.

The rebate application must be postmarked within five calendar days from the purchase date.

The application can be found at www.energy.sc.gov/rebates. Only one rebate per appliance type per household is allowed through this program.

For more information about this program, visit www.energy.sc.gov/rebates or call (803) 737-8326.