WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On the heels of the successful "Cash for Clunkers" program, the U.S. Department of Energy is launching a "Cash for Appliances" program this fall to encourage consumers to buy more energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
The government will give rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of household appliances that have the Energy Star seal of approval -- which could be a boon to woodworkers hoping for a boost in kitchen renovations.
"With so many government incentives now being offered for home renovations, there has never been a better time for Americans and Canadians to remodel their kitchens and bathrooms," Suzie Williford, president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, said in a statement.
States have to file formal applications to receive the federal funding by Oct. 15.
"These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.
This new program is in addition to government incentives for energy-efficient home renovations that were passed earlier this year. In that program, homeowners can get a tax credit for up to 30 percent of what they spend on energy-efficient windows, doors, solar-water heaters and other energy-efficient products, with a maximum tax credit of $1,500.
Similar tax credit programs are also being offered in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency has introduced the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), which offers a 15 percent tax credit onhome remodeling expenses over $1,000, with a maximum credit of $1,350. And Canada also has an ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes grant, which gives homeowners up to $5,000 to renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient.
The government will give rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of household appliances that have the Energy Star seal of approval -- which could be a boon to woodworkers hoping for a boost in kitchen renovations.
"With so many government incentives now being offered for home renovations, there has never been a better time for Americans and Canadians to remodel their kitchens and bathrooms," Suzie Williford, president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, said in a statement.
States have to file formal applications to receive the federal funding by Oct. 15.
"These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.
This new program is in addition to government incentives for energy-efficient home renovations that were passed earlier this year. In that program, homeowners can get a tax credit for up to 30 percent of what they spend on energy-efficient windows, doors, solar-water heaters and other energy-efficient products, with a maximum tax credit of $1,500.
Similar tax credit programs are also being offered in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency has introduced the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), which offers a 15 percent tax credit onhome remodeling expenses over $1,000, with a maximum credit of $1,350. And Canada also has an ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes grant, which gives homeowners up to $5,000 to renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient.
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