If you need a new refrigerator and are planning to take advantage of the $300 million State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, also called cash for clunkers for appliances or cash for appliances, use the advice below:
States offering rebates for refrigerators: Rebates are available in all states and territories except for Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, and Wyoming. Use our interactive map to find a link to the cash for appliances Web site in your state.
Rebate amounts: As with every appliance that's part of the cash for appliances program, rebates vary by state. Residents in California and New York will get back $75 on refrigerators, for example, while those in Texas will receive $240. Many states will increase rebates for residents who recycle their old unit.
Repair-or-replace advice: If your refrigerator is more than 15 years old, a new, efficient model could save you around $75 a year on utility bills, in addition to the rebate. But it probably doesn't make sense to repair a machine that's more than eight years old, according to our "Repair or Replace It?" data.
Buying advice: See our free buyer's guide to refrigerators for help on finding the right model for your home.
Models to consider: The following Energy Star-qualified models (listed in alphabetical order) earned solid marks in our tests, which measure not only efficiency but also temperature performance, noise, and convenience. (Some states are requiring that refrigerators exceed even Energy Star criteria.) Check out our complete ratings of and brand-reliability data for refrigerators (available to subscribers).
Bottom-freezers
Amana ABB2221FE[W], Amana AFD2535DE[W], Jenn-Air JFC2290VE[P], Kenmore Elite 7759[2], Maytag MFT2771WE[W], Samsung RFG298AA [WP], Samsung RF266AB[WP], Whirlpool Gold GX5FHTXV[Q]
Built-ins
Electrolux Icon E42BS75EP[S], Jenn-Air JS42PPDUDB[SS], KitchenAid KBFC42F[SS], Liebherr CS2062
Side-by-sides
Frigidaire FRS6HF55K[W], GE GSH25JFX[WW], Kenmore Cold
Spot 5942[2], Maytag MSD2550VE, Samsung RS275AC[WP], Whirlpool Gold
GC3SHAXV[Q], Whirlpool Gold GS5VHAXW[Q]
Top-freezers
Frigidaire Professional Gallery FPHI2187K[F], Kenmore 7930[2], Kenmore 7997[2], LG LTC22350[SW], Maytag M1TXEMMW[W], Whirlpool Gold G9RXXFMW[Q]
Essential information: Stay on top of the rebate news on our cash for appliances hub and don't shop for a new refrigerator without reading about the best places to buy appliances.
LAST YEAR ON JULY 25, 2009, I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW WASHING MACHINE; THE KENMORE THAT I BOUGHT IN OCTOBER, 2006 DIED...THE PART WOULD COST(INCLUDING THE LABOR) WAS APPROX. $500.00..PLUS
THIS YEAR ON JULY 15, 2010, MY MAYTAG REFRIGERATOR DIED(THE GAS IN IT HAD LEAKED OUT; LEAK COULD NOT BE FOUND) IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, SO TODAY I HAD TO BUY A NEW REFRIGERATOR. I DIDN'T GET THE CHEAPEST OR MOST EXPENSIVE. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE BOTH RETIRED WE THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE THEM FOR LONG TIME..MY FIRST REFRIGERATOR LASTED 33 YEARS....WHAT GIVES...I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS....THANKS
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