By the Numbers: To be eligible for a cash for clunkers rebate, appliances have to hit the mark
April 22, 2010 6:07 PM
5.8 gallons
If you're planning to get a clunkers rebate—see our update from earlier this week—use our cash for appliances buyer's guides to air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters and check out the Energy Star-qualifying benchmarks for those and appliances below. Since each state has determined which products are eligible for a cash for appliances rebate and since some states are requiring products to exceed even Energy Star qualification, use our interactive map to find specifics for your state's rebate program.
Air conditioners: Room air conditioners must be at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard. Their Energy Efficiency Rating, or EER, differ with their capacity (Btu). For central air conditioners: Split-ductless units must have an EER, of at least 12 and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, of at least 14.5. For package systems, it's 11 and 14, respectively.
Dehumidifiers: These appliances must use at least 10 to 20 percent less electricity than non-Energy Star models. For standard-capacity units, the energy efficiency (liters of water removed per kilowatt hour of energy consumed) must be at least 1.20 to 1.80. For higher-capacity units, it's at least 2.50.Furnaces: Gas furnaces must be approximately 15 percent more efficient than standard furnaces to qualify for Energy Star, with an annual fuel-utilization-efficiency rating, or AFUE, of 90 percent.Oil-fired furnaces must show an AFUE rating of 85 percent or higher.
Refrigerators and freezers: Refrigerators must be at least 20 percent more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard; freezers, at least 10 percent.
Washing machines: Energy Star washers must use 30 percent less electricity and 50 percent less water than non-Energy Star washers. This translates to a Modified Energy Factor, or MEF, of 1.8 or greater and a Water Factor, or WF, of 7.5 or lower.
Water heaters: Gas-fired storage-tank heaters must have an Energy Factor of 0.62 (after September 1, 2010, it's 0.67). Condensing gas storage-tank heaters must have an EF of at least 0.80, while gas-fired tankless water heaters must have an EF of at least 0.82. Hybrid heat-pump water heaters, such as the GE GeoSpring we've reviewed, must have an EF of at least 2.0.
Read this report for more details on the qualifying standards for these appliances vis-à-vis the 30 percent federal tax credit.
Essential information: Search the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency so you don't miss any other incentives. Check out the Energy Star rebate finder, too.
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