Cash for appliances: California trying to give away $20 million

July 29, 2010 5:15 PM

As expected, the California Energy Commission voted to kickstart its stalled cash for appliance program by adding four more product categories. The state still has two-thirds of the original $32 million remaining. Rebates for energy-efficient dishwashers ($100), freezers ($50), water heaters ($100 to $750, depending on type) and heating, ventilating and air conditioning units ($200 to $1,000) will be given on products that meet the CEC's qualifying criteria. Eligible models in each category are listed on the state's website.

California's guidelines are pretty stringent. For example, only four of the 48 dishwashers in our recent tests are eligible for rebates. "For dishwashers, we're trying to really stress energy efficiency and encourage people to go beyond the Energy Star rating," says Amy Morgan, a CEC spokesperson.

On the list are the Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2433K[F], $500; LG LDF6920[WW], $700; and Maytag MDB8959AW[W], $750. We found them all to be efficient but overall performance varied. The better-performing LG Steam LDF7932[ST] is a bit more expensive at $1,000. Our Ratings (available to subscribers) detail cleaning performance, noise levels, ease of use and other features.

Seven of our reviewed freezers made the CEC's list. The self-defrosting upright Whirlpool EV209NBT[N], $800; Whirlpool EV161NZR[Q], $600; and Haier HUF168EA[W], $600 as well as the manual-defrost upright Maytag MQU1654BE[W] $500. Chest freezers on the list include the Amana AQC1526AE[W], $400; Whirlpool EH151FXR[Q], $430; and the Whirlpool EH101FXR[Q], $400. While the CEC judged them to be efficient, the units didn't always fare well in our tests.

We tested one electric heat-pump water heater on the list, the GE GeoSpring ($1,700 without installation), and we liked it. And the $300 rebate will help shorten payback time.

Morgan said the CEC will be updating the list of eligible appliances every week until the money's gone, and reminded state residents that the program allows "layering" of other government, local utility and manufacturer rebates.

In other state programs, Maryland will make new rebates available for room air conditioners ($25), freezers ($100) and central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps (both $500) starting tomorrow. And residents of Rhode Island better scramble if they want to claim a rebate—there is less than $20,000 left in that program. Check your state.

—Gian Trotta