February 16, 2010

In First Five Days of New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out, 35,000 New Yorkers Claimed $4.8 Million

$12 Million Remaining to be Claimed, 170,000 New Yorkers Expected to Receive Rebates for Purchasing High Efficiency Appliances

New Yorkers continue to take advantage of New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out with $4.8 million in rebates claimed for purchasing high efficiency appliances that will save them money and help the environment, leaving $12 million remaining to be claimed over the final five days of the program.

As of 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, $12 million remained to be claimed through February 21 in this first-come, first-served program, according to www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com, which provides a real-time counter of available funds. This website will provide consumers with the information they need about the amount of rebate funding remaining before they purchase an appliance.

"New Yorkers continue to take advantage of this popular rebate program that could save them hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. "The Great Appliance Swap Out is helping to boost the economy, reduce energy consumption, and take old, inefficient appliances out of the marketplace. This program gives consumers the benefit of purchasing energy-efficient appliances that will use less energy and help reduce their energy costs, as well as help protect the environment – all with an added incentive of a rebate.”

Using federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the program will help consumers save money on energy costs while reducing their energy usage. Rebates for high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers will range from $50-$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three-appliance package of high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers.

The program requires consumers to replace old appliances, and encourages recycling by offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances. Funds are reserved for consumers who have purchased qualified appliances after they have submitted an application either online at www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com  or through the toll-free hotline, 1-877- NY-SMART (877-697-6278). However, funds are not paid until after consumers mail in documentation of proof of purchase and, if applicable, recycling.

Once people enter their information online and receive an application number, the information is captured and the rebate is reserved. A confirmation and an application will be sent either by email or through the postal service.

Colleen Q. Ryan, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 3359; cell: 518-265-0075
cqr@nyserda.ny.gov