Is Another New Appliance on My Horizon?

After writing about the appliance rebate program for energy-saving washers and dishwashers, I just read that the Arizona Energy Office has been charged with creating a program for allocating more than $6 million in rebates to purchasers of other energy efficient appliances. It’s undecided just yet what those appliances will be, but I’m crossing my fingers that a refrigerator or stove are somewhere on that list. A couple of years ago, I purchased a condo that was built in the mid-90s, and it still contained the original appliances. They are about as basic as you can get, are extremely unattractive, and are certainly not energy efficient. While I’ve wanted to update the appliances for quite some time, I’ve been waiting for a good reason to do so. After all, they still work. According to an Arizona Republic article, the Energy Efficiency Appliance Program will allocate $50 to $200 rebates to purchasers of energy-efficient major appliances. Couple that with some rebates that appliance manufacturers are offering, and I could save a significant chunk of change! Many retailers are concerned the program will have some drawbacks, similar to those of the Cash for Clunkers program. While there could be some upsides, most namely the boost in sales this rebate program could provide retailers, I can understand their concerns. The Department of Energy has been handed over the appliance rebate program to determine how it will be structured. Time will tell how it will evolve, but it will be great if they can come up with a rebate program that is beneficial for both retailers and consumers.

Harmon Electric and S2 Energy Partners are proud to present two solar-powered homes in Surprise, AZ on this year’s National Solar Tour put on by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).

Here is more info from the ASES web page:

The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event in history. While energy prices continue to soar, this event offers participants the opportunity to tour homes and buildings to see how neighbors are using solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce their monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change.

Last year more than 115,000 attendees visited some 5,000 buildings in 2,900 participating communities. Now in its 13th year, this event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society. It takes place annually during the first Saturday in October in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month.

An increasing focus of the tour is on energy-saving techniques and sustainability through building design, energy efficient appliances, and use of green materials during remodeling. Tours also provide helpful, real-world examples of costs and how to save money with federal, state, and local incentives,

Ultimately the tour inspires people across the nation to make sustainable energy choices that help lower costs, support energy independence, protect against power outages, and reduce carbon emissions.  We invite you to join the renewable energy revolution by participating in the ASES National Solar Tour.