Take the ENERGY STAR pledge and save money

Want to do your part for the environment while you also save energy and money? Consumer United has teamed up with ENERGY STAR as a pledge driver for their "Change the World" campaign.

Nearly two million people across the nation have pledged to take small, energy-saving steps that can change the world. If every American household took part in the pledge, we would save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.

Join Consumer United's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Take the ENERGY STAR pledge here.

On the hunt for energy-efficient appliance rebates? The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the appliance rebate programs for the states and territories linked or listed here as of July 2, 2010.

Need energy-saving inspiration? Take an online room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home here and learn how you can help fight global warming, while saving energy and money in your own home.

Click here to learn more.

'Cash for Appliances' program sweeps the nation

Move over "Cash for Clunkers." There's a new green-driven stimulus project offering a bonus to consumers nationally who buy a new energy-star rated appliance.

The goal of "Cash for Appliances" rebate program is to amp up homes by making them more energy efficient while stimulating the economy. The nationwide program (run state by state) comes at a juncture when the industry has seen a 15 percent drop in sales.

Steven Chu, Department of Energy Secretary says, "Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there's enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month. These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs."

The program will be managed on the state level, meaning that each state is free to determine their own rebate amount and the specific Energy Star appliances chosen to be part of the program.

How much money can one expect? All states will set their own rebate amounts which add up to their share of the $300 million federal money allotted for the program. However, expect somewhere between $50 to $200 for each appliance, according to an About.com article.

What type of appliances count? The greatest saving potential comes from water heaters, household appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. Other Energy Star appliances may also include a rebate, depending on your state. These include heat pumps, air conditioners, clothing washers and dryers, refrigerators, boilers and furnaces (oil and gas).

Click here for the lowdown and here for a state-by-state breakdown outline the "Cash for Appliances" program.

'Cash for Appliances' program hits New Jersey

Move over "Cash for Clunkers." There's a new green-driven stimulus project offering a bonus to New Jersey residents who buy a new energy-star rated appliance.

The goal of "Cash for Appliances," a program offering financial incentives for those who buy energy-efficient household electronics, is to provide another way to stimulate the economy in an industry that has seen a 15 percent drop in sales.

So far, "Cash for Appliances" will help residents of the Garden State and is waiting on the the U.S. Department of Energy to sign off on the proposal. Once signed, the rebate plan will closely resemble the expired "Cash for Clunkers" automobile program.

When "Cash for Appliances" is in full gear, how much will you save? Anywhere from $25 to $1200 will be knocked off the price of a new Energy-Star rated appliance thanks to the state's $8.3 million dollars in federal funding. Also, the typical household could save over one-third or about $700 per year by making the switch to the energy-efficient items.

Jeanne Fox, BPU president says, "This proposal will build upon our record of success driven by New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program."

Consumers aren't the only ones thrilled. According to an article in New Jersey's Star Ledger, appliance stores such as Mrs. G TV and Appliance welcome the news as well.

Debbie Schaeffer, president of the electronics store says, "I think people are waiting, absolutely," she says."Rebates stimulate the economy and our business. We’re looking forward to them coming sooner rather than later."