The Obama administration has been pouring in stimulus funds to not only prop up a sagging economy but transition America towards a greener future. After the government’s bid to support the auto industry through the “cash for clunker” program, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has recently made a similar initiative - this time involving Energy Star-Certified Appliances.

“Cash for Clunker Appliance”

The DOE announced last July 14, 2009, the availability of “nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of new Energy Star qualified home appliances.” It hopes to help stimulate the economy; at the same time prop up homeowners to transition to more efficient energy use.

However, the federal government has tasked individual States to plan the specifics of the rebate program including selecting qualified appliances, rebate processing and planning on how to recycle older appliances. The DOE has scheduled the release of the specifics of the rebate program by the end of this year or early 2010.

Energy Star Logo

The Energy Star was introduced in 1992 as a joint program by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to push for more energy efficient products. It has evolved from its initial voluntary scheme to creating the market standard by which all technological innovations are founded upon.

However, not all appliances are Energy Star-Certified and only those which have the Energy Star Logo are qualified for the rebate programs. The Energy Star Logo is a seal which guarantees that these appliances consume at least 10 percent less energy than their conventional counterpart. Details on qualified products, incentive programs, partnerships and many more can be accessed through the official Energy Star website.

Economy and Environment

The entire Energy Star program has reported $19 billion worth of savings on energy cost in 2008 alone. At the same time, it has resulted in lowering overall carbon emissions through energy efficiency. According to a DOE report, "Last year alone, Americans through the Energy Star program, saved enough energy to power 10 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions from 12 million cars.” This year, the government has started the “Change the World with Energy Star” campaign to further increase awareness, especially among the youth, on the benefits of using Energy Star products to fight against global warming.