Albany, NY – $721K Out of 16.8 Million Left in Appliance Rebate Program

Albany, NY – There is $720,745 left out of the $16.8 million allocated for New Yorkers to exchange their old appliance for a new one.

The federal government directed $288 million in stimulus funds to the appliance rebate program, a move designed to boost sales and encourage people to buy EnergyStar and other energy-efficient appliances. New York’s share—$16.8 million—should cover the cost of 170,000 rebates.

Bryan Snyder, general manager at Earl B. Feiden Appliance in Latham, said the program has boosted appliance sales nationally by more than 10 percent.

It’s been good on his business as well, though he declined to provide sales figures.

“It’s been a great program for us,” Snyder said. “It’s unbelievable, the energy we’ve had for this program. It’s been a huge increase in our business.”

Since February, more than 150,000 New Yorkers have received rebates for as much as $555 for purchasing energy efficient refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers.

Last year, Earl B. Feiden Appliance added a few part-time sales, service and installation people to its staff of 25 to accommodate the new business generated by the rebate program.

Snyder said when the program began products quickly sold out.

“There was a time when product wasn’t available as much,” he said. “Now we’ve got the inventory.”

By June, applicants must mail in completed applications with receipts to receive the rebate funds. Snyder expects the funds will evaporate by the end of the money.

“We’re coming down to the last hurrah,” he said.