FORT WAYNE, Ind. - According to WaterFurnace International, consumers may be eligible to receive rebates for the purchase of Energy Star®-qualified appliances, including high-efficiency geothermal heat pumps, under an “appliance rebate” program funded with $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“When they hear about appliance rebates many people think of refrigerators and dishwashers,” said Andy Fracica, director of marketing at WaterFurnace International. “We want to make sure consumers know that depending on where they live, this program also includes geothermal heat pumps.”

Each state and U.S. territory selected its own set of Energy Star-qualified appliances to rebate from a list compiled by the Department of Energy (DOE). The list includes clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and room air conditioners. It also includes boilers, central air conditioners, oil and gas furnaces, and water heaters, as well as air source and geothermal heat pumps.

Rebate details and timelines vary according to each state or territory. The state of Indiana, for example, home of WaterFurnace, began its Energy Star appliance rebate program in Feb. 2010, allowing Indiana homeowners to receive a rebate up to $500 when they purchase an Energy Star furnace or HVAC system. Up to $1,000 is offered if homeowners purchase a geothermal heat pump.

“The potential energy savings and the reduced operating costs from using geothermal are significant,” commented Fracica.

“Now, when you combine rebates available through state appliance rebate programs, and tax credits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - as much as 30 percent of the installed cost of a geothermal heat pump system - the savings become even more substantial. Add in utility rebates and other local tax incentives where available and it’s easy to see there’s no better time to consider installing a geothermal system.”

To find a state-by-state rebate breakdown, visit www.energysavers.gov. For more information, visit www.waterfurnace.com.

Publication date:03/22/2010