Miss out on appliance discount? State giving buyers another shot

If you missed out on a Cash for Appliances rebate in April and still need a dishwasher, freezer, fridge or washing machine, you've got another shot at it.

The date to remember is Friday, Sept. 24. Beginning at 8 a.m. on that day, participating retailers will offer an instant 15 percent discount to shoppers looking to replace appliances with a new energy-efficient model. Shoppers can save up to $250, down from $400 in the April program.

The new Illinois Energy Star Appliance Rebate Day is designed to get shoppers in the stores, spending money and help save on their energy bills.

Like the wildly popular program that was held in the spring and the Cash for Clunker car stimulus plan, the program will run until the funds (a total of $3 million in this case) are expended. The appliance program in April was planned to last 10 days, but bargain-hunting shoppers grabbed the $6.2 million in rebate money within 11 hours on the first day.

The program is funded by federal stimulus money designed to pump cash into the economy. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website states that this is the final opportunity to participate in the appliance rebate program. Illinois received $12.4 million in stimulus funds, and offered other rebates on water heaters and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems earlier in the year.

Shoppers didn't empty the account, leaving $3 million leftover to offer.

In order to qualify, shoppers must replace an existing clothes washer, dishwasher, freezer or refrigerator with Energy Star-qualified appliances. The rebates will be given on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of checkout. Online purchases do not apply.

During April's frenzy, shoppers began lining up a 4 a.m. at some suburban retailers in an effort to snag the federal funds.