Saving Money and Energy with Rebates

The following is a guest post from Christina at Northern Cheapskate.

We had an old energy-sucking chest freezer circa early 1980s. It worked just fine, but it cost a lot to run it. We ended up replacing the old freezer with a new more energy efficient model, and saved money while doing it.

How did we save money on such a big ticket purchase? Rebates, of course!

Many Energy Star appliances qualify for rebates. Energystar.gov has a searchable database of available rebates. You should also check with your local utility company - many of them offer credit on your utility bill when you purchase a qualifiying Energy Star appliance. Our new chest freezer qualified for a $50 credit on our utility bill. We've also gotten rebates for our dishwasher, washing machine and air conditioning.

Some of these energy rebates aren't just on appliances either. Ask your utility company about rebates on compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED Christmas lights.

To make sure you will get the rebate, do your homework. Know what types of appliances and specific models will qualify. Keep all of your receipts and paperwork. If you're trying to get a rebate on CFLs or LED Christmas lights, save the packaging with the receipt: you'll need the UPC to show proof of purchase.

There are also many federal tax credits available for home improvements that will make your home more energy efficient. You may be able to get as much as a $1,500 tax credit for things like new windows and doors or improving insulation. Check out the requirements for the tax credit at the EnergyStar website.

By making the switch to Energy Star appliances, switching to CFLs, and taking care of our home, we're able to not only save money on our monthly energy bills, but feel good about doing something positive for the environment.

Christina writes about coupons, freebies, and how to live a frugal lifestyle at her blog, Northern Cheapskate.