Photo: The Energy Star program. 

Thinking about purchasing a new appliance for your home this year? If so, get paid for making a smart energy choice through Belmont Light’s 2016 ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program. The program offers rebates of up to $200 annually per residential account for certain ENERGY STAR-labeled products. 

“Appliances like refrigerators and air conditions account for a noticeable portion of our customers’ monthly usage,” said Becca Kean, Belmont Light Energy Resources Analyst. “Upgrading old appliances is one of the most sure-fire ways to reduce your electricity bills,” she said. 

Older models, and even newer products that haven’t earned an energy-savings label, can add hundreds of dollars a year to your costs compared to ENERGY STAR equipment. For example, a refrigerator produced circa 1990 can use upwards of triple the amount of electricity needed to run modern, ENERGY-STAR models. 

While the upfront costs of newer, highly efficient appliances are generally recouped after a few years of electricity bills, Belmont Light’s appliance rebate program aims to further incentivize customers to swap out or dispose of the ‘energy hogs’ lurking in their homes.

The 2016 program includes the following rebates and appliances:

$100: 

• Refrigerator 15.0 cubic feet or larger, with proof of Belmont DPW or vendor disposal. 
• Central air conditioner with a SEER rating greater than 14.
• Room air conditioner, with proof of Belmont DPW or vendor disposal.

$75:

• Dehumidifier.

$25:

• Room air conditioner, without proof of disposal.

To participate in the 2016 program, residential customers must complete an application and submit required documentation by Jan. 21, 2017. Applications are available at the Belmont Light webpage and going to the “Energy Solutions” site and then to “Residential Programs” or at Belmont Light’s office at 40 Prince St.

For additional information, please call Belmont Light at 617-993-2800 or email EnergyResources@BelmontLight.com.