By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will be able to take advantage of a federal “cash for appliances” program offering rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program.

Backed by an initial $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the state-run rebate program is intended to help make American homes more energy-efficient while further stimulating the economy.

“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a press release. “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

States will Run the Rebate Program
Each state will administer its own cash for appliances program. The states will be free to select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances to include in their programs and the individual rebate amount offered for each appliance.

What Can You Buy?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recommended that the states focus their cash for appliances rebate efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential. Energy Star qualified appliance categories eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

How Big Will the Rebates Be?
While the states will be free to set actual rebate amounts based on their share of the $300 million, the Department of Energy expects the rebates to range from $50 to $200 per appliance. But wait, there’s more. Any rebates offered by state and local utility districts for purchases of energy-efficient appliances will be added to the federal cash for appliances rebate.

How do You Qualify?
All consumers will need to do to get the rebate is simply buy any qualifying Energy Star appliance. Unlike the “cash for clunkers” fuel-efficient vehicle rebate program, you don’t even need an old trade-in appliance. In addition, consumers will not be required to haul their bulky old appliances to the dealer in exchange for a new one.

When Does it Start?
The states will have until October 15, 2009 to submit their applications for funding and plans for recycling old appliances to the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE plans to have distributed funding to the states by November 30. As a result, the cash for appliances rebates could be available in stores just in time for Christmas shopping.

Stacked washer-and-dryer units come in two forms. Some are all-in-one units called laundry centers. The other configuration is to mount a separately purchased dryer on top of a front-load washer. Not all washers can be stacked this way. The last option is a washer-dryer combo, which washes and dries clothing in the same drum. In general, experts say to consider the following when shopping for a laundry center, stackable washer and dryer or washer-dryer combo:

• Separate washers and dryers can often be stacked to save space. This is a good option if you have enough space, but keep in mind that only models labeled as “stackable” can safely be stacked. You’ll need to buy a kit to safely stack the machines, and keep in mind that the total height of the stack may make the dryer hard to reach.
  

• Laundry centers are easier to reach than stacked washers and dryers. However, they tend to have fewer features, and 27-inch units (the most common) take up almost as much floor space. 24-inch units will often fit in a closet or kitchen, but only hold about half as much laundry.

• All-in-one washer-dryers can be used without venting or a 220-volt power supply. This makes them a great choice for apartment-dwellers, but they do have some serious drawbacks. They have limited capacity, may take several hours to finish a load of laundry and are more prone to breakdowns.

• Front-loading washers are better than top-loading washers because they use less water and electricity. Their fast spin speed removes more water from clothing to cut drying time, they’re easier on fabrics and they use smaller amounts of regular detergents.

• It’s worth paying extra for a moisture sensor in the dryer. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, drying laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. Despite the extra cost, a moisture sensor helps save energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. Most models these days have this feature.

• A gas dryer is preferable to an electric dryer, if you have the option. Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run (they often pay back their higher purchase cost within the first year, depending on usage and local utility rates) and tend to dry a little quicker. Full-size, 27-inch laundry centers are generally available with a gas dryer, but smaller 24-inch models are usually electric-only.

Experts say that you should be sure to measure your available space before shopping, including clearance for electric cords and the dryer’s exhaust duct, doorways and potential obstructions leading to the location. Be aware that most stacked units require a 240-volt outlet. If you don’t have one where you plan to install the unit, you will need to install one.

The washing machine and dryer have become an important part of almost every household. They help busy homemakers a lot who cannot focus on the laundry all of the time. With them around, they can do their other household chores while allowing the two machines take care of those soiled clothes. Now, it would certainly be nice to hear that washing machine and dryer were combined into one. Here is to present to you the washer dryer combo.

Since the time that the washer dryer combo has been introduced to the public, a lot of people became interested in owning a machine like it. Unlike the common washing machine and dryer that has two different chambers, one for washing the clothes and one for drying, with a washer dryer combo, you can do the washing and the drying in only one chamber.

One of the big differences that it has from its counterparts is that it is much cheaper. This is why many household owners who need to buy new washing machines chose to get this product instead. In fact, due to the increasing demands for washer dryer combos, various stores in the market were flooded with numerous of brands and designs of the said machine. Even online marketers became interested in the product and started selling different models online, making it easier for you to purchase your own washer dryer combo even from the convenience of your home. Purchasing the product online can save you from street hassles that you will likely encounter if you will go to a store that sells it.

If you are planning to buy the product, make sure that the store where you will buy it from is reliable. Purchasing it usually comes with a warranty which will enable you to have it replaced if in case you will accidentally get something with a defect. Before actually buying the product, make sure that you understood all the return policies, as well as the after sales services.

A washer/dryer combo is an energy-saving appliance. You will be surprised at how your electricity bill will reduce once you start using it compared to conventional washing machines and dryers. Some people may still not be aware about the existence of a washer dryer combo. Of course, it also has its share of disadvantages like every product does. Therefore, it is advisable to ask the dealer to explain its pros and cons to you before you settle down for any brand.

One of the most common disadvantages of this machine is that it can only handle a small load of laundry at a time. The dryer is only capable of drying half of the full load, which means you will have to remove half of the laundry and return it after you’re done in drying the previous batch. In spite of these things, the washer dryer combo is still a technological breakthrough. It will be like washing your clothes and picking them up from the machine already clean and dry.

The washer dryer combo is rated by the Energy Star because it requires less use of water and electricity. Moreover, it dries clothes more efficiently and faster compared to a standard dryer. You will not have to worry if the clothes are still damp upon taking them out. They will really be dry.

With regards to storage, washer dryer combos are easy to store. Most models have wheels; therefore, moving it from one place to another is not going to take too much of your effort and time. It will only occupy a small space as well.