Who wants to save money on a brand new fridge or TV?
Obviously everyone. Well, you can. Here’s how.
Older models of appliances use up crazy amounts of energy. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage is offering sizable discounts on replacements for your energy-sucking refrigerators and televisions.
How can you get a rebate?
To start with, you need to meet the guideline requirements. Who’s eligible? You need to be a NSW resident who holds one of the following: a Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card from Centrelink or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. Other conditions? You must also own a fridge that is at least six years old – for the fridge rebate, of course. Or if you’re going for the TV rebate, you must own a plasma or cathode ray tube (CRT) TV. Those with Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards aren’t eligible to apply.
What are the discounts?
If you do qualify for this offer, you may be able to get 40% off the cost of a new fridge and/or 50% off the cost of a TV. The OEH has a detailed list of qualifying products from The Good Guys. The specific models have been chosen based on several factors. These include the energy star rating, affordability and quality. To qualify, fridges must have an energy rating greater than 3 stars and TVs must be greater than 5 stars.
Along with product descriptions, the site also includes the retail and discounted prices for comparison. For example, Samsung’s 341L Top Mount fridge retails for $849. But, the discounted price is only $447! That’s a pretty major saving. These prices do not include the cost of delivery, which you must pay separately. The Good Guys must take your old appliance (the one you are replacing) during delivery.
Why are these discounts being offered?
Getting a new fridge or TV is always a treat in itself. But, the goal here isn’t just to update the look of your kitchen or living room. It’s to make your home more energy-efficient. Not only does this help the environment, but it saves you precious money. A new fridge can save you up to $200 a year, in comparison to one that is more than six years old. A new 6 star LCD/LED television can save you $125 a year, in comparison to an older plasma or CRT TV.
I’d like to take part but I don’t have the money right now…
Even though the rebate program offers a reduced cost, some families may still not have the financial means to pay the remaining amount. Some eligible recipients may also qualify for a no-interest loan thought the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). This allows you to pay the remaining amount, after the discount, off over time and in installments.
To apply, visit the OEH website and follow the 3-step process.
