Later this fall when the states finalize their plans for the “Appliance Stimulus” rebates many Americans will choose to upgrade to a new energy efficient refrigerator. Older models of refrigerators may be consuming $100 – $200 more per year than a new one will. Old leaking seals on doors and refrigeration systems that have lost refrigerant and have worn parts cause much of the inefficiency. Some new bottom freezer models actually consume less electricity than a 60 watt light bulb. Rebates of $50 – $200 in addition to the energy savings can make purchasing a new refrigerator an attractive option.
Maytag entered the appliance business in 1907 when F. L. Maytag introduced the Pastime Washer and in 1909 got the Maytag name when F. L. Maytag bought out his partners. Today Maytag is part of the Whirlpool Corporation which also includes Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchen-Aid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names. Whirlpool Corporation is the largest appliance manufacturer with annual sales of more than $19 billion, and more than 80,000 employees employed at more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the Globe.
Maytag offers eight models of French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerators that carry the Energy Star Seal making them eligible for rebates under the guidelines of the appliance stimulus package. The models range in size from 20 cu. ft. to 27 cu. ft. Three of the models have through the door dispensers for water and ice and the others have icemakers. Prices of these appliance stimulus rebate eligible French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerators range from $1499 – $2799.
Nine Bottom Freezer Refrigerator models made by Maytag carry the Energy Star Seal and are rebate eligible under the appliance stimulus package. They range in size from 19 cu. ft. to 25 cu. ft. and are priced from $1399 to $1899. All of the models have ice makers.
Maytag sells nine models of Side By Side Refrigerators meeting the Energy Star Seal requirements and are eligible for the appliance stimulus rebates. All of the eligible models have through the door water and ice dispensers. They eligible models range in size from 22 cu. ft. to 25 cu. ft. and prices are from $1099 to $2299.
Maytag also sells two models of the conventional Top Freezer Refrigerators that are eligible for the appliance stimulus carrying the Energy Star Seal. Both models have built in icemakers. The 20 cu. ft. model is $849 and the 21 cu. ft. model is $1059.
In this tough economy Whirlpool has seen their sales drop 20%. The Obama Administration is hoping the $300 Million Appliance Stimulus will lead to an increase in sales for the entire appliance industry. Large retailers have been offering lower prices in addition to energy saving rebate programs offered by offered in about 25 states. It is anticipated the manufacturers will offer additional savings and it is expected the retailer price cuts, manufacturer price cuts, existing rebates, and the appliance stimulus rebates may be the trip wire leading to a much needed sales boost for the industry.
One thing for sure later this fall when the appliance stimulus rebate programs are finalized the consumers are going to be faced with huge price savings, rebates, and energy savings and they would be wise to budget money, research product choices and be ready to buy to get their share before the funding runs out. Check out these refrigerators and others at Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Sears.