Cash For Appliances: Will It Work?

Contrary to conservative claims, “Cash for Clunkers” worked and helped jump-start the auto industry. Now it’s time for “Cash for Appliances.”

Starting Thursday, which happens to be Earth Day, consumers will be able to vie for rebates on Energy Star-rated appliances: $200 for refrigerators, $100 for clothes washers and $50 for air conditioners. The program applies only to those appliances.

Coupled with tax credits, buyback recycling programs and other incentives offered by stores, utilities and manufacturers, some savvy buyers could end up spending less than half the sticker price for appliances.

Appliance stores are bracing for a swarm of shoppers Thursday.

That means that by Friday, we’ll be hearing from conservatives what a failure it is.