By Sandra Zunino

If you are looking to invest in a new appliance that will not only save money on your electric bill, but will also allow you to take advantage of rebates through Delmarva Power, look no further than your nearest Sears store.

Sears offers the largest selection of Energy Star® appliances over any other area retailer. Energy Star® appliances not only use less electricity to do their job efficiently, but qualifying products can provide rebates through Delmarva Power. For instance, you can receive a $50 rebate for purchasing an Energy Star® qualified refrigerator that can reduce your annual utility costs by up to $200.

Energy Star® qualified room air conditioners use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional models and Delmarva Power will provide a $25 rebate for purchasing an Energy Star® unit.

If you purchase an electric water heater with an Energy Factor (EF) of 0.93 or greater, you can receive a $20 rebate. Electric water heaters are not Energy Star® qualified. However, energy efficient electric water heaters can reduce your costs to heat water.

As rebates are available to Delmarva Maryland customers, the application must include the recipient’s account number, original sales receipt and must be received within 60 days of the purchase. Some restrictions apply. A downloadable application is available on the Delmarva Power website.

Not only can energy efficient choices save you up to a third on your electric bill, they can also save on greenhouse gas emissions. Those appliances and products that live up to that claim are identified by the Energy Star® logo. This designation means the product has met strict energy savings standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Energy Star® appliances include refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners and water heaters. Homes can also earn the Energy Star® credential if the homeowner replaces appliances, furnaces, air conditioning units, windows, etc. that meet the criteria.

Sears also offers recycling of old, discarded refrigerators or freezers when a new one is purchase at Sears. Sears is the only national retailer that is certified to be part of the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program in partnership with the EPA. This means that Sears recovers ozone-depleting chemicals from discarded refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. The Department of Energy strongly encourages the recycling of old appliances.

The Sears Hometown Store on Kent Island has many appliance models on the floor to choose from and the knowledgeable sales staff can assist with any questions regarding rebates and available tax credits involving qualifying Energy Star® appliances. Store hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 410-604-3141 or visit www.sears.com for more information.

For more information on Delmarva Power’s residential lighting and appliance program rebates and discounts, visit www.delmarva.com/energy/conservation/appliance or call 1-866-353-5799.