Looking for Hidden Rebates

When purchasing a large appliance, there is often a store or manufacturer's rebate attached. It's a pleasant surprise that justifies purchasing a more expensive model in some instances. What many don't realize, however, is that there are more rebates waiting to be taken. They're not as readily advertised, but anyone can find them.

Start with Your Power Company

Not all power companies are as generous as others, but many offer rebates that encourage consumers to upgrade appliances to more energy efficient models. Check your power company's website often; usually the rebates change every six months. The most recent rebate offered by a large power conglomerate in eastern Pennsylvania offered set dollar amounts for each appliance that was upgraded to an Energy Star appliance over the last two years.

While the rebate was only active from January through June of this year, the appliances could be purchased 48 months prior to the rebate. Each appliance had a different rebate amount, but the going rate was $50 for a refrigerator, $30 for a clothes dryer, and $10 for a window air conditioner. All the consumer needed to supply was a completed rebate form and copies of original receipts.

Look at Rebate Monitoring Sites

There are groups that monitor the rebates, encouraging companies to offer the extra money to consumers who make strong environmental choices. Websites like Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov) and Sire USA (http://www.dsireusa.org/) tally all of the rebates currently offered which allow for the consumer to do some quick research.

The beauty of the rebates is that they can be combined with other rebates to maximize the money earned. For instance, if you purchase a Maytag washer and the company offers a rebate or the appliance store offers a rebate on the delivery fee, that will not affect the rebate you receive from your power company or another energy monitoring company. It may ask if you've already received a rebate on this item, but that doesn't affect your eligibility for the additional money.

Rebate Addiction

Once you find these little nuggets of paperwork gold, you'll feel a compulsion to find more and more rebates. It's one addiction that's welcomed by many. Look beyond appliances and see what other rebates are out there. Often large companies offer money to new customers who have never purchased a car or a service from them before. Similarly, rebates are offered to those who switch from one company's services to another. These aren't overly advertised rebates, but they are there for the finding.

The best rule of thumb is to do some web research every time you make a major purchase. Look at the website of the manufacturer, the provider (if there is one), and the store. Then, do a quick search every six months for new rebates by using some of the rebate compilation websites. You'll find yourself with enough extra money for a night out and a sense of satisfaction that you found yourself a bargain.