Get some money for that old refrigerator

    PORTLAND — The new year arrives with a fresh opportunity for Maine residents to save energy, save money and receive a $50 rebate for recycling their outdated refrigerators and freezers.
    Efficiency Maine’s new program encourages Mainers using older, extra refrigerators or freezers to consider the many benefits of recycling them. The program offers to pick up the old units at homes, at no cost, in addition to paying the $50 incentive.
    The extra refrigerator or freezer in the garage or basement may be convenient, but it comes at a surprisingly high cost. Older refrigerators and freezers can require as much as four times more electricity to operate than newer models built to higher energy efficiency standards. That inefficiency results in as much as $250 a year in unnecessary electricity costs for the customer, and also drives up the price that all Mainer’s pay to operate the grid.  This is money that can be saved if customers have that older unit picked up and recycled.
    “You get a rebate and free up space in the garage or basement, while we do all the heavy lifting,” said Efficiency Maine Residential Program Manager Andy Meyer. “This is an easy way to put money spent on energy bills back into your pocket.”
    Taking advantage of the Efficiency Maine offer does not require buying a new refrigerator or freezer. Appliances scheduled for pick-up must be in working order, clean and empty, with an inside measurement of between 10-30 cubic feet— standard size for refrigerators and freezers. Dorm or “mini” sized refrigerators will not be accepted.
    Participation is as easy as calling 1-866-376-2463, or visiting Efficiency Maine online at www.efficiencymaine.com, to schedule a free pick–up while funding for this program lasts.