You Can Get These Electric Stoves for Free From the Government
Politicians and social media can’t get enough of the gas vs. electric stove debate (at Lifehacker we think electric stoves are actually good ) – but no matter how you feel about it, the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that was adopted last year, can essentially bring you a free electric stove in the hope of encouraging people to switch.
Who is eligible for a discount on a new electric stove
The amount of the discount you are eligible for will depend on how your income compares to the regional median income in your area. (You can calculate your AMI using this tool by entering your address.) If your income is between 80% and 150% of your local AMI , you are eligible for a 50% discount on the cost of your electric stove, hob, or wall ovens (up to a maximum credit of $840). If your income falls below 80% of the AMI, you are eligible for a 100% discount on the price (up to $840). (If your income exceeds 150% of AMI, you are not eligible for the discount.)
You can also qualify for discounts on things like switching from natural gas or propane to electricity; upgrading your home’s electrical panel; or for insulation, air sealing and ventilation. This calculator from Rewiring America can help you determine what you are eligible for.
How to apply for a discount
Legislation provides funding to states to purchase new home appliances, so the application process will vary depending on how your state sets up its own program. According to consumer reports :
Once the Department of Energy releases funding to individual states, it will still take time for those states to create these programs. Once they’re up and running, the Department of Energy is offering a visit to the Government Renewable Energy and Efficiency Incentives Database , which tracks energy efficiency-related tax credits and credits across all 50 states. Click on your state to see if they have deployed the program locally and follow the steps listed.
Save all documents related to the purchase and installation of the respective device. Follow your state’s specific steps, including filing any claims. You will most likely receive the discount at the point of sale or in the form of a check or direct deposit. But keep in mind that your state will set certain parameters. If you upgrade your home’s electrical panel to accommodate an electrical cooking appliance, you’ll likely get that money back in the form of a tax credit when you file your state and federal income taxes next year.
Electric stoves for $840 or less
If your regional median is below 80% and you want to take advantage of the full $840 discount, you’ll find plenty of options in this price range. As of this writing, here are some current offerings (prices may fluctuate):
- Hotpoint : 30″ 5cc feet of freestanding electric stove ( $529 at Lowe’s )
- GE : 30″ 5cc feet of electrical range ( $548 at Home Depot )
- Amana : 4.8 cu. ft freestanding electric stove ( $599.99 at Best Buy )
- Samsung : 6.3 cu. ft. Freestanding Electric Stove with Rapid Boil, Wi-Fi, and Self-Cleaning Function ( $749.99 at Best Buy )
- Whirlpool : 5.3 cu. ft freestanding electric stove with steam cleaning and “frozen baked goods” ( $699.99 at Best Buy )
- GE : 30″ 5.3cc feet of electric stove with self-cleaning oven ( $758 at Home Depot )
- Amana : 30″ 4.8cc ft freestanding electric stove ( $599 at Lowe’s )