After installing energy efficient mini-splits in his Hampton home last year, Jeff Lukach no longer needed the two air conditioners that used to keep his house cool during the summer months. When he heard about an opportunity to recycle the A/C units at a NHSaves® turn-in event and receive a $50 rebate for each, he figured it was a good time to retire them.
“We thought it would be a great idea to get rid of some old stuff that we had sitting in our storage and the rebate’s a bonus. It’s a win for everybody,” he said.
Lukach’s A/C units were among the 459 room air conditioners that were dropped off for recycling at a turn-in event held on July 18 at the Lowe’s in Seabrook. In addition, 209 dehumidifiers were recycled at the event, which was the latest in a series of weekly turn-in events that are being hosted by Unitil and other NHSaves utility partners through Oct. 24.
The success of the Seabrook turn-in event built on the momentum of a similar event held in Concord last month, during which 505 room air conditioners and 193 dehumidifiers were recycled.
“We’re pleased to see such strong participation from utility customers. These turn-in events are an easy way to recycle older units responsibly while improving energy efficiency and receiving a financial incentive at the same time,” Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo said.
Vehicles began lining up early as customers took advantage of the program, which allows participants to recycle two outdated or inefficient room air conditioners and two dehumidifiers per residential account serviced by Unitil, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. The units can be dropped off at any turn-in event and must be in working order.
For each unit that’s recycled, customers receive a $50 incentive, which is an increase over the $30 offered in past years. Through the program, eligible participants receive a check in the mail after participation. While they could put the money toward a new more energy efficient unit, there are no requirements attached to the incentive, and they may be used any way they like.
NHSaves is a collaboration of New Hampshire’s electric and natural gas utilities working together to provide customers with information, incentives, and support designed to save energy, reduce costs, and protect the environment statewide.
The Seabrook turn-in event was a first for customers like Plaistow resident Mike Hackney, who dropped off an air conditioner.
“It’s an old one that’s been in the basement for probably four years. I got a new portable one, which makes it easier instead of carrying it from the basement. Having this is phenomenal,” he said of the recycling program.
Hampton resident Bob Beaucher stopped by to recycle a dehumidifier.
“I like the idea of recycling for the community and the world, actually. It keeps trash out of the dump. Sometimes people try to get rid of their stuff and they drop it somewhere where now somebody else has the problem,” he said.
More information on this year’s NHSaves turn-in events and a complete list of dates and locations can be found at nhsaves.com/events/#turn-in-events.
Photo Captions:
Top Photo: Hundreds of room air conditioners and dehumidifiers were collected for recycling during a NHSaves turn-in event held at the Lowe's in Seabrook on July 18.
- Teaser Photo: Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are loaded up during a NHSaves turn-in event held at the Lowe's in Seabrook on July 18.
