• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, March 1, 2011

Add Best Buy to the list of big-box retailers looking to jump-start home appliance sales. The Minneapolis-based chain is upping the ante on such competitors as Lowe's, Sears, and Home Depot, and says it is now offering free delivery, haul-away, and no-interest financing on all its home appliance purchases.  

Retailers and appliance manufacturers have been looking for a way to recapture some of the zing generated last year by the government's Energy Star rebate program. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reports that the $300 million stimulus program generated some $1.3 billion in spending on appliances, with unit gains of 9.1%, and encouraged consumers to upgrade to smarter appliances, with energy-saving innovations.

But because they are typically linked to real-estate sales, appliance sales have been languishing. In its most recent quarterly results, announced back in December, Best Buy reported that domestic appliance sales, which account for 5% of its sales, declined 0.1%. (Still, the category fared better than most, with overall comparable-store sales declining 5% in the U.S.)

In order to qualify, purchases must be over $429, and consumers need to pay for the machines in full within 18 months of purchase. Best Buy will also haul away and recycle old appliances. All told, it says the service represents a $69.99 value.

Currently, Lowe's, Sears and the Home Depot are all advertising free-delivery and haul-away deals on appliances. Lowe's, which is running radio spots for its delivery promotion, has also been offering 10% off certain GE and Maytag online appliance purchases. Sears is offering 15% off its Kenmore line, while the Home Depot is offering a 20% off selected brands and models.