Through the California Energy Commission’s California Cash for Appliance rebate program, residential consumers can get a $200 rebate for an eligible refrigerator, $100 for an efficient clothes washer and $50 for an approved room air conditioner. Consumers can only receive one rebate on each type of appliance.   For answers to frequently asked questions, visit their website: www.cash4appliances.org

Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the program runs out of the $35.2 million in stimulus funds awarded to the state by the Department of Energy.

News reports have stated that consumers across the country are snapping up government rebates for energy-efficient appliances so quickly that state programs tap out within days or even hours.

Energy commission spokeswoman Amy Morgan said California chose the mail-in rebate scheme, as opposed to a reservation system, to give consumers who complete purchases a fighting chance to obtain a rebate.

Morgan said the commission will evaluate demand for the rebates next week and will install a fund-tracker on its website so that consumers will know how much, if any, funds remain.

PG&E already offers rebates to recycle functioning old appliances, which is a requirement of the new program. When customers arrange for a recycling pick-up, PG&E will provide $35 for old refrigerators or freezers and $25 for old room air conditioners.

Because appliances have components that can be hazardous or toxic, they should be recycled, rather than thrown out.

Do you have any plans to take advantage of the “Cash for Appliance Rebate Program?”