Vermont is using $536,400 in federal stimulus funds to beef up its existing year-round appliance rebate program.

The program kicked off March 6, coinciding with the state's sales tax holiday, and wrapped up May 31.

Vermont received the money as its share of the nearly $300 million available nationwide from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Every state is setting up its own State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, popularly known as Cash for Appliances, to take advantage of the funding.

Consumers who combined Vermont's existing appliance rebate funds with the Save More with Energy Star program could have received rebates between $100 and $700 for swapping their old clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners for Energy Star-rated appliances.

The Cash for Appliances funding also allowed the state to launch an earlier phase that started Jan. 1, with customers of Vermont Gas Systems eligible for rebates on natural gas furnaces, gas boilers and gas tankless hot water heaters. That program remains open and will continue until funding is depleted.

Rebate forms must be accompanied by proof that the old appliance has been disposed of properly.

For more information, call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or Vermont Gas Systems at 863-4511, ext. 321.