Alabama is planning to celebrate Earth Day this spring by helping residents replace older, inefficient appliances.

The state will offer mail-in rebates toward the purchase of Energy Star-qualified appliances starting April 19 to coincide with Earth Day on April 22. The program will continue through May 9, unless funds are exhausted before then.

Eligible appliances and rebate amounts will include:

• Room air conditioners - $25
• Freezers - $50
• Dishwashers - $75
• Clothes washers - $100
• Refrigerators - $150

If funds remain after the initial program, the state may hold a second rebate period in October 2010 during Energy Awareness Month.

The state encourages residents to recycle the old appliances, but is not requiring it as part of the program.

Eligible applicants must be Alabama residents who are 18 years or older and must be replacing an existing appliance to apply for rebates. Rebate forms and instructions will be obtained at the time of purchase.

The program is one of 56 State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs, popularly known as Cash for Appliances, that are being set up in the United States and six U.S. territories with the help of federal stimulus money.

Alabama will receive about $4.5 million of the nearly $300 million in stimulus funding available nationwide from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

For more information on the Cash for Appliances program, visit the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Web site or call 334-242-5290.