The Michigan State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, commonly known as Cash for Appliances, is now under way.

The mail-in program, which began Feb. 10, is designed to help residents replace older appliances with new, energy-efficient appliances. Most of the appliances are required to be Energy Star-qualified appliances, although some require they meet higher Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) requirements.

The rebate forms require consumers to verify residency and that the product purchased is a replacement for an older appliance. Residents are also required to show proof that the replaced appliance was removed from their home.

The following Energy Star appliances will receive rebates:

• Refrigerators - $50
• Dishwashers - $25
• Propane water heaters - $100
• Oil furnaces - $300
• Propane furnaces - $300
• Solar water heaters - 20 percent, $1,200 max

The following appliances must meet CEE tier standards for larger rebates:

• Refrigerators (Tier 3) - $100
• Clothes washers (Tier 3) - $50
• Dishwashers (Tier 2) - $50

The state encourages residents to recycle all old appliances.

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.

Michigan received about $9.6 million of the nearly $300 million available nationwide for the program from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

For more information on Cash for Appliances, visit the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Web site or call 517-241-6228.