Arkansas' rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient appliances is now under way.

The state is offering mail-in rebates toward the purchase of Energy Star-qualified appliances. The program began March 15 and will last until funds are depleted.

Eligible appliances and rebates are as follows:

• Refrigerators - $275
• Clothes washers - $225
• Gas condensing water heaters - $300
• Gas storage water heaters - $300
• Gas tankless water heaters - $300
• Electric heat pump water heaters - $300

Rebate claims must be made within 30 days of purchase. Consumers must provide proof that a "participating" retailer or contractor removed the old unit.

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.

Arkansas will receive about $2.7 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 Arkansas Energy Office Web site or call 800-558-2633.