$6.2 million in state funds for Energy Star appliance rebates begins today

If you are an Arizona resident and you've been waiting to replace that old clothes washer, dishwasher or water heater with a new, more efficient unit, now is the time. But you have to act fast.

The state of Arizona today began a program to rebate $6.2 million for consumers who replace an existing appliance with a new Energy Star qualified appliance. The rebates will range from $125-$200 for clothes washers; $75-$125 for dishwashers, and; $200-$425 for energy efficient water heaters.

The Arizona Appliance Rebate Program is being backed by funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to each state for the establishment and administration of appliance rebate programs.

There are only an estimated 35,000 rebates available for eligible dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters, and they have gone fast in other states.

Officials from Arizona Department of Commerce, the department's energy office is overseeing the program, said consumers in Arizona better act fast as the appliance rebates are going quickly.

"We expect all rebates to be exhausted that day," said David Drennon, spokesman for the Arizonia Dept. of Commerce.