Get cash for appliance clunkers

Mysterious sounds from the family dishwasher spin suspicions. The machine could be an energy-guzzling clunker. How much, I wonder, is it costing to wash the dinner dishes?

I could save money and energy by upgrading to an energy-efficient model. And through the $300 million Cash for Clunkers stimulus program, it's possible to get money back for newly purchased energy-efficient appliances, according to Beth Pinsker Gladstone, editor of WalletPop.com, AOL's personal and consumer finance site. Qualifying rebates range from $50 to $250, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Here's a short primer on the appliance rebate program:

• Time frame: The appliance Cash for Clunkers program is being rolled at different states over the next few months. New Jersey began its program in January with rebates for heating and air conditioners. In April, that program will expand to other appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators, subject to availability. "Rebates will end when funds are depleted," according to a statement from the Department of Energy. Other states, including Washington, will roll out programs in April. In Washington, the eligible products are clothes washers and refrigerators.

• Nuts and bolts: Rebates for energy-efficient appliances will vary from state to state, according to WalletPop.com. The Department of Energy provides a state-by-state rebate guide for consumers at energysavers.gov. The rebates will be offered through contributing funds from Federal and state governments, local utilities and appliance manufacturers. Expect cumbersome paperwork, Gladstone said. "But if you can get cash back in your pocket, it's always worth it," she said.

• Green appliances: Energy-star appliances — a federal designation for energy-efficient products — are identified on gadget labels. "If you have an appliance that is not energy efficient, it's costing you money and costing everyone money," Gladstone said. AOL has a video about energy savings at: http://news.aol.com/savings-experiment-video/electricity.

• Recycle: In addition to replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models, it's important to recycle older appliances. The Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide information about recycling programs at energystar.gov. The site also offers a calculator to help consumers figure out how much money older appliances may be costing.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of the "Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money" — a coming-of-age memoir about money — and a contributing writer in Wise Bread's "10,0001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget."