Shortly after the Cash for Clunkers program ended, I read about the next rebate program — money back for upgrading to Energy Star appliances.

According to Energy Star, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided $300 million to states for rebates on several Energy Star appliances. These include air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, clothes washers, dishwashers, fridges/freezers, and water heaters.

Since we were planning to move into our house at the beginning of October, we thought the timing would be perfect. It’s now almost Thanksgiving, and still no word about this program.

Unlike Cash for Clunkers which was handled federally, this rebate program will be run through states. Each state will be able to pick which items qualify and how much people can get back.

The state plans were due by October 15, 2009, but it will take the federal government several weeks to sort through them. This means they might not start until sometime in early 2010.

It also doesn’t look like these rebates will be retroactive, which isn’t good news for people like us. We went ahead and got our Energy Star fridge, but had been waiting to buy a clothes washer.

With an infant in our midst, I believe we will save more money on water and energy with the new washer than we will waiting for this program to take effect. Energy Star reports that the average family could save $135 a year with an energy-efficient washer.

Any of you have any better news about the appliance rebates?