The state of New Jersey has $8.3 million dollars available in rebate funds for homeowners interested in replacing old, inefficient appliances with qualifying new, energy-efficient Energy Star-rated appliances. This program, which was launched Feb. 1, is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

More than 70 percent of the energy used in homes is for appliances, space heating, cooling, water heating and refrigeration. Replacing old appliances and equipment with those that are Energy Star-labeled can help American families save significantly on their utility bills. And by putting more energy-efficient appliances in the hands of homeowners, New Jersey hopes to decrease its own statewide energy usage.

The rebates range from $25 on a qualifying gas storage water heater to $300 on furnaces and central air conditioning, all the way up to $1,200 for a solar gas backup water heater.

To learn more about this rebate program and what appliances are eligible, visit www.energysavers. gov or www.njcleanenergy.com.