Californians will be able to start getting federal stimulus rebates on new energy efficient models starting on Earth Day, April 22.

Under the Cash for Appliances program, California will be eligible for a total of $35.2 million in rebates. To participate in the program, consumers can trade in their old refrigerators, washing machines and room air conditioners for newer, more energy efficient models. There is expected to be a large amount of interest throughout the state.

“We anticipate such strong consumer demand that we wanted to give the public a sneak-peak, so they can learn how this program works and get the most out of the rebates,” California Energy Commission Chairman Karen Douglas said in a news release.

Under the California appliance rebate program, residents are eligible to receive up to a $200 rebate for an eligible refrigerator, $100 for an efficient clothes washer and $50 for an eligible room air conditioner. "Just as the Cash for Clunkers program took old gas-guzzling cars off the road, the Cash for Appliances program recycles inefficient refrigerators, washers, and room air conditioners with more efficient ones," Douglas said. "Homeowners should notice the savings on their energy bills with their new appliances almost immediately. Today a new Energy Star-qualified refrigerator, for example, will use 50 percent less energy as ones made in the 1990s, and 80 percent less energy than the ones made in the 1970s. That can translate to as much as $65 a year savings on your electricity bill."

Consumers can only receive one rebate on each type of appliance. Rebates will be given on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted.

Information on the program, as well as forms consumers will need to fill out once they purchase their new appliances, is available at www.cash4appliances.com.