From the Cleveland Plain Dealer - a good summary of the Energy Star program...- Ohio's Energy Star appliance rebate program -- what some have called "cash for appliances" – started Friday morning.  And when the rebates are  gone, they're gone.

Here's what you need to know:

The Question: When do the rebates start?

The Answer: Both the web site and the toll-free phone line (1-888-686-8896) go live at 8 a.m. Friday.

Start there to get your rebate confirmation number. Multiple lines will be answered from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, and 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through next Friday. The state does not expect the phone lines or web site to shut down, but is encouraging people who get a busy signal to keep calling or try logging in online, said Bethany Close, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Development.

The Question: How much is up for grabs?

The Answer: Our slice of the $300 million federal program, minus administrative costs, is $10,469,000, or 89,335 rebates.

The Question: How much can I get back for each appliance?

The Answer: $100 off refrigerators at least 7.75 cubic feet or larger (26,172 rebates available);$150 off clothes washers (24,428 rebates);$100 off dishwashers (20,938 rebates);$100 off high-efficiency gas storage water heaters (15,703 rebates);and $250 off electric heat pump water heaters. (2,094 rebates)

The Question: How many rebates can I get?

The Answer: Up to five per consumer, one for each kind of appliance.

The Question: How do I begin?

The Answer: Once you get a rebate number, you'll have 72 hours to go to the store to buy your appliance (no buying online). If you don't buy your appliance within 72 hours, your number will be given to someone else. You'll need to mail in your original receipt for your rebate.

The Question: Are stores opening early on Friday?

The Answer: Some will. Sears, the nation's largest Energy Star appliance retailer, opens at 6 a.m. Best Buy opens at 8 a.m. Other retailers, such as B&B Appliance in Euclid and Middleburg Heights, which opens at 9 a.m., will have a computer available inside the store for consumers to get their rebate numbers.

The Question: Will I need to recycle my old fridge/washer/dishwasher/water heater?

The Answer: Yes. You'll need proof from the people who haul away your old appliance or from wherever you take your old appliance that it's being properly disposed of and recycled. You'll need to mail this in with your receipt. This is also a change from what was previously announced.

The Question: How will Ohio know I've bought my appliance within 72 hours?

The Answer: After you buy your appliance, you'll have to call the state, or log on to the web site, to confirm your purchase. After that, you'll have 30 days to mail in your paperwork. Expect your rebate check in 8 to 10 weeks.

The Question: Why aren't there rebates on ranges, dryers or microwave ovens?

The Answer: Those appliances aren't Energy Star rated, because new ones don't save measurably more energy than older models.

The Question: Why is the Department of Energy doing this?

The Answer: To wean us from our energy-hogging appliances, cut down our water and electric bills and stimulate our economy (Ohio is one of the nation's largest appliance-making states).

The Question: I bought an Energy Star refrigerator last month. Can I get in on the rebates?

The Answer: No. Rebates are not retroactive.

The Question: What if I have other questions?The Answer: Call 1-888-686-8896 after 8 a.m. Friday

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