(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina consumers can get money back on a new appliance purchase. The state's Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program has reopened, with funds allocated from the federal stimulus bill.

The Energy Star program began last year and distributed $10 million in rebates on purchases of more than 75,000 energy-efficient appliances. Seth Effron at the North Carolina State Energy Office said an Energy Star refrigerator uses half of the electricity compared to that of a model from 20 years ago.

"You can really know very significant savings, because a refrigerator is something that's running all the time. With the encouragement of the Recovery Act the consumer can have a savings when they purchase it," said Effron.

Rebates for qualifying refrigerators are $150. For other appliances, like heat pumps and water heaters, rebates can be as much as $300.

Purchases must be made at a North Carolina retail location on or after January 1, 2012. Another requirement is that buyers must be replacing an old appliance with the new, energy-efficient model. More information is available at: ncappliancerebate.com.