The federal government hopes to give Americans a nudge to go appliance shopping. It has set aside $300 million in stimulus funds to offer rebates to those who buy energy-efficient appliances.
Energy efficient = savings
Replacing a 16-year-old refrigerator could trim your annual utility bills by $75. An upgraded furnace or central air conditioner can also yield big savings and might qualify you for up to $1,500 in federal energy tax credits in 2010.