The Great Appliance Swap Out kicked off Friday, offering consumers rebates for replacing their old appliances with new ones that meet Energy Star standards.

Refrigerators and washers qualify for a $75 rebate, while freezers qualify for $50. However, customers who choose to recycle their appliances will be granted a bigger rebate.

"I think it's going to stimulate business, but certainly it gives the consumer an opportunity to get additional money back for buying an energy-efficient item," says Ron Yoel, sales manager of Silver City Appliance Center.

The federally funded program is scheduled to run until Feb. 21, or until the $17 million allocated for the rebates run out.

For interviews about kickoff of appliance rebate program in NY, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra on Ch. 612.