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Trying to find the green in energy efficiency? There’s a practical dollar savings to be had later this month — apart from the utility savings typically associated with energy- efficient practices and eco-friendly products.

A special incentive organized by the North Carolina State Energy Office will mean savings for residents replacing select household appliances. Here are the basics of how the N.C. Energy Star Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program will work.

When will this rebate program be offered?

Earth Day, April 22, through Sunday, April 25

What appliances does the program cover?

Qualified Energy Star clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers are eligible for rebates.

How much can consumers save?

The rebates will be 15 percent on Energy Star-rated appliances, and will be in addition to any store, manufacturer or other discounts being offered.

How does it work?

The 15 percent rebate is a “point-of-sale” rebate. That means customers save at the cash register. Savings would be deducted from the cost of the item. For example, a $500 item would cost the buyer $425. The retailer would be paid back through the program funds.

Who’s eligible?

Only North Carolina residents who are replacing an appliance from the list above are eligible for the rebate. Those purchasing multiple appliances or appliances for commercial properties would not qualify.

Consumers could receive rebates on more than one appliance, but it must be for different appliances. For example, someone could receive rebates on a refrigerator and clothes washing machine, but not on two refrigerators.

The rebate is not retroactive and will not be issued on replacement appliances purchased before April 22.

Where can people buy the appliances and receive the rebate?

The State Energy Office and the N.C. Retail Merchants Association are working together to encourage major retail chains as well as most independent appliance dealers to participate in the program. Businesses have until April 13 to register to take part. Officials with the agencies expect the businesses to help customers find them through advertisements, and they predict consumers can look forward to savings on other items from retailers as an added incentive.

Retailers interested in taking part may access the registration form at www.NCretailerrebate.com.

How much energy will be saved?

The object of the program is to take older, less-efficient appliances out of commission. By doing so, consumers can save energy, as well as money on operating costs.

For example, a new Energy Star-rated refrigerator uses half the electricity that the same size refrigerator built before 1995 uses. By replacing older, conventional appliances, officials estimate enough electricity will be saved to power 536 homes for a year. Natural gas savings would serve
390 homes for a year.

How is this rebate being funded?

North Carolina is receiving $8.8 million in federal money to help homeowners purchase energy-efficient appliances. The goals of the program are to boost the economy, cut energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The money is part of nearly $300 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being distributed nationwide by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Are other rebates planned?

Depending on the funds available after this month’s program is completed, a second rebate could be offered in June on Energy Star residential gas storage water heaters, tankless gas water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces that replace older items. These rebates would be mail-ins.GraphicPhotoCreditSources: Seth Effron, communications director for the North Carolina State Energy Office (part of the N.C. Department of Commerce), and www.energync.net;  Andy Ellen, general counsel for the N.C. Retail Merchants Association, and www.ncrma.org

— Compiled by Heather L. Modlin