October is National Kitchen & Bath Month, and this year, homeowners have a great reason to celebrate. Inspired by the success of the "Cash for Clunkers" program, the U.S. Department of Energy will launch a "Cash for Appliances" program this fall.

The program will provide nearly $300 million in stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to consumers who buy new, energy-efficient kitchen appliances.

"These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs," Energy Secretary Steven Chu says.

This new rebate program is in addition to a number of U.S. tax credits on energy-efficient products for homes introduced earlier this year. This includes many gas, oil, electric and solar water heaters, which are reimbursed at 30 percent of their purchase price up to $1,500. Many energy-efficient windows, skylights, exterior doors, insulation and HVAC systems are also eligible for a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500 per home. (This $1,500 limit is the total for all credits applied to the home across all categories of eligible products).

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