Many of us will have the opportunity to purchase new appliances during the “cash for appliances” program this spring through the government.  The newer energy efficient appliances are said to pull much less energy, enough to make a notable difference on your utilities bill. My refrigerator is more than 20 years old, so I plan to take advantage of the offer.  While I wait for word on when the “cash for appliances” in our state begins, I am shopping around and asking questions.  Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s may run special deals along with the rebates offered by the government.  So it makes sense to shop around. There is only so much money allotted for each state, so when the money is gone, so are the rebates.