SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon Department of Energy's Appliance Rebate Program has now expanded to low-income Oregon homeowners.

Starting July 1, 2010, the rebate program has been expanded to include eligible low-income homeowners who purchase ENERGY STAR water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers. Purchases must be dated on or after July 1, 2010. Eligible Oregonians are those who own their home and earn less than 60 percent of the state's median income levels. Click here for income guidelines.

"Those homeowners who believe they are eligible must first receive their rebate voucher that verifies their eligibility," said Rebecca Sweetland, ODOE Program Manager for the State Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. "Then they need to purchase their ENERGY STAR appliance before applying for their rebate check from the Oregon Department of Energy."

Interested Oregon homeowners can call 1-800-453-5511 to learn about the program and apply for a rebate voucher, which are given on a first-come, first-served basis. After purchase and installation of eligible appliances, qualified homeowners may redeem vouchers for 70 percent of the purchase price, up to a specified maximum. Old appliances must be legally recycled (not re-sold or re-used) in order to receive rebate funds.

Appliance Rebate Program maximum amounts for ENERGY STAR appliances (equipment only, not installation):

Furnace - 70% up to $2,000

Heat pump - 70% up to $2,000

Refrigerators - 70% up to $700

Electric heat pump water heater - 70% up to $1,400

Gas tankless water heater - 70% up to $1,200

Gas storage water heater - 70% up to $1,400

Dishwashers - 70% up to $400

Clothes washers - 70% up to $800

The program is funded by $3.6 million of federal stimulus funds awarded to the ODOE by the US Department of Energy.

For more information, click here, call 1-800-453-5511 (option 2, selection 4) or e-mail.