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QUINCY, ILL. -- It may be time to upgrade your appliances.

Next week in Illinois, you can get a 15% rebate on certain appliances as part of the Federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Here's how you can save some money.

Get ready to go shopping if you live in Illinois. Beginning Friday, April 16th, that 15 percent rebate kicks in. The good thing, that rebate is taken off at the register when you pay. But the rebate is only good on certain appliances that are energy star rated.

"Washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers," says Trent Vogel with Lowe's Home Improvement.

You can also pick up a room air conditioner through the program. The idea behind the federally funded program is similar to the Cash for Clunkers program. It's designed to get energy hogging appliances out of your home. It's good for the environment, but it's also good on your pocketbook.

"In the case of a front load washer versus a top load washer, currently they use half the electricity and 60 to 70 percent less water. And the spin out speed is a hot higher, so drying time is reduced as well," says Vogel.

You may notice clothes dryers and ranges are not part of the program. Trent Vogel with Lowe's in Quincy says you should still see a difference in your energy bill with a new washer and dryer. Like he said, the spin out speed is higher, so your clothes won't take as long to dry, and the time you spend running those appliances shrinks. Front load washers are also better for your clothes because there is no agitator inside, so the fabrics last longer. There's also a rebate program if you recycle your appliances.

"I think it's $100 if you recycle your old refrigerator or freezer and $50 for a washer or dishwasher," says Vogel.

You will have to send in a rebate form for that and wait for that money. You can check out www.energy.gov for more information on the program.

Remember, this is for Illinois residents only, and not all stores are participating in the rebate program.

Iowa has a similar program going on now, but you have to get a rebate application before you buy.

And a program is coming soon for Missouri.

For more information, check out www.energy.gov/recovery