Environmental Leader

With consumers expected to spend millions of dollars on new refrigerators and dishwashers as part of the “Cash for Appliances” state-federal rebate program, Whirlpool and others are building an online infrastructure to make it easier for consumers to apply for rebates.

Whirlpool has launched a rebate finder tool at Web sites for its Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands, according to a press release.

Consumers can enter the zip code and appliance type at the Web site to learn the amount of applicable state rebates available. The rebate finder also scrolls the Web for utility rebate programs, where applicable.

The federal government is kicking in $300 million for states to disburse as part of the energy efficiency upgrade program, which came about after the Cash for Clunkers car rebate program.

A general Web site, EcoRebates, has also sprung up to help consumers find rebates, according to a press release.

That Web site attempts to link consumers with appliance dealers.