MOUNT VERNON — A new cash-for-clunkers program kicked off over the weekend, offering rebates and government incentives to replace aging, inefficient appliances with newer, Energy Star-rated models.

“There’s a tremendous amount of interest,” said Phil Herald, owner of Herald’s Appliances and Electronics in Mount Vernon.

Herald said he has heard many customers talking about the program and making plans to take advantage of it.

The five appliances targeted for replacement are refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, high-efficiency gas water heaters and electric heat pump water heaters. The state expects to hand out about $11 million in rebates to consumers recycling old units and purchasing new ones.

According to governmental studies, replacing an older refrigerator can save money on energy bills. A recent refrigerator that is not Energy Star-rated can save a person over $150 over the life of the product, but more significant savings are seen when compared to older models. Replacing a refrigerator from the 1980s can result in savings over $100 per year, while replacing a clunker from the 1970s can save the consumer over $250 per year.

Energy Star dishwashers are shown to save the consumer 30 percent on energy bills and 50 percent on water bills; dishwashers also show savings, using on average of 8 gallons less water than models made over 15 years ago.

Savings can be found on replacing older water heaters, too. It is estimated that the savings found in replacing an older, less-efficient water heater, combined with the rebate, can cover the cost of a new Energy Star unit within three years.

As with new car purchases in the first “Cash for Clunkers” program, there will be some paperwork to fill out, including getting a receipt from a scrap recycler for the old machine and rebate form from the appliance sales store. Retailers are readying themselves for questions.

“We will work with customers to simplify the process,” said Noah Chupp of the Mount Vernon Sears store, adding that the store carries a variety of Energy Star-rated appliances.

Herald said his store was eager to help consumers as well, combining his store’s purchasing power with other retailers to find additional rebates on many products, as many manufacturers sweeten the deal by offering special rebates.

The proof-of-recycling form can be obtained from most recycling facilities, or it can be downloaded from the state’s Web site, www.ohioappliancerebate.com. The Web site also offers further details about the program. The Web site is also the best way to assure getting a rebate, by clicking on the “Get Your Rebate” button in order to get a guaranteed rebate reservation number to be submitted along with proof of recycling and receipt from the appliance purchase.