Thinking about a new stove, refrigerator, other appliances or products for the home during the holiday season? Nows the time to do it and get an extra holiday gift from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Gov. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) recently announced the creation of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program, a new program to encourage the purchase of high-efficiency appliances and products. Utilizing $15 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, it will provide rebates to both homeowners and commercial consumers on qualifying appliances and products.

Homeowners will be eligible for rebates of 20 percent of the cost of products up to $2,000. Commercial consumers are eligible for 20 percent of their costs up to $4,000. Rebates will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Consumers wishing to take advantage of the program will be required to complete an application form which is available online from the State Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. Eligible items for residential consumers include air conditioners, heat pumps, hot water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators, as well as insulation and replacement windows.

Commercial consumers are eligible for rebates on such items as heating and cooling equipment, hot water heaters, window replacements, lighting upgrades, high efficiency motors and compressed air and steam system upgrades. They are also eligible for window replacements and insulation.

There is also a federal tax credit available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits provide a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,500 for the purchase and installation of given products between now and December 31, according to the Governors Office.