SAN DIEGO -- A new government program aimed at putting more cash into your pocket is coming, and your old appliances are the key to making it happen, 10News reported.

Nearly $300 million in stimulus money is being set aside in an effort to get old appliances that are considered big energy wasters out of homes.

San Diegan Allison Horn loves to bake, but what she doesn't love are the things she has to use to bake with. She said her stove has definitely seen better days, and when it comes to her refrigerator, "I think that was replaced in the 80s, where this is the original model from the 60s or 70s; I can't even tell how old it is, it's pretty bad."

Under the new federal program some have called "Cash for Appliances," if Horn's appliances were replaced, she would be entitled to a rebate. While her oven is not part of the rebate program, her refrigerator -- while functional -- is not very efficient.

For example, the program would give $100 for an old washer, $75 for a refrigerator and $50 for an old window air conditioner.

"If something gets cold, it gets hot, it's working, and generally people do hang on to them, but the efficiency levels have gone so high it's no longer practical," said Matthew Gordon of Aztec Appliance, which has been located in downtown San Diego for 39 years.

An old refrigerator costs an extra $35 on your bill compared to an Energy Star appliance

Recycling cans, bottles and newspapers have become a normal activity for many, and the point behind the rebate program is to start recycling old appliances. California will receive the lion's share of rebate funds -- more than $35 million.

"I would love to get everything replaced, it's so old," said Horn.

The program states your old appliance has to be recycled properly, which many appliance stores are certified to do.

The rebate program begins in March.

For more details, visit 10News.com/Cash-For-Appliances.