The Mass Save Rebate Program in Massachusetts for people who are looking to trade in their old appliances for new, energy-efficient models, has launched today, which coincides with Earth Day, April 22. Opening at 10 a.m., the site has been experiencing server difficulties due to traffic overload.

A spokeswoman for the state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs says officials are in touch with the web site operator about the problem, and is encouraging people to keep trying.

The original website keeps crashing, but a new website has been set up, and this one seems to be working well.

With the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, a similar program is emerging. “Cash for Refrigerators” or “Cash for Appliances” program. Scheduled to begin this fall, a new $300 million federal program will provide rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of high-efficiency household appliances. However, consumers do not have to trade in their old appliances to get the rebate.

With the decline of the economy paired with the slumping real estate market, the government is trying to jump start sales of energy efficient appliances. If you’re thinking about making a purchase and getting one of those pretty stainless steel appliances, remember that the new appliances must bear the Energy Star seal to qualify for the rebates.