Next rebate plan: Funds for fridges?

With the U.S. government's Cash for Clunkers program ending Monday, the Obama administration is gearing up for the next rebate plan -- this time, for the appliance industry.

So if you want a new range or dishwasher, you might want to wait to make that that purchase.

Beginning late this fall, federal rebates will be available for people who buy Energy Star-qualified home appliances, furnaces and air-conditioning systems. Congress set aside $300 million for the program as part of the federal economic-stimulus bill earlier this year.

The $300 million was distributed to states based on the number of households, but states get to decide the specific rebate amounts for each type of appliance. Their plans for the program are due to the Energy Department by Oct. 15.

"It's a good way for the consumer to get back into the marketplace," J.B. Hoyt, director of governmental relations for Whirlpool (WHR), told The Wall Street Journal. Whirlpool is the biggest household appliance producer in the world by revenue. "Clearly, anything that boosts business is good for us," he said.

Other appliance makers like General Electric (GE), Sears (SHLD) and Electrolux (ELUXY) are also likely to benefit from the program.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, an industry trade group, is hopeful the program will spur sales, spokeswoman Jill Notini told CNBC.com. Industry sales are down about 15% from last year.