Unfortunately, you're a bit too early to qualify for the Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program, and besides the IRS energy efficiency tax credit, there aren't any other furnace incentives in your area at this time.

But if you've got other energy efficiency upgrades that make sense for your house, you may still want to check out the Illinois ENERGY STAR appliance rebate program, which is structured in two phases. The first phase begins on Jan. 31, 2010 for water heaters and cooling systems and lasts until funds run out.

The second phase of the program starts on April 16, 2010 and offers a 15 percent, in-store markdown on dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners. The second phase lasts until April 26, 2010.

If you're a ComEd customer, you should also check out the home energy efficiency programs they are running - there are rebate opportunities for CFL bulbs, high-efficiency showerheads and faucets and insulation for electric hot water heaters.