Cary NC - Real Estate Blog. There's quite a hype surrounding the going green movement these days. Homeowners all around North Carolina will once again experience the satisfaction of replacing their old, resource-selfish clunkers of appliances with brand-spankin'-new, energy efficient appliances thanks to the installment of the state's Energy Star rebate program- phase two officially starting today!

Phase one saw the sale of over 54,000 appliances as a part of the program. This time, more items qualify for the update, such as Energy Star-rated central air conditioners, gas furnaces, heat pumps, gas water heaters, and solar water heaters. Appliances that qualified during phase one will qualify for phase two as well: Energy Star-rated refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers and freezers. Unlike phase one though, phase two will offer a fixed rebate amount for each category of item.

The program is funded by the $1 million remaining from the federally allotted $8.8 million, and will continue until all money is depleted.

This time, shoppers will not get an instant rebate as they ring up at the register. Instead, they must pay full price at check out, then go to www.NCApplianceRebate.com or call 877-379-8323 to file a claim. Once that's done, they will be directed to a confirmation page, which must be printed out, signed, and returned with a copy of the receipt within 15 days. If the confirmation page isn't returned within 15 days, the rebate will be forfeited and given to someone on the waiting list. Rebates will be returned in the form of a prepaid debit card via mail. Older appliances must be replaced with a new Energy Star model to qualify. Purchase before today (6/1) don't qualify.

So, if you're planning on taking advantage of this offer, hurry! Within the time it took to write this blog post, at least $50,000 of rebate money has been claimed and almost one third of the money is already reserved! The program only lasts as long as the funds are available, which I'm predicting won't be much longer since the funds are first-come, first-serve. If you aren't fortunate to make the deadline though, there is still hope! The Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency are running until the end of the year, or longer. Also, on Energy Star's website, there are a few rebates or other offers available on select products.

There is no wrong time to update your appliances. Homes for sale with updated, efficient appliances are dependably enticing to buyers. Not only will you save money in the long run with smaller energy/water/natural gas bills, but you're also doing Mother Nature a favor. If it's in your budget, consider updating one or more of your appliances for more efficient versions!

For more information regarding the North Carolina Energy Rebate, visit www.EnergyNC.net.

For more information regarding Energy Star qualified models, visit www.EnergyStar.gov.