Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

Cash could be waiting for you if you're about to buy a new, energy-efficient appliance ... but exactly how much cash, and what you have to do to qualify, depends on where you live.

The U.S. government has pledged $300 million in funding for the new "Cash for Appliances" program to help inspire people to buy ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerators, washing machines, hot-water heaters and other appliances. But that money doesn't come to you from the Feds -- it goes to the states first, and each state has its own rules about what appliances qualify and how much you will get.

Not to mention how many of you will actually get these rebates.

For example, I live in Maine. Maine will only receive $1.2 million of the $300 million in government stimulus funds. Maine is only giving rebates for three types of appliances: refrigerators ($75 or $25 rebate, depending on the size of the fridge), clothes Washers ($50 rebate); and air conditioners/dehumidifiers ($25 rebate).

But if I lived in Texas (to pick a state at random), I'd have a much broader range of appliances to chose from, and a bigger piece of the rebate pie. Texas is getting $23.3 million in stimulus funds, and their rebates range from $45 to $1,600 -- plus, Texas will pay you extra if you recycle your old appliance.

Want to find out what purchases qualify in your state? Check out this handy state funding map that breaks it all down for you.

If you're interested, I wouldn't wait too long. With only $300 million initially pledged, this program is likely to run out of funding as quickly as last year's "Cash for Clunkers." So get in while the getting is good, and save some energy and money in the process!