If you missed out on the Energy Star appliance rebates in April, you're about to get your second chance.
Phase two of the state's appliance program will kick off Tuesday.
But this time around, the items that qualify are different. So is the way you file for your rebate and the amount you can get back.
Here's what you need to know.
What: This time, there are more items that qualify, including central air conditioners, gas furnaces, heat pumps, gas water heaters and solar water heaters. Appliances that qualified for phase one of the rebate program also qualify this time. Those include Energy Star-rated refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers and freezers.
How much: $300 for central air conditioners, gas furnaces and heat pumps; $200 for water heaters; $150 for Energy Star refrigerators; $100 for Energy Star clothes washers; and $75 for Energy Star dishwashers and freezers. The rebates are not a percentage of the total purchase price as they were during the first phase of the program.
When: The program starts Tuesday and will continue until the money is used up. The $1 million available is what's left from the total $8.8 million in federally allocated money for the rebate program. In April, shoppers bought 54,400 appliances as part of the program.
How: This time, shoppers will not get an instant discount at the register. They must pay full price and then file a claim at www.NCAppliance Rebate.com or by calling 877-379-7323. Once you do that, you will receive a confirmation page, which you must print, sign and mail with a copy of the receipt within 15 days. Shoppers who apply by phone will be mailed this form. Rebates will be sent in the form of a prepaid debit card. If you don't send in the paperwork and receipt within 15 days, you forfeit your rebate and it will be allocated to someone who was placed on the waiting list.
What else: To qualify, you must be replacing older appliances with a new Energy Star model. Purchases made earlier than Tuesday will not qualify. For more information, visit www.energync.net.
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