When it comes to cash for appliances rebates, things are just a little different in California

With $35,267,000, California received the largest chunk of money from the federal government for its cash for appliances program, which started on April 22 and will run through May 23 or until the funding runs out. As of this morning, the California Energy Commission's Web site indicated that cash for appliances rebates are still available for room air conditioners (up to $50), refrigerators ($200), and washing machines ($100).

True to the Golden State's typically tougher standards when it comes to many things environmental—see low-VOC paints, for instance—rebate-eligible clothes washers and refrigerators must meet the Consortium of Energy Efficiency's Tier 2 and above criteria, which are stricter than Energy Star standards for those appliances. California's rebates for air conditioners are based on Energy Star criteria, as is the case for eligible products in the vast majority of the programs. (Read more about enhanced energy-use standards for appliances, part of what the U.S. Department of Energy calls the "Super Star program.")

If you're a California resident, find out which appliances are eligible for a rebate and remember that you must recycle your old appliance to get a rebate.

Here's a cash for appliances update as of 5 p.m. ET today:The $300 million cash for appliances rebate program has rolled out in 41 of 50 states and three U.S. territories and will start in the coming weeks in Guam (late May), Hawaii (late May), Maine (May), Montana (May 24), Nebraska (May 17), Northern Mariana Islands (May), Oklahoma (May 8), Tennessee (late May), Utah (May 12), Virginia (April 28), Washington, D.C. (late May), and West Virginia (June).

Use our interactive map or visit this EnergySavers.gov page to check on the program in your state. 

The following states have closed their cash for appliances program: Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas. The federal government indicates the Puerto Rico program is closed but the Web site for the commonwealth indicates an extension until May 16.

Essential information: Check out our cash for appliances buyer's guides to air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters. And find the best places to buy appliances. To stay on top of the latest cash for clunkers for appliances news, follow us at Twitter.com/CRHomegarden.