RALEIGH -- A higher sales tax means North Carolina consumers will get a larger break when they purchase energy-efficient appliances compared to a year ago. The sales-tax holiday on so-called Energy Star appliances like clothes washers, freezers and air conditioners will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday statewide. The holiday was first held last November when the sales tax rate consumers paid on merchandise was 6.75 percent in most counties. Now, it's 7.75 percent. Fran Preston with the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association says retailers are planning special sales on the products to coincide with the holiday. Other Energy Star items that qualify for the sales tax exemption include refrigerators, some heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)