Energy Star Tax-Free Holiday this weekend

Tim and Linda Dupree are shopping at Lowe’s for bargains. Starting Friday, and through the weekend, home improvement stores are selling energy saving appliances tax-free. It’s a part of the state’s first ever Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday.

“I’m glad that North Carolina is giving back to consumers,” said Tim.

The Energy Star logo is a familiar label on many eco-friendly appliances. Energy Star is a labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products.

“We’re considering buying something, if it’s in the price range we’re looking for,” added Tim.

When you get to the store a green piece of paper is what you want to look for. It will let you know all of the Energy Star appliances that are tax-free.

State lawmakers approved washing machines, freezers, refrigerators, ceiling fans and thermostats to be tax-free. Dishwashers and dryers are just a few items not on the list. Store managers said dryers are not considered energy saving sources, and you can save energy by using cold water instead of the hot water feature for dishwashers.

State lawmakers hope the discount entices consumers to go green and save some money too.

“We’ve had a lot of loss with the stock market, and things with the economy going the way it is, anything that helps – I’ll tell you,” said Dupree.

Some stores are offering discounts in addition to the tax-free savings.

Lowe’s store manager, Eric Skipper, said, “We expect it to be a very good weekend for us. People are a lot more conscientious about saving energy and about taking care of our planets needs, and I think this is a great opportunity that we are going to see a lot of people take advantage of.”

The event starts Friday and ends Sunday. Home Depot is also offering 10% off on energy saving appliances, including another 10% for veterans and military members. That discount lasts until Veteran’s Day.