Tax Free Weekend For Energy Star Appliances

Shelley Childers
schilders@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News
May 29, 2010

Odessa, TX - Thanks to a government program, this weekend is a great time to save some green, while going green, when purchasing that new appliance for your home.

For anyone interested in saving hundreds on their energy bills and purchasing those energy saving appliances, this weekend is the time to buy, but there are some stipulations shoppers should be aware of.

"Yes, it's busier than normal," said David Brown, owner of Southwest TV and Appliance in South Odessa.

Thanks to the third annual Texas Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, Southwest TV and Appliance has seen a spike in business.

"It's a win-win for everyone, you save on your utility bills and you also save on your taxes for this weekend," Brown said.

Their biggest seller this weekend, Energy Star refrigerators, but that isn't the only item available tax-free.

"It will be refrigerators with the Energy Star logo under $2,000, Energy Star dish washers, and Energy Star washers, ceiling fans, air conditioners under $6,000 and dehumidifiers."

According to the Energy Star website, these appliances can have up to 75 percent in energy savings when compared to standard models.

Compared to the federal incentive that lasted only seven hours, this deal lasts for three days.

"This is a great time for anyone who missed the federal program."

Consumers can purchase these products on-line, in person or through a catalog.

"Utilities never go away, they're always going to go up and if you can save some money and save utilities and water, that's a great thing," said Brown.

Incandescent and Fluorescent light bulbs are also included.

Southwest TV and Appliance also offers free delivery and removal of any old appliances when you purchase from them.

The tax-free holiday for energy-efficient appliances did begin early this morning, and will last through Memorial Day Monday.