NC Residents Can Save Extra On Energy Efficient Appliances This Weekend

Consumers across North Carolina will be able to save extra money this weekend on energy efficient appliances.

The second annual tax-free “Energy Star” weekend begins today and runs until Sunday. During the weekend, consumers will not have to pay local or state sales taxes on home appliances such as washing machines, freezers, refrigerators and other items that carry the “Energy Star” label. They must carry the “Energy Star” label, meaning they meet the energy efficient standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Saving money, conserving our natural resources, and boosting the green economy – that’s a winning combination,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.

Products that earn the “Energy Star” label operate more efficiently and that means they help cut the production of greenhouse gases. These appliances use less energy to save consumers money on their power bills.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, by using “Energy Star” appliances Americans saved enough energy in 2007 to avoid an amount of greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount released by 27 million cars and Americans also saved $16 billion on their utility bills in 2007.