If your fridge is on the fritz or your furnace is putting up a fight, this might be a good weekend to replace it.
Consumers will get a break from the state’s six percent sales tax on qualifying Energy Star products from Feb. 19-21.
During Shop Maryland Energy weekend, the following Energy Star products are tax free:
- air conditioners,
- washers and dryers,
- standard-size refrigerators,
- furnaces,
- heat pumps,
- boilers,
- compact fluorescent light bulbs (not LED),
- dehumidifiers,
- programmable thermostats.
Solar water heaters are tax-exempt year-round.
From 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, through midnight on Monday, Feb. 21 qualifying Energy Star products will be exempt from Maryland’s six percent sales tax.
It's almost that time of year again! This year's #ShopMarylandEnergy weekend is Feb. 19-21, 2022. #ShopLocal and save when you buy a qualifying Energy Star product sales tax FREE! Energy-efficient appliances are good for the🌎 & your wallet.
Learn more: https://t.co/PDYqoz1MSc pic.twitter.com/m9mxPRZLuc— Comptroller of Maryland (@MDComptroller) February 8, 2022
Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a statement, “Many manufacturers, retailers and utility companies offer additional deals in addition to the money you’ll save from lower utility bills over the life of the product, so the savings really add up.”
To receive the Energy Star label, a product must meet standards for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2018, Energy Star-certified products helped consumers save 200 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, avoid $35 billion in energy costs, and achieve 150 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
The tax-free weekend for energy-efficient appliances began in 2011 and its impact has grown ever since. It’s estimated the state loses $800,000 in direct tax revenue on the purchase of Energy Star products, but additional sales on other taxable products generates unanticipated tax dollars while the environmental impact carries massive financial benefits.
In addition to the tax savings, additional utility rebates may also apply. Be sure to check in your service area before you start shopping. Check: BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Washington Gas. For more help, check the Energy Star website rebate finder.
Home Depot is hosting county representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection at two of their stores during Presidents Day weekend. The county reps will be available to answer questions about the Energy Star program and the county’s efforts to protect the environment. The schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Home Depot, 7111 Westlake Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Sunday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Aspen Hill Home Depot, 14000 Georgia Ave, Aspen Hill, MD 20906
