Reduce your carbon footprint at a reduced price on Shop MD Energy weekend

MARYLAND – February 18th-20th marks Shop Maryland Energy Weekend. Each year, the weekend event allows shoppers to reduce their carbon footprint for a reduced price.

Qualified Energy Star products or solar water heaters will be sold tax free in Maryland. The list includes washers, dryers, furnaces, and heat pumps. It also encompasses standard sized refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, boilers, and programmable thermostats.

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman says it’s a financial win for both consumers and vendors.

“You’re saving money when you’re buying these appliances, but then you’re also saving money over the long term. These appliances will cost you less as a consumer. Number two, this is great for our retailers,” said Lierman at a Friday press conference. “This tax holiday means that someone who buys a new Energy Star refrigerator this weekend for $1,500, would save $90 on that today, in addition to any additional discounts that folks are offering in their stores. But then, over the life of that refrigerator you’ll save hundreds of dollars because you’ll be using a more energy efficient appliance.”

Lierman adds that Marylandes who take part in the tax holiday aren’t just reducing their own impact on the environment; they’re also lending a hand to a statewide effort, she says.

“Even though we are not taking in thousands of dollars in taxes over the next two days on these appliances, the long term gain is so much more important, because we are doing right for our environment, and we’re creating a state that’s more energy efficient and sustainable overall,” said Lierman.

The tax holiday applies to products sold between 12:01 a.m. Saturday and 11:59 p.m. Monday. Sales made via catalogue and the internet are also eligible for the tax break. For more information about Shop Maryland Energy weekend, click here.