Save on Many ENERGY STAR Efficient Products During Tax Free Weekend on Feb. 16-18

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 11, 2019

The Presidents Day holiday weekend from Saturday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 18 will give Montgomery County shoppers looking to replace or upgrade appliances a chance to save money on qualifying ENERGY STAR® products by participating in “Shop Maryland Energy Tax Free Weekend.” The statewide holiday will allow qualifying purchases to be exempt from the six percent State sales tax.

The Maryland Comptroller’s Office has designated the tax-exempt initiative to encourage consumers to purchase ENERGY STAR appliances that are rated to be highly efficient and save energy costs. From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, through midnight Monday, Feb. 18, certain ENERGY STAR designated products will be exempt from State sales tax.

Products that qualify for the program include:

- Air conditioners

- Washers and dryers

- Furnaces

- Heat pumps Boilers

- Solar water heaters

- Standard size refrigerators

- Dehumidifiers

- Programmable thermostats

- Compact fluorescent light bulbs

Other types of appliances and equipment do not qualify for exemption even though they carry the ENERGY STAR label. For a list of frequently asked questions about tax exempted items, visit the program’s website at https://tinyurl.com/yxzrvkdk.

“The tax-free holiday is a great opportunity for Maryland residents to upgrade and save money on ENERGY STAR appliances,” said Adam Ortiz, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “Participating in the holiday is a win-win for consumers and the environment, conserving both essential resources and protecting our planet.”

Before purchasing new appliances, consumers should contact their respective utility supplier to make sure the product they intend to purchase is eligible for rebates. Montgomery County utility suppliers include:

• BGE: https://bgesmartenergy.com/residential/appliance-rebates
• Pepco: https://homeenergysavings.pepco.com/appliance-rebate-program
• Potomac Edison: https://energysavemd-home.com/appliance/
• Washington Gas: https://www.washingtongas.com/home-owners/savings/home-appliance-rebates-md

Residents also can schedule a pick-up of old working appliances through their energy utility company. Many replaced older appliances can return $25 or $50 in rebates as a reward for properly recycling energy-inefficient equipment.

To support the ENERGY STAR Tax Free Weekend, DEP staff will be visiting several locations throughout the County that sell qualifying appliances. At these events, staff members will answer questions about energy efficient appliances and rebates that are available. Currently scheduled among their stops will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store at 40 Market St. in Gaithersburg. For additional information, visit https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2019/tax-free/.

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Release ID: 19-053
Media Contact: Larissa Johnson 240-777-7711