Shop Maryland Energy Weekend Offers Sales Tax Exemption

MARYLAND — Residents can take advantage of the state's six percent sales tax exemption this weekend when purchasing a qualifying Energy Star appliance as part of Shop Maryland Energy Weekend, which runs Saturday through Monday.

The following products bearing the Energy Star label, when purchased in-store or online, will be sales tax free:

• air conditioners
• washers and dryers
• standard-size refrigerators
• furnaces
• heat pumps
• boilers
• compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs
• dehumidifiers
• programmable thermostats

"This is the perfect time to bring home new energy-efficient appliances to go along with the traditional Valentine's Day flowers and chocolate," Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a news release. "These really are the gifts that keep on giving, thanks to the recurring savings in your electricity bills."

In a video to promote the tax-free weekend, the comptroller urged customers to support locally-owned appliance retailers that are taking extra measures to ensure a safe experience for shoppers browsing in store and for those who prefer to pick their products online or through virtual appointments.

“Shop Maryland Energy Weekend has been a great event to boost sales for local independent retailers such as ourselves," said Nick Olenski. vice president of finance for ADU, Your Appliance Source, which operates six stores in Maryland. "With the pandemic still impacting every aspect of life, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our customers."

In addition to the tax-free savings, shoppers can often find other deals from retailers, manufacturers and utility companies that promote the use of energy-efficient products.

"BGE loves partnering with Comptroller Franchot to promote Tax-Free Shop Maryland Energy Weekend,” Laurie Duhan, energy efficiency portfolio manager at BGE, said. “This weekend is a great opportunity for our customers to save money and increase energy efficiency in their homes by purchasing Energy Star-certified lighting and appliances."

To receive the Energy Star label, a product must meet strict 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.