Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Energy Star Appliances and More

For Immediate Release
May 19, 2009

Contact: Allen Spelce or R.J. DeSilva
(512) 463-4070

Shoppers Can Save Twice on Energy Efficient Appliances This Weekend

(AUSTIN) — This weekend marks the second annual Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday — an event designed to help Texas consumers buy energy efficient appliances that will help lower their utility bills. The tax holiday provides a great incentive to help consumers replace old, energy-zapping appliances and join statewide energy conservation efforts.

During the three-day tax holiday, May 23–25, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes when they purchase certain energy-efficient appliances and other household equipment bearing an Energy Star label. Shoppers can expect to save about $3 million overall in state and local sales taxes during the event.

The annual savings in average utility costs can really add up after purchasing an Energy Star product. A programmable thermostat can yield $204 in annual savings. A new, energy efficient central air conditioner unit can save $190 per year. An Energy Star clothes washer can save up to $55 annually.

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Energy Star Product[/FONT] Annual Savings [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Programmable Thermostats [/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$204[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Central Air Conditioner *[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$190[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Clothes Washer[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$55[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ceiling Fans (three lights)[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$33[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ceiling Fans (no lights)[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$4[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Dehumidifiers[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$27[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Room or Window Air Conditioners [/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$17[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Refrigerator[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$13[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Dishwasher[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$7[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Light Bulbs (compact fluorescents over incandescent) [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]$6/bulb[/FONT]

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* [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The central air figure is based on 2,209 cooling hours per year in Houston, which is average for the state of Texas.[/FONT] ​

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Assumptions:[/FONT] ​

• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Avg. Texas Electric Rate: $0.126 per kWh.[/FONT]
• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Avg. Texas Gas Rate: $1.64 per therm[/FONT]
• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Avg. Texas Water Rate: $0.004721 per gallon[/FONT]
• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Percent Electric Water Heating in Texas: 44%[/FONT]

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“This weekend, Texans have the opportunity to cash in not once, but twice, on energy efficient appliances,” said Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. ​

The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday applies only to the following equipment: air conditioners priced less than $6,000, refrigerators priced less than $2,000, ceiling fans, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats, along with installation and delivery charges for these products. ​

More information about the tax holiday is available on the Comptroller’s Web site at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/faq_energy_star.html. More information about Energy Star products can be found at www.energystar.gov.​