HOUSTON — Senator Joan Huffman (R-Southside Place) encouraged Texans wishing to purchase certain energy efficient appliances to maximize their buying power by participating in the third-annual ENERGY STAR^® Sales Tax Holiday.

Approved by the Texas Legislature in 2007, the three-day tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31.

"This weekend is a great time to purchase a new appliance or replace an old one that is no longer efficient and drives up your monthly utility bill," Senator Huffman said. "I encourage shoppers to take advantage of this limited tax break, especially with the hot summer months approaching."

Not to be confused with the federal stimulus appliance rebate program which occurred earlier this year, this weekend offers sales tax exemptions to the following appliances and household equipment bearing an ENERGY STAR label: 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.

For additional information on the Energy Star^® Sale Tax Holiday and other incentives available to help make your home more efficient, visit: www.texaspowerfulsmart.org.

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