Fridges, faucets among many water, energy-saving tax-free products on Memorial Day weekend

Look for Energy Star, WaterSense labels

SAN ANTONIO – It’s money down the drain if your faucets and fridge are old and inefficient.

This weekend, Texans can upgrade and save money as the state waives the sales tax on certain products ranging from washing machines to light bulbs to mulch.

As businesses begin to open their doors, the state is offering its annual sales tax holiday Saturday through Monday to promote energy and water savings.

“Inefficient appliances and outdated water systems put a tremendous strain on our power grids and water supplies,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “Even in these uncertain times, Texans can take advantage of this sales tax holiday to buy more energy-efficient items, support local businesses and save money.”

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For appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, look for the Energy Star label. Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less qualify, too, along with certain ceiling fans and light bulbs.

If a bath renovation is on the to-do list, this weekend is an opportune time to buy and save the sales tax.

For toilets, shower heads and faucets, look for the WaterSense logo.

Shoppers can save up front with the purchase and save over the long haul. For instance, replacing toilet, shower head and faucets, the EPA estimates a family of four will save about $240 a year on utility bills.

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If your yard needs sprucing up, you can also save the tax on water-conserving plants, grasses, trees, mulch and soil as well as soaker hoses.

Retailers are ready and many are staging weekend sales as an extra incentive. If you head into the stores, be prepared to socially distance or you can shop online as it’s tax-free, too.

Here is a list of qualifying Energy Star energy-efficient products:

  • Air conditioners with a sales prices of $6,000 or less
  • Refrigerators with a sales price of $2,000 or less
  • Ceiling fans
  • Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Qualifying water-conserving products:
  • Any product with a WaterSense logo such as toilets, shower heads, bath faucets, spray sprinkler bodies
  • Soaker or drip-irrigation hoses
  • Mulch
  • Rain barrel or alternative moisture collection system
  • Plants, trees, grasses
  • Soil, compost
  • Permeable ground cover surface that allows water to reach underground aquifer

About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.