Nov. 7--Going green will save North Carolinians some green this weekend.

Gov. Bev Perdue recently announced that customers can take advantage of savings during the state's second annual tax-free weekend for selected Energy Star-rated appliances.

"Saving money, conserving our natural resources and boosting the green economy -- that's a winning combination," she said.

Items that meet guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are authorized to carry the Energy Star label. These items cut air pollution, reduce global warming and help save energy without sacrificing performance.

Energy Star appliances incorporate technology to use 10 to 15 percent less energy and water than standard models. According to the Energy Star Web site, consumers can save $75 a year in energy costs by switching.

Local retailers are gearing up for the tax-free weekend by staffing additional employees and making sure the Energy Star label is prominently displayed.

"We will have more red vests in the aisles to help with the anticipated customer flow over the next (two) days," Tony Ostroski, Lowe's Home Improvement sales manager, said.

Ostroski said Lowe's -- the 2009 Energy Star Retail Partner of the Year -- will be offering additional incentives to drive sales throughout the weekend.

All Energy Star items will be sold at an extra 10 percent off. Lowe's also offers free home delivery and installation for up to 75 miles.

Beginning Sunday, Ostroski said military personnel can also take advantage of a 10 percent discount in honor of Veterans Day.

Sears store manager Michael Brock anticipates a huge turnout for the tax-free event.

"We've been letting people know that Energy Star items are tax-free until Sunday," he said.

Brock said the demand for energy efficient products has led Sears to slash prices by 20 percent this weekend.

"More people are definitely going energy efficient," he said.

Reduced water consumption rates and decreased annual energy costs are two reasons Brock recommends switching to Energy Star items.

"I would also advise people to pay attention to the Energy Guide," he said. "It tells you average cost per year."

Each Energy Star product comes with an Energy Guide label that indicts how much energy is used to operate each appliance, an energy scale to compare products and a list of approximate annual operating cost.

Although Energy Star items will only be tax-free this weekend, Ostroski said going green can also save homeowners money through federal tax credits. Tax credits will be available to homeowners through Dec. 31, 2010.

Sarah Campbell can be reached at 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.

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