Sales Tax Holiday Encourages Georgians to Go Green, Save Green

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The state of Georgia held its 5th annual tax holiday to encourage consumers to save money now on appliances that will save them money in the future.

According to Energy Star, an energy efficient appliance is estimated to use 15% less energy than regular appliances. But buying “green” appliances isn’t necessarily the cheap route. Hhgregg appliance sales manager Greg Vogel said an energy efficient refrigerator can cost more than the average refrigerator. But the price has not prevented shoppers from flocking to stores during the sales tax weekend. Hhgregg sold an estimated 100 units during this year’s sale holiday. Vogel said it’s a sign that people are willing to invest in products that use less energy and can potentially lessen their bills.

“I think it’s indicative of our economy right now that people want absolutely the best value possible,” Vogel said.

Chris Knowles agrees. Knowles and his family stopped by Hhgregg over the weekend shopping for a new energy efficient refrigerator.

“Several of the refrigerators that they emphasized said it uses less electricity than even a 40 watt light bulb so that caught my attention,” Knowles said.

He hopes that by spending a little extra money now on a refrigerator will cut his electric bill cost and save him money in the future. According to Vogel, several Energy Star products and Georgia Power services offer rebates year round.