"Houston summers are long and expensive. Energy Star appliances — a voluntary labeling program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Buying one during the tax holiday stacks two savings together: a lower purchase price and lower monthly utility bills afterward. Lighter energy use across the city also eases stress on the electrical grid during peak summer months, which benefits everyone."
Houston Public Media
Overview
What it is
When
Memorial Day weekend — Saturday through Monday (May 23–25). The holiday runs all three days and covers purchases made in person, online, by phone, or by mail.
Where
Any Texas retailer, including online and phone orders shipped to a Texas address. You do not need to visit a specific store.
Every Memorial Day weekend, Texas skips state sales tax on Energy Star-certified appliances. That means you can buy a new air conditioner, refrigerator, ceiling fan, or washing machine and keep that 8.25% in your pocket — automatically, no paperwork needed. In Houston's heat, an energy-efficient upgrade can trim your utility bill for years to come.
Qualifying items include Energy Star-certified air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and washing machines, among other EPA-approved products. There is no cap on how many qualifying items you can buy. Note that some products carry Energy Star labels but are still excluded from the holiday — check the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website for the full list of qualifying and non-qualifying items, including any price caps. When a price cap applies, delivery, installation, and shipping charges count toward the total sales price.
Shop during the holiday weekend and the tax savings apply automatically — no exemption certificate required. Before you head out, look up the Texas Comptroller's full list of eligible products so you know exactly what qualifies. Compare Energy Star models at the store or online, and factor in long-term energy savings alongside the upfront price. If you are replacing a large appliance like a central air conditioner, this weekend is one of the best times of year to do it.
Houston families looking to cut energy costs year-round can also explore rebate programs through their local utility provider. CenterPoint Energy and NRG offer efficiency incentives that may stack with your holiday savings. Houston Public Media covers energy and affordability topics that affect our community throughout the year.
