BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A chance for Maryland consumers to save money and help save the environment is back.

Mary Bubala reports, for the third year in a row, state sales tax won’t be collected on hundreds of Energy Star products this weekend.

Energy star washers and dryers, refrigerators and other appliances are on the list of tax-free items that will save consumers money and help the environment.

“If they buy one of these Energy Star appliances this weekend, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, they avoid the 6 percent sales tax. Some of these appliances are a thousand dollars, so that’s a significant savings they then save in the operation of the appliance because it’s an energy-efficient item,” explained Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.

This year, it will be held Saturday, Feb. 16 through Monday, Feb. 18 at stores across Maryland.

Consumers will find stores are already running Presidents’ Day weekend discounts so the savings will add up.

“Manufacturers offer all kinds of rebates on top of that now you don’t have to pay sales tax on Energy Star appliances and you have the BGE rebates, which give you $100 or $150 on Energy Star refrigerators, washing machines, $75 on freezers,” said Howard Cummins, Cummins Appliances.

So expect major savings on Energy Star products like air conditioners, furnaces, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, washer and dryers, refrigerators, solar water heaters and CFL bulbs.

And local businesses say it helps their bottom line.

“It’s a great boost for the business. It’s not our busiest time of the year, but it’s a nice boost, and it takes us into the spring,” Cummins said.

Again the dates of this year’s tax-free Energy Star weekend are Feb. 16 through Monday, Feb. 18.

A list of exempt and taxable items is available here.