Appliance dealers hope the state's second annual sales tax holiday on Energy Star appliances this weekend helps stimulate business.

To increase the chances of that happening, many retailers are extending hours and offering additional discounts on top of the tax savings to try to entice shoppers to buy.

The tax holiday, which is Friday through Sunday, works much like the school supplies sales tax holiday North Carolina holds each August, except that now it's Energy Star-rated appliances that are exempt from the tax.

In Catawba County, where the combined sales tax rate is 8 percent, a consumer would save $40 in taxes on a $500 appliance.

Savings are likely to be greater than that, as appliance dealers hold promotions and sales in conjunction with the sales tax holiday.

Lowe's Home Improvement stores are among major retailers in North Carolina offering discounts on appliances this weekend.

"Now is the perfect time for homeowners to invest in Energy Star-qualified products," said Michael Chenard, Lowe's director of environmental affairs.

"By installing Energy Star-qualified products, residents can reduce energy consumption significantly and cut costs on utility bills throughout the year."

In addition to adhering to the North Carolina state-tax exemption, Lowe's will offer 10 percent off all Energy Star appliances.

Dave Garner of Sunrise Appliance on Catawba Valley Boulevard said last year's sales tax holiday generated lots of business for Sunrise.

"It was huge for us last year, and we're looking forward to a big weekend at our Hickory, Boone and Mooresville locations," Garner said.

Items included in the tax holiday are products that meet the Energy Star requirements and are authorized to carry the Energy Star label, including clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats.

While dishwashers are not included, some dealers will discount Energy Star-rated models this weekend.

There is no price limit or ceiling for products to qualify.

Items purchased for use in a business do not qualify for tax exemption.

North Carolina's Energy Star sales tax holiday was created during a 2008 session of the General Assembly to encourage the use of more energy-efficient products.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star-qualified products use up to 50 percent less energy than older models or less-efficient counterparts currently on the market.

Steve C. Rittenhouse, manager at Queen City Audio Video Appliances on U.S. 70, SE, said customers will find great deals on Energy Star appliances at his store this weekend, then enjoy more savings in energy costs for years to come.

In addition to its regular hours, the Queen City store will be open from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday in observance of the tax holiday, Rittenhouse said.

The Energy Star program was created in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Since then, consumers have purchased more than 2.5 billion Energy Star products.