Save with Energy Star Rebates and credits in New Jersey

Buying green is one way for consumers to save a lot of money under a new bill that will eliminate New Jersey's sales tax on energy efficient Energy Star products.

The bill would cancel the state's 7 percent sales tax on all Energy Star products. It includes air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans and even fluorescent light bulbs. Any products certified by the government as saving electricity and energy efficient would be tax free.

Proponents say the bill would save residents money while promoting energy and environmentally friendly purchases. While they may initially cost more than less-efficient models, they are proving to be an effective way to save electricity over the life of the energy star product.

As a result, Baroni said the sales tax exemption would make New Jersey a hub of environmental buying, attracting customers from neighboring states in much the same way furniture buyers travel to North Carolina for a good deal.


The Environmental Protection Agency introduced the Energy Star label in the early 1990s as a way to identify and promote energy efficient appliances and products, which reduce greenhouse emissions and are a way to save energy. The Energy Star program claims to have delivered energy and cost savings of almost $20 billion and also eliminated greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from almost 30 million cars.