If you're looking for a new energy-efficient appliance, you could get significant savings during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, when Texas has a sales-tax holiday for products with a federal Energy Star rating.

That could mean saving up to 8.25 cents for every $1 spent, because the holiday covers both state and local sales taxes.

The state sales tax is 6.25 cents and the local sales tax is up to 2 cents, depending on the city.

The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

How much can you save?

Say you spend $4,000 for a new energy-efficient air-conditioning unit.

If you live in, for example, Fort Worth, where the combined local and state sales tax is 8.25 cents, the tax holiday could save you $330.

Products eligible for the tax holiday are:

■ Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less

■ Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less

■ Dishwashers

■ Clothes washers

■ Ceiling fans

■ Fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs

■ Dehumidifiers

■ Programmable thermostats

There is no limit on the number of eligible Energy Star items one can purchase and receive the tax break on, according to the Texas comptroller's office, which collects sales taxes.

Qualifying products must have the Energy Star logo, which may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label.

Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Department.

Jack Z. Smith, 817-390-7724