EPA Launches Energy Star Home Upgrade to Take U.S. Households into Clean Energy Future

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched the Energy Star Home Upgrade, a series of high-impact, efficient electric improvements that can save the average family about $500 a year on utility bills. This major expansion of EPA’s trademark Energy Star program takes a market-based approach to connect American households at all income levels with the resources they need to plan for the clean energy future.

“Every American can make a difference in protecting our climate with the choices they make at home — and they can save money while they are at it,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “If every household took the actions outlined in the Energy Star Home Upgrade, the U.S. could cut its residential annual energy use up to 20% by 2050.”

The Energy Star Home Upgrade is a set of six home improvements designed to work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings. These upgrades can also help homeowners transition from fossil fuels to a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable home.

Families can perform the upgrades on a schedule that works for them and as equipment needs to be replaced.

The upgrades include:

• An Energy Star-certified air source heat pump for clean and efficient heating and cooling
• An Energy Star-certified heat pump water heater for super-efficient hot water
• An Energy Star-certified smart thermostat with smart climate controls
• High-performing Energy Star-certified windows and storm windows
• A well-insulated and sealed attic
• An electric vehicle charger-ready home

The Energy Star program’s vast network of partners, including leading product manufacturers, retailers and utilities, will play a central role making Energy Star Home Upgrades available to American households nationwide.

Efforts to help make the necessary investments more affordable include support for expanded utility rebate programs and important provisions in the Build Back Better legislation that extend federal income tax credits and authorize new state and federal incentive programs.

In particular, EPA is actively engaged with partners to support innovative financing approaches, such as Inclusive Utility Investments and engaging with federal government programs such as the USDA Rural Utility Service loans and grant programs, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program and others to help ensure that all families have access to these upgrades.

A central resource for this new initiative is an interactive web-tool that lays out the value of an Energy Star Home Upgrade and helps consumers navigate the process with buying guidance, information on financial incentives and links to qualified contractors.

Learn more about the Energy Star Home Upgrade and its interactive web-tool at ENERGYSTAR.gov/homeupgrade.