Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of two new ENERGY STAR resources aimed at helping American households leverage Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades. The initiatives include a new home improvement savings web tool and the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership.
“For decades, the ENERGY STAR program has guided consumers towards efficient products that reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in substantial savings for both the individual and the nation as a whole," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These new resources are key to making progress in fighting the climate crisis and will help make energy-efficient options more affordable and accessible, particularly for millions of low-income and disadvantaged households across the nation.”
The newly introduced home savings web tool is a zip code-based resource designed to identify all available energy efficiency incentives in specific areas. It includes utility rebates, federal income tax credits, and now Inflation Reduction Act state rebates for home efficiency improvements. The tool serves as a comprehensive resource featuring buying guidance, information on eligible products, and links to local retailers and installers.
Federal tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs up to $3,200 for products such as heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, windows, and insulation. New York is pioneering its Inflation Reduction Act rebate program with targeted incentives for low-income households. Other states are expected to follow suit shortly.
To further assist families with complex home improvement processes, the EPA has introduced the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership along with six charter members: Air Service Professionals, Pearl Certification, Philadelphia Energy Authority, QuitCarbon, Sealed Inc., and Sears Home Improvement. These partners have been vetted based on their quality control procedures, installer qualifications and oversight, and fair financing practices.
ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partners aim to facilitate comprehensive efficiency upgrades by offering concierge services that cover sales, installation, incentives coordination, and financing options. The partnership promotes six high-impact improvements: an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump HVAC system; heat pump water heater; smart thermostat; energy-efficient windows; well-insulated attic; and electric-ready wiring/panel enhancements. These upgrades can be implemented individually or as equipment needs replacement.
The EPA estimates these improvements could lead to average annual energy bill savings exceeding $500 per household. As more homes adopt these measures alongside available incentives, there is significant potential for reduced energy costs while enhancing comfort and health standards.
As America continues its transition toward cleaner renewable energy sources, these new ENERGY STAR tools can aid households across various income levels in preparing for a sustainable future while enjoying immediate benefits from reduced energy consumption.
About ENERGY STAR:
ENERGY STAR® is recognized as a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency providing reliable information enabling consumers and businesses to make informed decisions. Since 1992 it has helped avoid over $500 billion in energy costs while achieving reductions of more than 4 billion metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions through partnerships with numerous organizations across sectors.
