The ENERGY STAR Program Explained

Quick answer: What is the ENERGY STAR program?

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed label that points you to energy-efficient choices. It is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from the Department of Energy (DOE). When you see the blue ENERGY STAR label on a product, home, building, or plant, it means it meets strict efficiency rules and was tested by an independent third party. Learn more on the ENERGY STAR site and the DOE overview.

Why it matters

• Save money: Efficient products use less energy, so your bills drop.
• Stay comfortable: Certified homes and HVAC deliver steady temperatures and quiet performance.
• Cut emissions: Lower energy use means fewer greenhouse gases.

Free resource: Want fast wins? Grab our simple Home Savings Checklist below (10 steps you can do this month). For more tips, explore EPA’s Ways to Save.

How ENERGY STAR certification works

The certification process is voluntary and trustworthy. Manufacturers sign an agreement with EPA, test products in independent labs, and meet strict performance rules. The energy performance behind each label is verified.

• Products: Tested and third-party certified to meet ENERGY STAR specs. Labs like Intertek verify results before the label goes on the box.
• Homes: For factory-built homes, a Plant Certifier under an EPA-recognized Quality Assurance Provider checks systems and ongoing quality control (EPA process).
• Commercial buildings: Use EPA’s 1–100 score. A score of 75+ earns the building label, showing it performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide (how to certify).
• Industrial plants: EPA benchmarking tools (EPIs) set the bar; a Professional Engineer confirms the data for certification (plant certification).

Flow at a glance:
Choose a path → (Product | Home | Building | Plant)
Product → Lab tests → Third-party certification → ENERGY STAR label
Home → Design to spec → QA checks → Quality control testing → Label
Building → Benchmark in EPA tool → Score ≥ 75 → Apply → Certification
Plant → Benchmark with EPI → Verify by PE → Apply → Certification

Scope is broad: since 1992, ENERGY STAR has covered 65+ product categories, plus homes, buildings, and industrial plants (program overview).

How much can you save?

Savings depend on your current equipment, energy prices, and how you use things at home or at work. A simple rule: the bigger the energy user (heating, cooling, hot water), the bigger the potential savings. To see your local deals, check EPA’s Find Savings tools on the ENERGY STAR homepage.

Category	Typical energy reduction vs. standard	What that means
Refrigerators	About 10–30%	Uses less electricity 24/7, so steady bill savings all year.
Clothes washers	About 20–25% (plus water savings)	Lower power and hot water use per load.
Dishwashers	Often 10–20% (plus water savings)	Efficient motors and spray patterns cut energy and water.
Room AC / Heat pumps	Varies by climate and model	Efficient cooling and heating with smart controls can trim seasonal costs.
Heat pump water heaters	Large reduction vs. electric tank	Moves heat instead of making it, so big hot water savings.
Lighting (LED)	Much lower than old bulbs	Lower watts for the same light; long life reduces replacements.

Considering a heat pump? See Air-Source Heat Pumps on the ENERGY STAR site and look for local rebates.

Rebates and tax credits

• Rebates: Utilities and states often pay you to upgrade to ENERGY STAR certified products. Start at the Find rebates and special offers section.
• Federal tax credits: Certain home improvements may qualify. Check Tax credits for residential energy efficiency.

Tip: Pair a high-impact upgrade (like a heat pump or heat pump water heater) with a simple one (LEDs or smart power strips) to stack savings.

Products, homes, buildings, and plants: what changes for each?

Products: what to look for when you shop

• Find the ENERGY STAR label on the box and product page.
• Compare the yellow EnergyGuide label numbers to see yearly energy use.
• Check third-party certification details if listed (labs like Intertek test to EPA specs).

Homes: building to the standard

ENERGY STAR certified homes are designed and tested for efficiency and comfort. For factory-built homes, a Plant Certifier under a Quality Assurance Provider oversees systems and testing (EPA process). Explore the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade for a practical roadmap.

Commercial buildings: the 75+ rule

To earn ENERGY STAR building certification, your building needs a score of 75 or higher on EPA’s 1–100 scale, proving it performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide.

Industrial plants: best in class

Plants benchmark with EPA’s EPIs to get a 1–100 score. A Professional Engineer confirms the data before certification (learn more).

Your 10-step Home Savings Checklist

Start small, save big. This easy plan can help a typical home find hundreds of dollars in yearly savings, depending on current equipment and energy prices.

1. Start here: Replace the 5 most-used bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified LEDs.
2. Set a smart thermostat (look for the label) to save while you sleep or are away.
3. Seal air leaks and add attic insulation where needed for comfort and lower bills.
4. Upgrade to a heat pump water heater when your current tank nears end of life.
5. When your AC or furnace is old, consider an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump.
6. Choose an ENERGY STAR refrigerator and recycle the old second fridge in the garage.
7. Pick an ENERGY STAR clothes washer and run full loads with cold water.
8. Use an ENERGY STAR dishwasher and skip the heated dry.
9. Enable sleep settings on computers and game consoles; use smart power strips.
10. Check local rebates and tax credits before you buy: start at the ENERGY STAR offers page.

Money-saving angle: Swapping just a handful of old bulbs and setting a smart thermostat can trim bills quickly. Easy first step: change the bulbs in your kitchen, living room, and porch today.

How to verify the ENERGY STAR label

1. Look for the blue mark and model number on the product or listing.
2. Check the ENERGY STAR product finder or the brand’s product page for certification details.
3. Compare the EnergyGuide label across models to understand yearly energy use.

For businesses and facility managers

• Benchmark your building to see if a 75+ score is within reach (building certification).
• Plan an upgrade stack: LEDs, smart controls, HVAC tuning, then deep retrofits.
• Use EPA partner resources to align with utility incentives and track results.

Fast FAQ: Myths and quick answers

Is ENERGY STAR a government program?

Yes. It is administered by the EPA with support from DOE (DOE page).

Does the label mean the product is the “best”?

It means it meets or beats strict efficiency levels and is independently verified. Some models may go beyond the minimum—compare EnergyGuide numbers to see.

What does a building score of 75 mean?

It performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide and is eligible for certification (details).

Who checks the data?

Products are tested and third-party certified. Buildings and plants include licensed professional verification.

Where can I find rebates?

Start with ENERGY STAR’s Find rebates and special offers page.

Next steps

• Pick one upgrade from the checklist and do it this week.
• Price an ENERGY STAR heat pump or water heater if yours is 10+ years old.
• Check ENERGY STAR for offers and the Home Upgrade path to plan your year.

Bottom line: ENERGY STAR makes it easy to choose efficient options that save money, increase comfort, and cut emissions—all with trusted, independent verification.