Glossary · Energy, bills & ratings
ENERGY STAR
Also called: ENERGY STAR certified · ENERGY STAR rated · ENERGY STAR label · ENERGY STAR qualified
The government-backed blue label for products and some homes that beat minimum efficiency standards by meeting stricter criteria.
What it means
ENERGY STAR sets specifications for products such as heat pumps, windows, water heaters, dehumidifiers and appliances, and certified models are tested and listed. The program is moving from EPA to the Department of Energy. Many rebates require ENERGY STAR certification.
Why it matters in an audit
Checking for ENERGY STAR (or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient) is a quick way to shortlist efficient equipment and confirm rebate eligibility.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your auditor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US transition (ENERGY STAR Transition Plan) | EPA–DOE agreement signed March 3, 2026, effective June 1, 2026; plan finalized Aug 28, 2026; full move due within about a year | energystar.gov ↗ |
| US funding for FY2026 | $33 million (January 2026 appropriations, per Facilities Dive) | facilitiesdive.com ↗ |
| Specification updates | EPA had not updated specifications since early 2025; DOE will lead future updates | energystar.gov ↗ |
In the United States
The US program is continuing during its move from EPA to DOE, with both agencies committed to minimizing disruption.