Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about which federal agency runs ENERGY STAR, and we don’t blame you. But a noteworthy change is underway: ENERGY STAR is transitioning from EPA leadership to the U.S. Department of Energy.
This includes much more than the familiar blue logo. The DOE is taking the lead on the program’s standards, certification systems, partner network, training, data, and technology infrastructure. While it sounds like government housekeeping, it could eventually make improving your home a little easier.
Why This Could Matter to Your Home
For decades, the energy industry has treated new homes and existing homes almost like two different worlds. New homes get rated, tested, and certified. Years later, those same homes need new HVAC equipment, insulation, electrical upgrades, air sealing, solar, batteries, and other improvements.
Of course, it’s still the same house. Ideally, homeowners shouldn’t have to start over every time their home enters another energy program. A better-connected system could eventually mean less duplicate paperwork and testing, better records of improvements already made, easier access to available rebates and incentives, and better information when deciding what improvement should come next.
Your home may also have changed since we last saw it. Your HVAC equipment is older, heat-pump technology has improved, and utility rates and rebate programs have shifted. Maybe you’ve added an EV, or perhaps you are considering induction cooking, solar, or battery storage. Or maybe one room is still too hot, too cold, or drafty.
If EDGE worked on your home years ago, this may be a good time for another look.
- Considering a furnace, boiler, or air conditioner replacement? Before replacing it with more of the same, ask us about today’s high-efficiency and cold-climate heat-pump options.
- Hot rooms, cold rooms, or drafts? The answer may be HVAC, insulation, air sealing, ductwork, or a combination. We can help diagnose the house before you start buying equipment.
- Wondering what rebates you qualify for? Utility, state, and local programs can materially change the economics of a project. Call us before assuming you do or don’t qualify.
- Thinking about an EV, heat pump, induction range, solar, or battery? It may make sense to look at your electrical system and future energy needs together, rather than treating each upgrade as a separate project.
Ready to See What Makes Sense for Your Home?
Even if we haven’t been to your home in years, we’d be happy to take another look. Contact EDGE for an estimate or consultation on:
- Heat pumps and HVAC replacement
- Insulation and air sealing
- Electrical upgrades
- Home energy assessments
- Solar and battery storage
- Available utility, state, and local incentives
We already know what homes sell for per square foot. Someday, buyers may just as routinely ask what a home costs to operate per square foot, how efficiently it performs, and what major energy investments have already been made. Your house has a history. Your next improvement should build on it, not start over.
Garrett Spangler writes about home energy, electrification, and the renewable industry for The EDGE Journal.
Hello, An electrical upgrade might be necessary. House built in 1999.