ENERGY STAR® is a program offered by the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency that certifies energy efficient products and appliances. The program helps consumers make informed decisions about what products to purchase for their homes, and also offers home improvement tips.

The ENERGY STAR® program gives consumers an easy way to identify products and techniques that will save them money and help the environment. By using ENERGY STAR® products, homeowners may also qualify for tax rebates and other incentives.

ENERGY STAR® and Home Insulation

Improving home insulation is one way to make your house more energy efficient. By improving your home’s insulation and fixing air leaks, you may be able to cut your utility bill by around 20 percent.

Many types of home insulation are ENERGY STAR® qualified. These products have met the minimum standards established by ENERGY STAR®  and the Environmental Protection Agency. To find ENERGY STAR® home insulation products, you can search the ENERGY STAR® website, or look for the ENERGY STAR® logo on product packaging. You can also find ENERGY STAR® windows. Installing these products should help you reduce your heating and cooling bills and better manage your home’s internal air temperature.

ENERGY STAR® Incentives

In addition to saving money on utility bills by choosing ENERGY STAR® products, you may be able to qualify for additional benefits. In the United States, federal and state governments, along with some manufacturers, offer tax credits and rebate programs that can help you offset the cost of upgrading your home’s insulation.

Many of these incentives come in the form of a rebate. For example, consumers who purchase ENERGY STAR® certified products may be able to qualify for a rebate from the product’s manufacturer. Some local utility companies may also offer rebates and incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR® products. You can search for available rebates in your area on the ENERGY STAR® website.

In addition, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you may be able to obtain a rebate from your state government for purchasing ENERGY STAR® products. Upgrading your home’s insulation may also qualify you for a Federal tax credit. Insulation upgrades that may qualify for the tax credit include:

• Batts, rigid boards, spray-foam, blown-in fibers and other types of insulation
• Caulk for air sealing
• House wrap
• Spray-foam for air sealing
• Weather stripping.

Depending on the type of insulation upgrades you make, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,500.