Sears Home Improvement + ENERGY STAR Upgrade: 2025
The ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade is a program of energy efficiency improvements that will deliver significant energy and cost savings in American homes. Partner with ENERGY STAR to realize these savings. On average, homeowners can save about $500 a year on utility bills by participating fully in the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade program.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- ENERGY STAR’s 6-point home upgrade savings program aims to help reduce energy consumption across the country while saving you big money on energy bills.
- Take practical steps to upgrade your HVAC system, windows and other parts of your home to make a positive impact on the environment.
- Find a trusted provider for major projects such as installing new windows and upgrading your heating and cooling system to an energy efficient heat pump.
What is the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade?
The ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade is a set of six electric energy efficiency improvements that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings.
The measures in the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade include:
- Clean heat (plus efficient cooling) by upgrading to an energy-efficient electric heat pump system.
- Super-efficient hot water through a heat pump water heater.
- Efficient climate control using a smart HVAC thermostat.
- Installing high-performing windows that save energy.
- Improving attic insulation and sealing air gaps.
- Installing an efficient electric vehicle charging station.
View this video to learn more about how the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade will help you save energy and reduce electric bills.
Partner with ENERGY STAR to help seamlessly install these energy efficient improvements to your home so you can start saving now.
How You Can Implement Savings
Start saving now by scheduling consultations with service providers and contractors to plan your upgrade projects.
Upgrade to an Energy Efficient Electric Heat Pump
For the average American household, almost half the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling—more than $900 a year! An ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump heats and cools, saving you energy and money all year long.
If you're wondering how a heat pump works, it's all about heat transfer. Let's peel back the layers to understand the process. It begins with the compressor pressurizing the refrigerant, causing an increase in its temperature and energy. This high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant then travels to the condenser, where it releases heat to the surrounding air or water. As the refrigerant cools, it changes from a gas to a liquid.
The liquid refrigerant then moves through the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature decrease. This allows the refrigerant to evaporate as it enters the evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the environment. The heat absorbed by the evaporator coil is then transferred to the refrigerant, which changes back into a gas. The warmed refrigerant returns to the compressor to start the cycle anew.
By reversing the direction of refrigerant flow, a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling. It extracts heat from the outside air to heat the indoor space in heating mode, and it removes heat from the indoor air and releases it outside in cooling mode.
Heat pumps are energy-efficient solutions that provide comfortable indoor temperatures while using less electricity than traditional systems.
A heating and cooling expert can help you upgrade to a smart thermostat and add attic insulation at the same time to knock out half the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrades in one visit.
When you schedule a meeting with a contractor to begin installing an energy efficient heat pump, the consultant will take steps to ensure you get the right product for your home.
Upgrade Your Windows
Find a contractor to install ENERGY STAR certified windows that help reduce cold drafts in the winter and block solar heat in the summer lowering household energy bills by a national average of 12%—that’s more than $200—while improving year-round comfort.
Contractors offer vinyl replacement windows in a variety of styles, including double hung windows, casement windows, sliding windows, bay windows and many more. A popular window replacement favorite of many homeowners is the double-hung window. Our durable double hung windows offer affordability with amazing features better than many competitors who only provide single hung designs.
Window providers have multiple models, design choices and options including window shapes, interior and exterior colors, blinds, and glass types to work within your personal style and budget. Schedule a consultation with a window provider to begin installing ENERGY STAR windows that will save you money and instantly upgrade your home’s look and style.
Our energy supply is getting cleaner and more renewable every day. Taking action now can help you prepare for a clean energy future, while enjoying energy savings and a more comfortable home today.
Count on ENERGY STAR to help you navigate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A capacitor in an AC unit is an electrical component that stores and releases electrical energy to help start the motor and stabilize the voltage during operation.
ENERGY STAR appliances are energy-efficient products that meet the strict energy efficiency specifications set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances are designed to use less energy and water, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
The 608 Certification, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is required for HVAC technicians to legally handle refrigerants. It ensures technicians understand refrigerant types, environmental impact, and proper handling techniques.
A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, essential in various systems including refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC units for cooling and refrigeration processes.
Common Appliance Symptoms
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite microwave has no power are a bad thermostat, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken switch.
The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator is noisy are a faulty ice maker assembly, defective electronic control board or a locked compressor.