Every October is recognized as Energy Awareness Month, a national effort led by the U.S. Department of Energy and supported by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program.
The month is designed to highlight the importance of where our energy comes from, how it’s used and what each of us can do to use it more wisely. As a proud ENERGY STAR partner, The Home Depot encourages actions that help households lower their utility bills, improve comfort and reduce strain on the grid.
This year’s ENERGY STAR theme is “Save for Good.” That means saving today with the many rebates and incentives now available, saving tomorrow with lower long-term energy costs and saving for good by helping reduce the impact of energy use on the environment. The goal is to make energy efficiency practical, accessible and valuable for everyone, from quick, everyday actions to major home upgrades.
Residential energy use continues to account for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting ENERGY STAR-certified products and making more informed energy choices at home, families can stretch their resources further and save money in the process. A typical household equipped with ENERGY STAR products can save about $6,500 over the life of those products – proof that benefits add up over time.
The Home Depot’s Leadership in Energy Efficiency
As the world’s largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot has long prioritized energy efficiency – both in how we operate and in the products we provide to customers. In partnership with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and our supplier community, we’ve expanded access to appliances, lighting and home systems that deliver measurable savings.
Key achievements highlighted in the 2025 Living Our Values Report include:
- Customer Savings: More than $600 million in energy costs avoided in 2023 and 2024 from the purchase and proper use of energy-efficient products
- Future Goals: A renewed target to save customers an additional $375 million in energy costs through the purchase and proper use of energy-efficient products by 2028, bringing total projected savings to nearly $1 billion since 2023
- Product Assortment: Approximately 40,000 energy-saving products available in 2024, including nearly 15,000 ENERGY STAR-certified models
- Customer Adoption: About 177 million ENERGY STAR units sold in 2024, showing broad consumer adoption of energy-efficient models
- Environmental Impact: An estimated 1.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity avoided, nearly $176 million in utility bill savings and 928,000 metric tons of carbon emissions reduced in 2024 alone
These results demonstrate the potential scale of progress that can be achieved when innovation, supplier partnerships and consumer choices converge. They also reinforce why The Home Depot remains a trusted partner for homeowners who want to save money and build a more energy-efficient home.
Your Energy Efficiency Resource Guide
Energy Awareness Month is the perfect time to consider where your home uses the most energy, and which projects and upgrades can deliver the greatest benefits. Here are the top areas to consider:
- Heating and Cooling (HVAC)
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of household energy use. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC systems and upgrading to a smart thermostat can reduce costs up to 20–30%. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically.
- Water Heating
Water heating is the second-largest energy expense for most families. Hybrid heat pump water heaters use up to 70% less energy than standard electric models by transferring heat instead of generating it.
- Kitchen Appliances
From refrigerators to ranges, the kitchen is a hub of energy use. ENERGY STAR refrigerators and induction cooktops deliver significant savings. Induction ranges, like Frigidaire’s 30” model, cook food faster and more efficiently while using less energy than traditional gas or electric ranges.
- Laundry Appliances
Laundry can be energy-intensive, but high-efficiency washers and dryers cut waste while maintaining performance. Many use moisture sensors to prevent over-drying, which can protect clothes and reduce energy use.
- Home Envelope and Insulation
Not every project requires a significant investment. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk can prevent heated or cooled air from escaping, which can lower your HVAC workload and improve comfort year-round.
- At-Home Renewable Energy
In select markets, solar panels and battery systems can provide long-term savings and resilience. These investments take more planning but can offer homeowners energy independence over time.
Everyday Habits that Add Up
Big projects and upgrades bring long-term benefits, but daily choices matter, too. Consider:
- Switching to LED lighting, which uses up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Innovations such as EcoSmart LED bulbs offer even greater energy efficiency, with options that fit a variety of fixtures and styles.
- Unplugging chargers and electronics when not in use or using smart power strips to cut “phantom load” energy. According to the Department of Energy, this energy use accounts for 5–10% of residential electricity consumed.
- Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees – lower in winter and higher in summer – to see potentially significant savings over time. For even more control and energy efficiency, consider upgrading to a connected option. Our guide on how to choose a smart thermostat can help you find the right one for your home.
Incentives and Rebates
Energy-efficient choices don’t just pay off in savings on your electricity bills – they may also qualify for rebates. Many states and utilities offer financial incentives for upgrading to certified products. The Home Depot can help connect you with these programs, making it easier to get started.
To make it simple, The Home Depot can connect you directly to available offers through our Rebate Center. Just enter your zip code to explore current rebates, tax credits, and incentives in your area to help you lower upfront costs and maximize long-term savings.
Taking the Next Step
Energy Awareness Month is about turning awareness into action. Whether it’s upgrading a water heater, sealing drafts or simply switching off devices when not in use, every step can bring value. With its broad assortment of energy-saving products and trusted guidance, The Home Depot is here to help you save money, reduce energy use and make your home more energy-efficient year-round.
