Carbon Emissions at The Home Depot

Carbon Emissions is one of The Home Depot’s five environmental pillars and reflects the company’s focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For most homeowners, that means the electricity that powers your home and the fuel used by systems like your furnace, water heater or stove. The more energy your home uses, the more carbon emissions may be created behind the scenes. That’s why many of the same upgrades that help save energy can also help lower the impact tied to your home.

In most homes, the biggest sources of energy use are heating and cooling your living spaces, plus heating water for showers, laundry and everyday cleaning. If your home has air leaks, not enough insulation or older equipment, it may be using more energy than necessary to handle those everyday needs.

That’s where energy efficiency comes in. Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to do the same job. In practical terms, that could mean sealing gaps that let air escape, adding insulation, choosing appliances and equipment that use less power, or replacing older systems when it’s time for an upgrade. The good news is that some of the best places to start are also some of the easiest to spot once you know what to look for.

We created this guide as a practical, go-to resource to help you understand where energy use comes from in your home, what matters most and how to make improvements over time. It’s designed to help you compare quick fixes and bigger projects, decide what to tackle first and shop with more confidence when you are ready.

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Universal Energy-Saving Rules

Before you start, these three principles apply to most energy-saving updates:

• Start with the home envelope first. Air sealing, insulation and maintenance often improve the performance of everything else you do later.
• Focus on your biggest loads. Heating, cooling and water heating typically account for around 50–60% of a home’s total energy use, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That makes them the most important places to start before turning attention to smaller plug-in products.
• Plan replacements strategically. It’s easier to compare efficient options before a major system breaks down and forces a rushed decision.

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Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling are usually the largest energy users in the home. If your system is older, poorly maintained or incorrectly sized, it can drive up both energy use and utility costs.

HVAC Replacement and Maintenance

Heating and cooling account for almost half of the typical home’s utility bills according to ENERGY STAR, making your HVAC system one of the biggest opportunities for energy savings. Upgrading an older or less efficient system to an ENERGY STAR-certified model can result in up to 20% savings on heating and cooling costs, with energy bill reductions of as much as $40 a month.

Even without a full replacement, regular maintenance can pay off. Simply replacing your air filter every three months can save up to $100 a year and help extend the life of your system. A high-performing system can still lose efficiency when filters are dirty, airflow is restricted or ducts leak conditioned air, so maintenance and replacement can work together to protect both your comfort and your budget.

What to Do

• Start with maintenance: Replace filters regularly and schedule seasonal tune-ups to keep equipment running as intended.
• Look beyond the equipment itself: Duct sealing, airflow balancing and keeping refrigerant at the right level can improve how your system works without changing your thermostat.
• Understand your replacement options: The right system depends on your home’s layout, existing ductwork and budget.
  • Room air conditioners are a lower-cost option for cooling individual rooms without ductwork.
  • Ductless mini-splits provide both heating and cooling for one or more zones without ducts, offering greater efficiency and flexibility. ENERGY STAR-certified mini-splits can provide heating for approximately one-third the cost of electric baseboard heating.
  • Central HVAC systems heat and cool the whole home through ductwork and are best suited for full replacements where duct infrastructure is already in place. Always review efficiency ratings, sizing and installation quality regardless of which system you choose.

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Water Heating

Heating water for showers, laundry and everyday cleaning can use a significant amount of energy in many homes. Small steps like adjusting your water heater setting, insulating accessible hot water pipes and replacing an older unit when needed can all help improve efficiency.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Why it Matters

Heat pump water heaters work differently than standard electric models. Instead of creating heat directly, they pull warmth from the surrounding air and use it to heat the water in the tank. Because they are moving existing heat rather than generating it from scratch, they use up to 70% less energy than a standard electric water heater. According to ENERGY STAR, a certified heat pump water heater can save a household of four approximately $550 per year on electric bills, adding up to more than $5,600 over the lifetime of the unit. The investment typically pays for itself in about three years for a family of four.

What to Do

• Plan ahead if your current unit is older: Water heater replacements often happen under time pressure, so it helps to compare options before failure.
• Check space and electrical requirements: Installation details matter and may influence whether a heat pump water heater is the right fit for your home.
• Review operating costs, not just upfront cost: A higher purchase price can still make sense when lower energy use is factored in over the life of the unit.

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Air Sealing and Insulation

Air leaks and inadequate insulation are some of the most common reasons a home loses heated or cooled air. Addressing the envelope of your home first – including insulation, air leaks, windows and doors – can improve comfort and help your HVAC system work less throughout the year.

Air Sealing and Weatherstripping

Why it Matters

Any gap that allows ambient air to flow through your home’s envelope can add up to meaningful energy loss. According to ENERGY STAR, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% on total annual energy bills, by air-sealing their homes and adding insulation. Sealing these openings helps reduce drafts and limits the amount of conditioned air that escapes.

What to Do

• Check the usual trouble spots: Focus on attic openings, plumbing and wiring gaps, window and door trim, and places where ducts run through unconditioned spaces.
• Use the right materials: Spray foam insulation works well for narrow gaps, while weatherstripping is often better for movable parts like doors and operable windows.
• Do a comfort check after sealing: Check whether rooms feel less drafty, and whether temperature swings improve during very hot or cold weather.

Attic Insulation

Why it Matters

Attics are one of the most important areas to evaluate because warm and cool air can easily escape through the top of the home. Adding insulation where levels are low can help reduce wasted heating and cooling and improve comfort in the rooms below.

What to Do

• Assess what is already there: If insulation is thin, uneven or compressed, it may not be delivering the performance your home needs.
• Seal before you insulate: Addressing any openings first helps keep insulation from covering leaks without actually fixing them.
• Treat insulation as a foundational upgrade: It often improves the value of future HVAC replacements because the system has less work to do.

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Smart Thermostats and Controls

Why it Matters

A smart thermostat can help cut down on wasted heating and cooling by adjusting the temperature based on when you’re home, away or asleep. According to ENERGY STAR, the average certified smart thermostat saves approximately 8% on heating and cooling bills – about $50 per year. This can be especially helpful if your home stays heated or cooled when no one is there, or if the temperature is often adjusted throughout the day.

What to Do

• Match the thermostat to your system: Check compatibility before purchasing, especially if you have a heat pump or more complex HVAC setup.
• Use scheduling features intentionally: Small setpoint changes over consistent periods are often easier to maintain than constant manual adjustments.
• Review your results seasonally: If comfort level drops in certain rooms, the issue may be airflow or insulation rather than thermostat programming.

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Windows, Doors and Roofing

The exterior parts of your home like windows, doors, and roofing can affect how much heat stays in or gets out. Larger updates such as replacing old windows, installing a new exterior door, or updating your roof really only make sense when those parts of the home are in bad shape and actually need to be replaced. In the meantime, smaller weatherproofing updates like adding weatherstripping or sealing gaps can help improve comfort and reduce energy loss.

Windows and Exterior Doors

Why it Matters

Drafty windows and doors can make rooms feel uncomfortable even when the HVAC system is running. According to ENERGY STAR, installing certified windows, doors, and skylights can reduce heating and cooling costs by an average of up to 13% nationwide compared to non-certified products. Full replacement may not always be the first step, but sealing and improving weak spots can make a noticeable difference while you plan for larger upgrades.

What to Do

• Weatherize first when possible: Caulk, weatherstripping and window film kits can help address comfort issues before a full replacement project.
• Replace strategically: If windows are single-pane, damaged or consistently drafty, compare higher-performing options when budgeting for replacement.
• Think about the whole opening: Frames, trim and door sweeps can affect performance just as much as the glass itself.

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Appliances and Laundry

Appliances generally use less energy than heating, cooling and water heating, but replacements still matter, especially when older products are already due to be replaced.

Washers and Dryers

Why it Matters

Laundry energy use adds up over time, especially in households that run frequent loads. According to ENERGY STAR, certified washers use up to 20% less energy and 30% less water than a regular washer. Upgrading to a certified washer and heat pump dryer pair can save approximately $130 per year on utility costs compared to conventional models, adding up to more than $1,000 in savings over the life of the products.

What to Do

• Replace at the right time: If your laundry equipment is nearing the end of its life, compare efficient options before you need an emergency replacement.
• Use the features you already have: Wash full loads when possible and review cycle settings so you are not using more heat or time than needed.
• Compare the pair, not just one machine: Washer and dryer performance are connected in day-to-day use, so look at the full system.

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Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, Dishwashers and Cooking Equipment

Why it Matters

Kitchen appliances – including refrigerators, dishwashers and cooking equipment – are long-term products, so even moderate efficiency gains can matter over years of daily use. ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators are about 9% more energy-efficient than standard models and can save roughly $150 over a 12-year lifetime. Certified dishwashers can save up to $3,300 over the product’s lifetime compared to hand-washing by using less water and energy more efficiently. 

When replacing ovens, ranges or cooktops, ENERGY STAR-certified electric cooking products offer meaningful efficiency improvements over older models – 18% more efficient, on average, compared to standard models. If an existing unit is older or struggling, replacement may offer a better balance of performance and operating cost.

What to Do

• Shop with lifetime use in mind: Review capacity, features and expected operating costs when comparing models.
• Avoid replacing too early without a reason: The best time to upgrade is often when performance is declining, or repair costs are no longer practical.
• Measure the space carefully: Fit and configuration affect both product selection and installation success.

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Room-by-Room Comfort Products

Not every energy-saving step is a major system replacement. Smaller products can still help in spaces that need more targeted comfort or moisture control.

Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers and Ventilation Fans

Why it Matters

These products can help address specific rooms or problem areas such as humid basements, stuffy bathrooms or spaces that are used differently from the rest of the home. They are not always the biggest savings opportunity, but they can support comfort and air quality without over-conditioning the entire house.

What to Do

• Choose the product for the problem: Moisture issues may call for a dehumidifier, while air quality concerns may be better addressed with an air purifier or better ventilation.
• Rightsize the unit: Oversized or undersized equipment can affect both comfort and energy use.
• Use these as targeted tools: They work best when the larger home systems and envelope have already been evaluated.

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Solar Panels

Solar panels can reduce purchased electricity, but it usually works best after the home has already reduced avoidable energy waste. Lower energy demand can make future solar investments more effective.

Why it Matters

Solar can be a meaningful long-term project for some households, but its value depends on roof conditions, sun exposure, local utility rules and how much electricity the home uses in the first place.

What to Do

• Reduce waste before sizing a system: Air sealing, insulation and efficient equipment can lower the amount of electricity a solar array would need to offset.
• Evaluate roof readiness: Age, orientation, shading and structural condition can all influence whether solar makes sense.
• Compare proposals carefully: Review projected production, assumptions and local policy details before making a decision.

Navigate Solar with Confidence at The Home Depot is a helpful next read for homeowners who want to understand how solar fits into a broader energy plan.

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Additional Resources

Use these trusted resources to compare products, understand savings opportunities and plan your next step:

• ENERGY STAR Product Finder: Compare qualifying products across major home categories.
• Rule Your Attic: Explore practical tips and product guidance for sealing air leaks, improving insulation and making your attic more energy-efficient.
• The Home Depot Rebate Center: Visit The Home Depot Rebate Center to search for current rebates on eligible products and find offers available in your area.
• Home Energy Audits: A professional assessment can help pinpoint where your home is losing energy, and which upgrades should come first.

Every project that helps reduce wasted energy can give your home greater comfort and lower utility costs, season after season.