The change is expected to tie DOE appliance efficiency rules closer to Energy Star. The agency already sets the minimum efficiency standards for equipment, so the move will likely align those voluntary Energy Star tiers with mandatory standards. 

In other words, contractors could see faster updates to Energy Star qualified equipment listings as the DOE revises efficiency standards. 

The program will remain voluntary, meaning contractors won’t face new compliance mandates. They may, however, experience delays in certifications and updates to Energy Star resources in the short term, while potential long-term changes could affect which products qualify and how quickly certifications are issued. 

Despite these inconveniences, groups have voiced their support for the move. Kelly Mariotti, president and CEO of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, said the association has advocated for this transference for nearly a decade. 

“We believe this move appropriately aligns the program with the agency that possesses the deepest product expertise,” Mariotti said in a written statement. “DOE administers the federal Appliance Standards Program, which establishes the baseline efficiency requirements that underpin ENERGY STAR specifications for appliances, making it a natural fit to manage the program for home appliances.” 

The switch comes less than two months after President Donald Trump signed a bill into law that allotted $33 million for the program. The $33 million will fund the program through fiscal year 2026. It is not only an increase compared to previous funding amounts, but also the first time Congress has mandated an annual spending level for the program.  

Ben Evans, federal legislative director for the U.S. Green Building Council, said that while the DOE has played a significant role in reducing energy waste, the group has “concerns about abruptly moving the entire program to DOE,” as it raises questions on how the program will be funded in the future. 

“Given EPA’s statutory responsibility and strong institutional knowledge in managing the program, a change of this magnitude calls for more transparency, oversight, and public engagement,” Evans said in a written statement. “Energy Star is an incredibly valuable public asset, and its value relies on continued public trust in the Energy Star brand that can only be maintained with steady investment and leadership.  

“Energy Star partner organizations, the public, and Congress need to know more about how DOE would operate and fund the program moving forward.” 

Concerns about Energy Star ending initially arose in May 2025, when EPA officials said the program would be deprioritized and eliminated. Additionally, the Trump administration proposed eliminating funding for the EPA's Atmospheric Protection program, which runs Energy Star. 

After more than 1,000 companies and organizations, including 14 HVAC associations and 19 HVAC manufacturers, voiced support for the program, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin indicated the agency would reverse course. 

Energy Star was launched in 1992 by the EPA. According to its website, the program has 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoided more than $500 billion in energy costs, and achieved 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions. Around 90% of American households recognize the program.