FOCUS ON ENERGY® Blog New | Focus on Energy

Looking to purchase a smart thermostat, but you are worried about installation? Have you already bought a smart thermostat but it is sitting in the box, on the counter, and you're wondering why you ev...

Heat Pump 101

Business Incentive Program

What is a heat pump? It is as simple as it sounds; it is all in the name. A heat pump, pumps heat. It is a piece of equipment used to heat and/or cool a home. It uses the refrigeration cycle to mechan...

Understanding Your Energy Bill

Simple Energy Efficiency

Getting your energy bill might not be the highlight of your month but it is important, especially since the typical household spends more than 2,000 a year on energy costs. Luckily, you can make simpl...

Save Money With a More Energy-Efficient Commercial Dishwasher

Did you know that FOCUS ON ENERGY provides instant discounts on commercial kitchen equipment? You can clean up your most valuable kitchen equipmentand your energy expenseswith a new, more efficient co...

Save Money With a More Energy-Efficient Commercial Steam Cooker

Business Incentive Program

Did you know that FOCUS ON ENERGY provides instant discounts on commercial kitchen equipment? Turn up the heat while turning down the energy use in your commercial kitchen with a new ENERGY STAR certi...

School Expectations During Renew Our Schools Competition

Previous blogs outline the tools, resources, and financial incentives Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and FOCUS ON ENERGY provide during the Renew Our Schools energy competition. Howeve...

Wisconsin Schools Cash in on Energy Savings

Three Wisconsin schools taking part in the FOCUS ON ENERGY/ Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) Renew Our Schools Competition showed just how much energy they could save in just one day and...

Getting to Know Your CRIs

Lighting, whether it comes from the sun or the bulbs around us, is part of our daily lives. But, most of us do not know much about the specificswe want to change that. You may have seen CRI when sh...

The First Steps in the Renew Our Schools Competition

Once enrolled in the competition, an electricity monitor eGauge will be installed in your schools electrical panel. This equipment allows students and staff to monitor energy in real-time and see the ...

How Much Does It Cost to Enroll in the Renew Our Schools Competition?

Making positive energy efficiency changes to schools does not have to be expensive. Making small behavioral changes such as turning off lights and computer monitors is free and can add up to measurabl...

Solar Energy for Business: Myths and Realities

Wisconsin businesses owners, large and small, realize when they focus on growth, they need to take a closer look at their energy costs. In just ten years, renewable energy, such as solar electric syst...

How Schools Earn Points in the Renew our Schools Competition

Ag Schools & Gov

Renew Our Schools runs competitions between schools across the nation. Currently, ten Wisconsin schools are competing for cash and prizes in this six-week energy challenge. Schools earn points by savi...

Renew Our School Competition Kicks Off in Wisconsin

Ag Schools & Gov

Schools across the state are participating in Renew Our Schools, a six-week energy competition to get students and staff members excited about responsible energy use. Participating schools install ele...

How to Get LED Discounts

Chances are, youve probably heard, at least 500 times, about LEDs and their benefits for you and your wallet. Fortunately, were not going to make it 501 times. Were just going to let you know where yo...

Finding the Perfect Lightbulb for Your Home

Making the right choice isn't always easy. But, theres no reason picking a lightbulb for your home shouldnt be. Let us help you find the perfect lightbulbs for every space in your home, with just thre...

Heating Your Home for Less

Did you know that heating and cooling your home can, on average, cost more than 900 a yearnearly half your homes total energy bill? A furnace breakdown during cold weather is the last thing anyone...

Home Sweet Savings

Looking to stay comfy at home without breaking the bank? We have a few easy tips that can help you save more. 1. Use the sun! Thats right, you can use that big ball of gas and heat to help keep you...

The Perfect Power Partner

No one likes to feel powerless, so dont lose control of your own. Most people dont realize it, but many of your appliances and electronic devices use electricity even when turned off. An estimated 6% ...

Breaking Down the Facts

If youve ever shopped for lightbulbs, youve probably seen a lighting facts label printed on the back of every box. But, what does this label really mean? Well, whether youre an experienced or a first-...

Make Your Winter Brighter and Warmer

Just because the days are getting darker and colder doesnt mean your home has to as well. Allow us to share some ways you can turn this season into a winter of savings. If youre looking to brighten...

Easy Fixes for Drafty Homes

Simple Energy Efficiency

Keep cozy this winter by eliminating the drafts in your home. From simple DIY fixes to more comprehensive long-term solutions, weve got you covered. Consider an energy assessment Scheduling an e...

Five Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

Simple Energy Efficiency

When its time to service or replace your heating and cooling system, youll want a contractor you can trust. Follow these tips to hire a contractor who can provide you with the right solution for your ...

Everyone Deserves a Comfortable Home: Income-based Incentives

Cozy comfort and energy savings can make a difference for any household. If youre feeling the burden of monthly energy bills or a drafty home, you may be eligible for extra home improvement incentives...

The Packers and Focus on Energy: How the Green and Gold Became Champions in Energy Efficiency

Large Energy Users

Imagine its 1999 and youre driving home from work and you hear this commercial droning on and on about how youre wasting electricity and gas in your homeand the voice turns into the teacher from Charl...

Discover Wisconsin’s Businesses Focused on Energy Efficiency

Strategic Energy Management

From large manufacturers to the craft brewery in your town, Wisconsin business owners looking to cut their energy costs AND energy waste turn to their utilities and Focus on Energy for help. Whether i...

Facility Operations and Clean Energy Careers in Healthcare

It is our final week of Energy Action Month. The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and Slipstream want to share some additional job opportunities people don't often consider when consider...

Electric Power Careers and Wisconsin's Technical College System

Strategic Energy Management

Welcome to week three of Energy Action Month!Join us to continue learning about Wisconsin's path to carbon-free electricity generation.Did you know most Americans favor expanding renewable sources to ...

Discover Wisconsin’s Contractors Who Are Focused on Energy Efficiency

Projects, large or small, utilizing Focus on Energy expertise and incentives need to be completed by workers in the construction field who specialize in energy efficiency. We call these partners our T...

Low-Cost Ways to Winterize Your Home and Help with Rising Heating Costs

The news is full of stories about increased heating costs this year. Natural gas prices, alone, may increase by an average of 30%.FOCUS ON ENERGY is here to help you soften the impact on your wallet. ...

Solar Careers and Training

It's week two of Energy Action Month. Last week we reviewed the challenges Wisconsin faces in meeting its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2050. In the coming weeks, the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Educ...

Discover Wisconsin Utilities Involved in Energy Saving Projects

Wisconsin School districts, manufacturers, government agencies, and large farming operations take their energy usage seriously. So do the utilities that provide the electricity and/or natural gas for ...

Wisconsin's 100% Carbon-Free Electricity Goal

October is Energy Action Month and the perfect time to consider the changes on the horizon for electricity production in Wisconsin. Did you know in 2019, Governor Evers set a goal for all electricity ...

Discover Energy Savings During Energy Awareness Month

In 1991, then President George H.W. Bush declared October Energy Awareness Month and began what is now a month aimed at much more than Energy Awareness. The push from the Federal Government to all Ame...

Planning Your Insulation Project

Insulation is one of the most important and beneficial improvements you can make to your home. It helps you stay warmer in the winter, cooler in summer, lowers your energy costs and even helps with in...

5 Steps to Banish Stuffy Rooms

When summer heats up, nobody likes a stuffy room. Its stale, uncomfortable and can even mean bigger issues like mold or mildew in your home. If you have rooms that feel stuffy or you notice a stuffy s...

Keep Costs Low and Water Temperatures High

Did you know that water heating is your homes second highest energy user? If you want to use hot water more efficiently and save energy and money for years to come, an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump ...

Take a Bite Out of Energy Waste

Commercial & Industrial

Commercial kitchens are notorious for high energy useas much as three times more per square foot than other commercial buildings like offices or retail stores. Want to serve up savings now and for ...

Smart Thermostats: Myths vs. Facts

Because smart thermostats are a relatively new technology, theres often confusion about what, exactly, they are. Allow us to clear up some misunderstandings. Myth: Every thermostat is a smart the...

Energy Efficiency Brings Big Benefits to Multifamily Properties

Multifamily

Appleton Apartment Complex Gets Energy-Saving Boost Keep your tenants happy and your costs low. If you own or manage a multifamily property, energy-saving improvements like adding insulation and se...

Air Conditioner Maintenance: Keep Cool and Save

Get More From Your Air Conditioner this Summer Did you know as much as half the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling? The impact on energy bills is most noticeable during hot summer...

Exploring Energy with KEEP - WEEK 4

Earth Day is just around the corner! Celebrate by deciding how you can live more sustainably. Over the last few weeks, we have explored energy and how we use it. Missed a week along the way? Check out...

Home Energy Assessment: Know Your Home Inside and Out

We encourage any homeowner to get a home energy assessment before starting in on energy-saving improvements.Youllhave a much strongerunderstandingof your homes current issues and youll even gain acc...

Exploring Energy with KEEP - WEEK 3

With just two weeks before Earth Day, now is the time to decide what you can do to live more sustainably! A great area to consider is how you use energy. Follow along with the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Ed...

Exploring Energy with KEEP - WEEK 2

Three weeks before Earth Day! Have you decided what you will be doing to live more sustainably? Understanding more about the energy around us can help. In class or at home, examine renewable energy so...

Exploring Energy with KEEP - WEEK 1

With Earth Day right around the corner, it's a good time to start thinking about what you can do to make a difference and live more sustainably. Whether learning at home or in the classroom, one thing...

3 Easy Ways to Save Water

Pop quiz:How many lakes does Wisconsin have?The answers not as simple as you think. The official tally is15,074significantly higher than our neighbors to the west, who arefamous for these bodies...

The Energy-Efficient Homebuyer’s Checklist

Shopping for a new home can be equal parts exciting and intimidating. Theres a lot to think about, from aesthetics and layout to health and comfort. We encourage you to make energy efficiency part of ...

Newsflash: LEDs are NOT too bright

Breaking the stigma of LED lightbulbs Lightbulbs are a critical part of our daily lives. They allow us to easily read books to our kids at bedtime and see clearly in otherwisedimlylitparts of our h...

Your Startup Guide for Solar Energy at Home

Powering your home with solarpanelsis a smart investment that can pay off inmanyways. Lower energy bills,less dependence on outside energy resourcesand a positive impact on Wisconsins clean energy f...

Commit to energy savings in 2021

Ahh, 2021. The possibilities are endless. You can start a new exercise routine, pick up a hobbyand more.If you want to make savingmoneyandenergyone of yourgoals this year, we can help make it easy...

Ice Dams 101

Snow and sparkling icicles are traditional symbols of winter in Wisconsin, but theyarentsomething you want to see on your own home. Wheniciclesbuild up on your roof,yourelikely dealing with ice dams, ...

What’s that sound? Your furnace is telling you something.

At some point, your furnace is likely to start speaking up. Its a mechanical system,afterall. But what do the noises mean?Read on to learn about common furnace soundsand which ones might require a pro...

Need a new furnace? Here’s what to look for.

Do you have an older furnace that needs replacingsoon?By planning for it now, you can find thebestsolution toprovide clean, reliable heating, greater efficiency, and lower monthly bills.Here are som...

How to make your home healthier this flu season

As cold and flu season approaches, it's especially important to have healthy air quality in our homes. Exposure to allergens and air pollutants can make sickness and cold symptoms worse, according to ...

Stop energy vampires from sucking away your savings!

This spooky season beware of energy vampires in your home. They are not thirsty for blood but sucking energy from your electrical outlets and can cause your monthly energy bills to go up without e...

How to turn a drafty house into your dream home

Sonja and Casey live in a beautiful 1928 home bursting with character in a historic La Crosse neighborhood. The only drawback? As an older home, it was very drafty and actually had a horsehair mat as ...

Top benefits of reducing air leaks in multifamily buildings

Multifamily

Many of the same techniques that we use to keep single-family homes comfortable, healthy and energy efficient are just as valuable for multifamily properties. That includes improving insulation and se...

3 energy-saving tips for your home remodel

Home remodeling is more than cabinets and countertops. Energy-saving improvements are also part of the mix and can make a big difference for your comfort and utility costs. If youre in the process of ...

Is solar energy a good fit for your small business?

Photo source: Unsplash.com Sustainability can impact your small business in a number of positive ways. While the main driver may be to reduce your operating costs, you can also take pride in ma...

Fun facts about LED lighting to help you make the right choice for your home.

By now, youve probably heard that LEDs are the best option for lighting your home. But did you know LEDs are also used in stoplights, vehicle lights and a variety of electronics? Finding LED bul...

Prep for summer with these easy home energy savers

Image source: StockSnap.io A comfortable home means more summer smiles. When the hot weather arrives, here are some simple ways you and your family can stay cool while keeping your energy costs...

Your Energy Savings Journey Starts at Home

Spending more time at home doesn't mean your utility bill needs to dramatically increase. By ordering a free energy saving pack from Focus on Energy, you can curb your energy use.Ordering a pack is si...

Working from home? Check out these energy-saving tips.

Image source: Stocksnap.io With more and more people working from home to comply with calls for social distancing, some families might see their monthly energy usage increase. But there are s...

Why it’s a great time to go solar in Wisconsin

Here in the Badger State, the future of renewable energy from the sun is brighter than ever. Wisconsin gets plenty of sunshine throughout the yeareven in winterto power your home. Lets look ...

Show your home some love this Valentine’s Day

Image source: StockSnap.io Your home is where memories are made with family, friends and loved ones. Its always there for you, providing warmth, comfort and happiness when you need it most. S...

See what ice dams meant for Becky’s home - and possibly yours

Becky R. was enjoying the holidays with family in her Brookfield, Wisconsin home when she noticed a thick layer of ice on her roof deck, with large icicles forming on the rain gutters. The cause? Ice ...

Get free energy-efficient packs from FOCUS ON ENERGY® this winter!

Are you looking to save energy and money while improving your home comfort this winter? Get started through Focus on Energy you can choose from six free energy-efficient packs that we send right to y...

What makes smart thermostats different?

Did you know that heating and cooling can account for half of your homes total energy use?* Smart thermostats save energy and money by optimizing the temperature while actually increasing comfort. The...

Save with FREE energy-saving products this fall and winter

Wisconsin winter is coming, and while this means ice fishing, pond hockey, and snowmobiling, it also means higher than average energy bills. But dont worry! FOCUS ON ENERGY has a simple solution...

What can a home energy assessment tell you? A lot!

A home energy assessment is a great first step to improving the comfort, health and energy efficiency of your home. Want to know where your trouble spots are and what you can do to solve them? Your as...

Is Your Furnace in Tune for Fall?

With fall and winter weather coming up fast, nows the time to get re-acquainted with your furnace. Youll be happy you did. Many of the most common home heating issues can be avoided with some si...

5 Benefits of Home Insulation

By investing in this one home improvement, your entire home benefits all year round for the rest of its life. Here are some of the many advantages of a properly insulated home. More comfort Insula...

Summer Energy Savings Tips for Your Home and Business

Summer has finally settled in and FOCUS ON ENERGY has some advice to save energy and money in your home or business. Check out our summer energy efficiency tips below to improve your overall c...

Try These Simple Steps to Lower Water Heating Costs

From the bath to the kitchen to the laundry room, hot water is always in demand. In fact, its the second largest home energy user, making up about 18% of the average energy bill.* Thankfully, ...

Here's the Latest in Smart Thermostat Technology

Smart thermostats have been on the cutting edge for some time, with many models boasting touch-screen digital interfaces and remote control through your phone or computer. But some newer models are ta...

Homeowner’s guide to rooftop solar

Reaching for the sun has never been more affordable. The price of solar panels is going down every year, and with available tax credits plus FOCUS ON ENERGY incentives, you can have a large percentage...

Top signs your home has moisture issues

There are a lot of ways your household produces moisture. Cooking, washing and even breathing puts moisture in the air. The most concerning moisture and mold-related issues are typically caused by bad...

Four Ways to Make a Difference This Earth Day

Earth Day offers us the opportunity to reflect on our habits and how they impact the environment. Looking for ways to do your part, but not sure where to start? These tips can help reduce your carbon ...

Before replacing windows, see the full picture

There are a lot of areas where your home could be losing energy and comfort due to drafts and air leaks. While replacing windows may seem like an obvious place to start, the majority of energy is actu...

The Hidden Benefits of Refrigerator Recycling

You probably already know that recycling the extra fridge in your garage will lead to big savings on your energy bill, but recycling these appliances also has a huge impact on the environment that may...

Why air sealing should be on your to-do list

Even tiny leaks in your home can impact your comfort, air quality and energy bill. When air slips through the cracks, your heating and cooling system has to work overtime, and excess moisture and cont...

Learning the Lightbulb Label

Back when incandescent bulbs were the most common type of lighting, you probably knew how to figure out what the light would look like: just check the watts. The higher the wattage, the brighter the b...

Ventilation for Healthier Homes

As you think about the different items on your home maintenance checklist, dont forget the importance of proper ventilation. With the amount of time we spend indoors, especially in fall and winter...

Maximize Your Energy Efficiency With Geofencing

If you have a busy or inconsistent schedule, you may forget to adjust your thermostat to maximize comfort and save energy when youre away from home. Fortunately, many smart thermostat models have ...

LED Color Guide

By now, youve probably heard about ENERGY STAR LED lighting and why its so great LEDs last up to 25 times longer and use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. But did you know you can save ev...

Identify Ice Dams in Your Home

Do the icicles on your home have something to tell you? Yes, and its not about how pretty they are. They can be a sign of ice dams. Ice dams form when heat escapes through your ceiling and melts sn...

Which Smart Thermostat is Right for You?

Dial up the savings with a model that fits your home and budget. Did you know that smart thermostats can reduce your energy costs by up to 120 annually? Plus, they typically pay for themselves in t...

5 Ways to Save Energy in Your Apartment or Condo