Energy Upgrades Usher Historic Hartford Church into the Future

For nearly two centuries, the First Congregational Church UCC Hartland has opened its doors to improve the lives of its congregants, neighbors, and the greater community. Recognizing that houses of worship play an essential role in binding their communities together, FOCUS ON ENERGY® is investing in these non-profit organizations to support their efforts and help them thrive. Thanks to a recent partnership, Focus on Energy is helping First Congregational UCC capture energy savings and remain a vital part of Hartford's Community.

“Our congregation organized in 1842 as the first church in Harford, and we moved into this building in 1856,” says First Congregational Church UCC’s Co-Chair of the Ministerial Search Committee, Ken Foster. “We love this historic building but were due for some upgrades to make our church more efficient and comfortable. Focus on Energy stepped up to give us the help we needed.”

Brighter Spaces, Smarter Systems

An energy assessment identified clear opportunities to improve lighting, heating, and cooling throughout the building. The hallways and the rooms used for classes and meetings needed better illumination, and updated lighting also offered a quick way to lower energy costs. CJM Lighting & Electrical, Inc. removed old fluorescent bulbs and installed more than 200 LEDs. Upgrading all lighting at once minimized disruption, created more consistent lighting, and made all areas of the building brighter and more welcoming. The upgrade will also reduce future maintenance time, as the LED bulbs have a lifespan of 20 years. CJM Lighting & Electrical also added five LED exterior lights to enhance safety and better illuminate the parking lot.  

At nearly 30 years old, the church’s furnaces had surpassed their expected useful life. Because older systems are far less efficient than modern equipment, they were likely driving up operating costs during Wisconsin's long heating season. Prestige Mechanical installed four new furnaces with a projected lifespan of 20 years. The replacement is expected to reduce annual energy costs while also lowering the risk of unexpected breakdowns and repair expenses. This helps the church maintain a balanced budget and ensure congregants remain comfortable.

The air conditioner was also past its estimated useful life and was replaced with a higher efficient unit, a model expected to serve the church for at least 18 years.

Energy Savings into Service

Taken together, the upgrades will provide the church with an estimated annual cost savings of $2,000 per year! The church plans to use these funds to support their wider community.

Part of First Congregational Church UCC’s mission is to provide a Christian example to those in their congregation, community, and the world. They offer education and fellowship gatherings, provide a cab service for seniors and those with disabilities to access basic needs, and host a safe house youth group for teens. In addition, the church has also operated the Hartland Area Food Pantry – for nearly 40 years.

“The savings from our upgrades will help us continue to provide these services across our entire community,” Foster says. “We are grateful to Focus on Energy for giving us the advice and resources to support our congregation and provide essential care for our neighbors.”