Are there incentives available for replacing windows in my business?

Focus on Energy does not provide prescriptive incentives for upgrading windows at businesses. Your project may qualify for a custom incentive if the project payback is between 1.5-10 years. Visit the Custom Incentives page of the website for requirements and additional details.

Can I apply for an incentive on equipment which is covered under a lease?

Equipment under a capital lease may be eligible for an incentive. Contact Focus on Energy for pre‐approval prior to purchasing, ordering, or installing any equipment to confirm your eligibility for an incentive.

Can I include internal labor as part of my project costs?

For Business customers (excluding schools and government), internal labor costs are not able to be included in the project costs. Only work performed by a third party documented through invoices are eligible to be included in project costs. School and government customers may include internal labor costs if additional documentation is provided.

How do I apply for a Commercial Business incentive?

Review the incentive eligibility requirements and, if necessary, refer to the qualified product list (QPL). Within 60 days of equipment installation, submit a completed incentive application and an itemized invoice. If your product qualifies, you will receive your incentive check in the mail within 8 to 10 weeks.

How do I know if the equipment I purchase for my business is eligible for an incentive?

Each catalog details specific equipment requirements which vary based on equipment type. Some equipment must have specific efficiency rating, certification, or be listed on a qualified product list (QPL) to qualify for an incentive. Start by reviewing the Prescriptive Rebates Catalog for specific eligibility requirements based on the measure of interest then visit the QPL homepage (if applicable) to get started on verifying your equipment eligibility.

How do I read my business' electric bill?

Your monthly electric bill is a valuable tool, although often complex and difficult to read. Many utilities offer resources to guide customers through how to read and understand their monthly bill. It’s advised to connect with your utility first if you need guidance. Focus on Energy offers a general overview identifying common pieces of information provided on an electric bill, however it is not utility specific.

I have a project for a business. How do I determine what incentives are available?

Start with either the Summary of Services & Incentives for Businesses or Summary of Services & Incentives for Agribusiness. These provide a high-level summary of incentives by technology, including incentives for process systems, HVAC and plumbing, lighting, commercial refrigeration, and agribusiness. If you do not see your project type in one of these summaries, contact Focus on Energy for additional guidance to determine what incentive your project may qualify for.

What Is The Difference Between Prescriptive And Custom Incentives?

Simply put, prescriptive incentives have predetermined dollar amounts and are for the most common improvements or equipment we see in the market. Custom incentives are for projects that do not fall under an existing prescriptive offer. Custom incentive amounts are calculated based of energy savings and will vary based on project scope.

Why does my LED light fixture or lamp need to be listed by ENERGY STAR or Design Lights Consortium?

Due to the variety of LED products available on the market, Focus on Energy relies on third parties, including ENERGY STAR® and Design Lights Consortium®, to provide testing and reporting on LED product performance. Both organizations offer validation of thermal management, safety certifications, light output performance based on applications, and product warranties.

Do LED Light Bulbs Dim?

While all traditional incandescent light bulbs have the ability to dim, not all energy efficient bulbs are rated for use with a dimmer switch. ENERGY STAR requires testing on how the bulb dims to ensure it will dim if it is labeled as a dimmable bulb. CFLs labeled as dimmable only dim between 10 and 20 percent of initial light output, but LEDs generally dim very well. Look on the package to see which bulbs have this feature.

How Does A Low Flow Showerhead Or Aerator Save Energy?

By reducing the volume of water that passes through the showerhead or faucet, less hot water is used which reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water.

I Cannot Get My Showerhead or Aerator Installed, What Should I Do?

Please check out our showerhead and aerator installation guides included with your pack. If you are still unable to install the product, you may contact customer support for assistance.

I Like The Products I Received, How Can I Get More?

Visit our Online Marketplace to purchase more energy-saving products at discounted prices.

My Free Pack or Online Marketplace Products are Defective, What Should I Do?

Please visit our Warranty and Returns page for instructions on how to request a replacement or return.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For The Free Energy-Savings Packs?

Free Energy-Savings Packs can only be mailed to customers who receive electric service from a participating Wisconsin utility and meet program eligibility requirements.

DIY Insulation and Air Sealing Frequently Asked Questions

Some important items are commonly missed in Focus on Energy applications for insulation and air sealing projects. Review all program requirements carefully before starting work.

Does Focus offer rebates on water heaters purchased from big box stores?

Focus has partnered with participating Trade Allies and retailers. Equipment purchased outside of participating channels may not qualify unless it meets all program requirements.

I Do Not Have A Back-Up For My Geothermal System, Can I Still Qualify?

Customers with access to natural gas must have a qualifying backup heating system installed to be eligible for geothermal incentives.

I Have Access To Natural Gas But I Am Not Using It, Can I Still Qualify?

No. Customers with access to natural gas must use natural gas as the backup heating source to qualify for geothermal incentives.

I Paid For My Furnace With A (Loan, Grant, Third Party), Can I Still Receive A Cash-Back Reward?

Focus on Energy will not provide a Cash-Back Reward if the equipment was paid for by another incentive, grant, or third-party funding source that already covered the cost.

I Was Told I Am Denied For IQ Incentives Because My Income Is Over The Limit. Why Is That?

Some common reasons your calculated income may be higher than you expected are listed below. For specific information regarding your Income Eligibility Application, please contact our office at 800.762.7077. If you submitted using your 1040 Tax Form via the Express Route – when we review income on a 1040, we are looking for your total gross income, not your adjusted gross income that is shown in line 7b, total income, or line 8b, your adjusted gross income. To do that – we count all losses as zeros and any non-taxable income. For example: if you receive Social Security benefits, Pensions, or IRAs we will take the non-taxable income total listed in lines 4a, 4c or 5a and not the taxable income total listed in lines 4b, 4d or 5b. If you submitted income documentation via the Non-Express Route we again are looking for your total gross income. When reviewing wages, we will count your gross wages, not your net wages after taxes.

Income-Eligible

To be eligible for higher rebates, residents must have a documented gross household income of less than 80 percent of the Aera Median Income (AMI) for their county and household size. To verify eligibility, use the Income Eligibility Household Limits calculator.

Income-Qualified (IQ) Incentive Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of documentation do you need for the Direct option? 

For a complete list of eligible partnerships and documentation requested, refer to our Steamlined Income-Qualified Eligibilty list.

If I go the Direct route do I still need to fill out the Income Eligibility Application?

Yes, in order to confirm eligibility for Insulation and Air Sealing or Heating and Cooling offerings you must submit a completed Income Eligibility Application.

I am going the Non-Express route, how do I determine what income documentation to supply?

Please review the Income Eligibility Guidelines for types of documentation needed specific to income types. Have multiple income types? Use the Income Eligibility Screener to find the best way to apply and what documentation you need!

If you need further assistance please call 800.762.7077 to speak to one of our Income Specialists.

My income has recently changed, how can I submit for the income-qualified incentives?

Even if your income has changed you can still qualify using the Express route, it may still be easiest for your to apply that way. If your income has recently been reduced due to financial hardship the Non-Express route may help you qualify for additional incentives. Please call 800.762.7077 to speak to one of our Income Specialists to determine if you qualify using 1 month’s recent income.

Income-Qualified Streamlined Eligibility Documentation

We are rolling out a new method for verifying your income eligibility with FOCUS ON ENERGY®. If you currently are eligible for additional assistance through one of the below resources, you can verify your eligibility with Focus on Energy by submitting proof of your existing eligibility.

Eligible Resource Documentation:

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)-Copy of award letter
Medicaid-Copy of Award Letter
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/FoodShare)-Screen shots from MyACCESS (access.wisconsin.gov/access/) or award letter
Wisconsin Head Start-Copy of award letter
Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)-Copy of Award letter, or screen shot of approval from lifelinesupport.org showing current enrollment
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)-Award letter from Tribal Organization
National School Lunch Program – Free (NSLP)-Award letter from your Child’s school showing eligible for Free lunch
Housing Improvement Program (HIP)-Copy of award letter from Tribal Organization
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS-Copy of award letter from HOPWA or HUD
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Not to be confused with any other type of Social Security) –
Award letter or bank statements clearly showing SSI deposits
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)-Copy of Award letter

If you believe there is a resource that should be included here, please email us at homerewards@focusonenergy.com.

May My Trade Ally Use Subcontractors To Work On My Home Project?

Yes. A registered Trade Ally may subcontract all or a portion of their contracted work scope to any Trade Ally that has the requisite BPI certification(s) for the work being performed or to any contractor if the BPI accredited Trade Ally has the requisite BPI certification(s) and oversees the work being performed. The lead Trade Ally will be responsible for ensuring the work being performed qualifies under program requirements. You can learn more about program terms and requirements under Rebate and Incentive Details on the Focus on Energy website.

What Are Health And Safety Issues?

Health and safety issues are issues that are relate to potentially hazardous or unhealthy conditions present in the home. These are issues can be related to the presence of structural issues, potentially hazardous insulation materials, excess moisture causing mold, and/or combustion by-products.

When Will I Hear If I Am Eligible For IQ Incentives?

We process all Income Eligibility Applications within 3 business days of receiving them. Once your application has been reviewed, we will contact you by your preferred method of communication (phone or email) to inform you if your application has been approved, denied, or is incomplete.

If your application is incomplete, processing of responses takes additional time. Responses are processed in the order that they are received and may take up to 2 weeks for review.

Why Do I Have To Fix Health And Safety Issues Before Air Sealing Or Other Work Is Performed?

Health and safety issues can pose a risk to the health of the occupants. These issues can also have negative impacts on the indoor air quality and the durability of your home. Therefore, your Trade Ally may determine that it is appropriate to correct health and/or safety issues before proceeding with energy efficiency improvements.

Are Solar Systems Owned By A Third Party Under A Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) Eligible?

No; third party ownership/PPA structures are not eligible.

How Do I Obtain A Permit for Solar Renewable Installation?

While not required for program participation, a permit is often required for renewable installations based on zoning codes of the county, city, village, or town in which your site is located. Please contact your local zoning commission to learn the procedures to obtain a permit.

What Are Examples Of Industry Acceptable Tools In Regard To The Solar Electric Requirement?

Working with a professional installer that uses an industry acceptable tool to locate solar electric modules where they will receive the most sun exposure is important to ensure you are maximizing your solar investment. Obstacle shading effect, expressed as a percentage, is the weighted effect of obstacle shading (including trees, power lines, buildings, etc.) on the annual production of the system. There are a variety of tools available including Solar Path Finder, SunEye 210’s Solmetric and Wiely Electronics ASSET. Focus on Energy does not make any recommendation or warranties related to tools available or their results.

Why Does Focus On Energy Refer Customers To The Go Solar California List For A List Of Qualified Modules And Inverters?

The “Go Solar California!” campaign is a joint effort of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission with the goal of encouraging Californians to install 3,000 megawatts of solar energy systems on their homes and businesses by 2016. To be added to the eligible equipment, PV modules must first have safety certification (ANSI/UL 1703) from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and second submit electrical characterization data tested by a third party laboratory. Submitted information is confirmed by the California Energy Commission prior to equipment being added to the list of eligible equipment. This provides the assurance that quality models are rewarded through the Focus on Energy Program.

Can I use a contractor from out of state?

Yes. Contractors from out of state are allowed as long as they hold professional credentials Wisconsin or their state of operation.

Can someone help me out with the Find A Trade Ally Tool?

Absolutely! If you find yourself having a hard time with our Find a Trade Ally tool simply pick up the phone and call 800.762.7077 during normal business hours and a representative will assist you in your search.

Do you recommend certain Trade Allies?

No, we don’t recommend any one Trade Ally over another. The way our Find a Trade Ally tool “ranks” Trade Allies is based upon how close they are located to the center of the zip code provided.

Does my contractor have to be a Trade Ally in order to participate In Focus On Energy?

For most programs, yes, you can still receive incentives even if a Trade Ally isn’t in our list. There are some programs that require a Focus on Energy Trade Ally due to the specialized nature of what is offered. On the Residential side, the Insulation and Air Sealing path requires a Focus Trade Ally since these contractors are trained and certified to do energy assessments and will provide you with the best recommendations to make your home more comfortable. On the Business side, there are a few specialized programs that require a Focus on Energy Trade Ally. This includes: Retrocomissioning Express Building Tune Up Waste Water Plant Assessments Agriculture Pump Assessments Whole Building Tule-ups You can encourage your favorite contractor to sign up to be a Trade Ally. There’s no cost for them to sign up. Contact us at 800.762.7077 for more information.

How do I find a contractor?

There are many ways to find a good contractor. Use our Find A Trade Ally tool, ask friends and family for referrals, check references and search for reviews online, such as those from the Better Business Bureau. However you choose to obtain the information, we recommend the following tips when hiring a contractor: Always use a professional contractor. Be sure to get more than one bid for the work (at least three bids are ideal). The lowest bids aren't always the best – compare itemized bids to determine what products or services, including any maintenance and warranties, are included in the costs. Ask for written, itemized estimates that include all potential costs. Ask your contractors what trainings or certifications they have received. Read reviews on online sites like Yelp and Angie's List. Obtain and sign a contract, including: itemized costs, proof of insurance, completion date, and payment terms.

How do I know if a contractor is a licensed professional?

Installation by a professional contractor is required to be eligible for rebates offered through the Trade Ally Solutions (does not apply to smart thermostats). To verify whether your contractor is a professional contractor, ask them for a copy of their professional contractor license. Equipment must be installed according to all applicable building, local, state and federal codes, standards, ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer specifications. A licensed contractor can help you obtain all necessary permits and ensure that all work is done to code. Please use our Find A Trade Ally tool for a complete listing of qualified contractors. You can also ask friends and family for referrals, check references and search for reviews online, including those from the Better Business Bureau. However you choose to obtain the information, we recommend the following tips when hiring a contractor: Always use a professional contractor. Be sure to get more than one bid for the work (at least three bids are ideal). The lowest bids aren't always the best – compare itemized bids to determine what products or services, including any maintenance and warranties, are included in the costs. Ask for written, itemized estimates that include all potential costs. Ask your contractors what trainings or certifications they have received. Read reviews on online sites like Yelp and Angie's List. Obtain and sign a contract, including: itemized costs, proof of insurance, completion date, and payment terms.

How do I know if a Trade Ally is certified to do an energy assessment?

Energy assessments can only be performed by Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program Trade Allies (contractors) who are Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified. Use our Find A Trade Ally Tool to find Trade Ally who is certified to perform Home Energy Assessments near you.

How Many Projects Will I Need To Complete Each Year To Remain A Trade Ally?

To retain your listing in the “Find A Trade Ally” tool, Trade Allies must complete a minimum of one (1) project per calendar year.

I Am Installing A Piece Of Equipment That Is Not Listed On The Qualified Product List. How Do I Get It Added?

If the model you plan to sell to a customer is not on one of the pre-qualified lists, but meets the eligibility criteria, please gather as much support documentation (technical specification sheets, manufacturer information sheets, etc.) as possible to ensure the equipment's qualification and contact us at TradeAlly@focusonenergy.com

What is a Trade Ally?

A “Trade Ally,” as we like to call them, is a contractor that has partnered with the Focus on Energy program. Our Trade Allies have to adhere to a strict code of conduct and in some cases additional trainings and courses in order to call themselves a “Trade Ally.”

Can The Eligible Work Include New Windows Or Doors?

No, at this time Focus on Energy does not provide any rebates for windows or doors. Despite common claims, there is typically not much energy saved from replacing windows. Customers commonly mistake drafts coming from around windows as a sign it is time to replace the whole window assembly, but most of the time drafts can be eliminated (and energy saved) by doing some air sealing around the window casing.

Drafts you feel may come from a lack of insulation in the walls. Consider our Insulation & Air Sealing offerings which reward customers for making eligible improvements in their homes.

Is The Home Energy Assessment Free?

No, comprehensive energy assessments performed by a Trade Ally can range between $500 and $700, but will vary depending on your home and the participating Trade Ally you select.

If you would like to get an estimate of your current energy usage and potential savings check out our FREE Online Energy Assessment tool. The tool is intended to get you started on your energy efficiency journey and cannot be used in place of a comprehensive energy assessment when applying for air-sealing rebates.

Light Bulb Recycling

If you’ve upgraded your home’s light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), you already know you’re saving energy and money. However, you may be discovering that you need to recycle these new light bulbs differently—you can’t just throw them in the trash.

CFL RECYCLING

Why recycle CFLs?
All compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), including ENERGY STAR® qualified bulbs, currently contain a small amount of mercury-about 5 milligrams (mg) per bulb. That's less than the mercury in your average watch battery, and just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. Though it's an extremely small amount of mercury, these bulbs still need to be recycled properly.

Where can I recycle my CFLs?
Please contact your local waste management company for information about recycling CFLs. To dispose of a broken bulb we offer information on our Broken CFL Disposal Fact Sheet [PDF]

LED RECYCLING

Why recycle LEDs?
You don’t have to worry about mercury with LEDs, but they do contain nickel, some lead, and even trace amounts of arsenic. When used properly, these lights are risk-free, but they have significant health hazards when they’re left in a landfill.

Where can I recycle my LEDs?
More than 95 percent of an LED bulb is recyclable; we suggest calling your county or city recycling department to learn its policies for collecting and recycling. Earth911 provides a free search tool to find recycling solutions near you.

Do All Trade Allies Offer The Same Services?

No. Some Trade Allies specialize in specific improvement work. Use our Find a Trade Ally tool to find a trade ally who specialized in the services you are looking for.

Do You Offer Bill Payment Assistance?

We do not offer bill payment assistance. Focus on energy helps customers save money by providing rebates for making eligible upgrades to your home’s HVAC and Insulation & Air Sealing. We also have free energy saving packs available to help customers make energy improvements at no cost. Please contact us at 800.762.7077 to see how we can help.

Does used equipment qualify for an incentive?

No, used equipment is not eligible for an incentive. Focus on Energy requires all equipment to be new to qualify for any financial incentives.

How Are These Incentives Funded?

Focus on Energy is funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities, as required under Wis. Stat. § 196.374(2)(a), and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities.

Learn more on our About Us webpage.

To participate in Focus on Energy programs, residents or business owners must be customers of a participating utility.

How can I get my product on a qualified product list?

Most lighting products need to be tested by a third party to determine if the product meets the national efficiency specifications required for incentives. Focus on Energy does not provide testing services. Equipment manufacturers will need to be directed to the appropriate third party (ENERGY STAR® or Design Lights Consortium®).

How Can I Verify I Have Received All Payments?

For inquiries regarding payment our online Payment Look-Up can help determine the measure and amount of incentive dollars associated with a particular check. For more information feel free to give us a call at 800.762.7077, or send us an email at focusinfo@focusonenergy.com.

How Do I Choose The Best Bulb For My Specific Lighting Needs?

Many bulbs are designed for different purposes, and the lighting aisle can seem overwhelming at times. The chart below from ENERGY STAR gives a great overview of the appropriate bulb for each type of fixture/lighting application.

How Do I Choose The Correct Color Of Bulb - What Is Color Temperature?

Light color is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K). Lower Kelvin numbers means the light appears more yellow; higher Kelvin numbers mean the light is more white or blue. Most ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are made to match the color of incandescent bulbs at 2700-3000K. For a warmer light, look for bulbs marked 3500-4100K. For natural light, look for bulbs marked 5000-6500K.

How Long Does It Typically Take To Receive A Check From Focus On Energy?

Please allow 8-10 weeks after you submit a completed application to receive your rebate check in the mail.

How Much Can I Save Using A Smart Thermostat?

Smart thermostats can save an average household $120 on their utility bills per year. This is not a guarantee of savings, because every house and household is different. Your savings may vary based on how often you leave the house and for how long, how far you set the thermostat back during the day and at night, the severity of hot or cold outdoor temperatures, as well as the cost of fuel each season.

I Received A Check In The Mail. What Is It For?

Please visit our check portal to find itemized details about your incentive check.

I received an incentive check, what project is it for?

Please visit our Payment Look-up Tool to find itemized details about your incentive check.

I Was Paid The Incorrect Reward Amount or I Received A Duplicate Check. How Do I Fix This?

In order to assist you, please call our office at 1.800.762.7077 so that we can determine the best way to correct the error.

Is my incentive considered income and subject to taxation?

Yes, the incentive is considered income and is subject to applicable taxes. Any incentive more than $600 will have a 1099 issued for the tax year in which it was paid.

My Utility Is Offering Incentives For Similar Products. Can I Apply And Receive Incentives For That Program As Well?

Some participating electric and/or natural gas providers have incentive programs outside of Focus on Energy. Customers of these providers might not qualify for incentives from both programs and should check with their electric and/or natural gas provider to verify eligibility for dual incentives.

Put Your Home To The Test With A Home Performance With ENERGY STAR® Assessment

During a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® assessment, your Trade Ally will conduct several indoor environmental tests. These tests reveal things like hidden air leaks, missing insulation in attics and walls and improper ventilation for combustion gases from appliances, furnaces and water heaters. The report generated from these tests will help you to spend your home improvement dollars strategically and effectively.

BLOWER DOOR TESTS

Air leakage can increase heating and cooling costs more than 30 percent and contribute to comfort, health and home durability problems. Finding hidden air leakage sites is the key to solving your home’s energy performance issues. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR requires a blower door test be performed during the energy assessment and post-assessment to help determine a home's airtightness. Below are a few reasons for establishing the proper building tightness.

• Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
• Avoiding moisture condensation problems
• Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors
• Ensuring that the indoor air pollution and the home’s air quality is acceptable

How They Work

A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through the home’s unsealed cracks and openings. The Trade Ally may use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks.

Blower doors consist of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, an airflow manometer used to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home and hoses for measuring airflow.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test

• Close windows and open interior doors
• Turn down the thermostats on heaters and water heaters
• Cover ashes in wood stoves and fireplaces with damp newspapers
• Shut fireplace dampers, fireplace doors and wood stove air intakes

Following the test, the Trade Ally enters the data collected into a software model and produces a report indicating where improvements can be made in the home to reduce air leaks and improve the home’s comfort for its residents.

COMBUSTION SAFETY TESTING

Vented combustion appliances such as gas and fuel oil water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and even fireplaces need to exhaust all of their combustion by-products outside the home, all the time. One of these combustion exhaust by-products is carbon monoxide, and it is especially dangerous because it is odorless, colorless, tasteless and quite toxic.

The combustion safety test is actually a series of combustion tests including worst case CAZ testing using a manometer and smoke source.

THERMOGRAPHY OR INFRARED CAMERA TESTING

Thermography testing is used to identify areas of air leakage and cold spots located in the home’s walls or ceilings. Testing may use infrared camera imaging to detect heat loss and insulation.

What Is Focus On Energy? 

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, helps eligible residents and businesses save energy and money while protecting the environment. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise would not be completed. Check out our Focus on Energy Overview [PDF].

What Should I Look For When Selecting A Central Air Conditioner For My Home? 

Remember that getting the proper size and a quality installation is essential to getting the most from your new equipment. When replacing HVAC equipment, bigger does not always mean better. Oversized equipment will cost more to install, create more wear and tear due to frequent cycling, and may not properly remove humidity from the air — resulting in an uncomfortable home. The seasonal energy efficiency rating, or SEER, compares the cooling power of the equipment to its electricity use. Focus on Energy recommends buying a unit that has a SEER of 16 or higher for optimum savings. Adding a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is also recommended and helps your air conditioner be less sensitive to irregularities in airflow or amount of refrigerant. These valves are standard in some systems, but can be added to others. When selecting a new AC unit you should also look at moisture performance. Your comfort depends as much on controlling humidity as it does on keeping cool. Air conditioners vary in their ability to remove moisture from the air. Ask your contractor about the performance of the units you are considering. Air-conditioning costs depend partly on the furnace blower that distributes the cool air. If it is inefficient, your electricity costs could be quite high. If your furnace is old, consider replacing it with a model that has a variable-speed blower motor. You will get the benefits of quieter operation and lower electricity bills. Focus on Energy recommends setting your fan on “auto,” even if you have a high-efficiency blower motor. Not only will running your fan continuously cost more money, it will also increase the humidity level in your home, making you less comfortable.

Where can I buy energy efficient equipment? 

You can purchase qualifying equipment from any vendor you choose. Focus on Energy has a directory of Trade Ally contractors registered with our programs who can help you choose the right equipment for your project. Please use our Find a Trade Ally Tool to locate a Trade Ally near you. 

Why Are Utility Account Numbers Required To Process An Application or Receive a Free Pack? 

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities’ state-wide energy efficiency program. Account numbers verify that the customer is purchasing energy from a participating utility. 

Why Do I Have To Use A Participating Trade Ally Contractor? 

Trade Allies are trained professionals and have agreed to abide by program rules and guidelines. It is Focus on Energy’s way of ensuring that the work performed, materials used and services provided by the Trade Allies is of the highest quality. 

Will A Cash Rebate Impact My Taxes?

Please consult with your tax advisor to determine if rewards for energy efficiency products are considered taxable by the IRS.