Reduce energy waste in your home, and save money

In partnership with 108 WI utilities, Focus on Energy helps single-family homeowners, renters, and property owners make energy related improvements to their homes. See if your electric and/or natural gas utility partners with Focus on Energy.

Appliance Recycling
Appliance Recycling Energy Assessments and Scores Free Products Heating and Cooling Local Retailer Discounts New Home Certification Renewable Energy Smart Thermostats


Get $35 for your old fridge or freezer!

Let us pick up your old, working condition fridge or freezer for FREE - and responsibly recycle it. Plus, you get $35 in return.

Recycling an old fridge or freezer can help you save up to $150 per year in energy costs and reduce your energy waste. For free pick up, schedule using the button below or by calling 800.354.1898. We’ll ask you a few short questions about the appliance you’d like to recycle, and then we’ll let you know what dates we’ll be in your area.

 Appliances must meet all program guidelines in order to qualify for the program. Click "Show Details" for more information. 

Need to replace your newly recycled appliance?

  1. Head to our Appliance Marketplace! Compare energy savings, prices, and retailers for your new appliance, and be sure to get the best deal for years to come.

    Visit the Appliance Marketplace

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Program Guidelines

What to Expect

  1. You’ll receive a call 1-2 days in advance of your appointment with a 4-hour window of time when you can expect our team to arrive.
  2. The driver will inspect your appliance to verify that it’s between 10-30 cubic feet and in working condition.
  3. Qualifying appliances will be safely removed from your home and taken to our recycling center.
  4. Within approximately 4-6 weeks, you’ll receive your $35 incentive check by mail.

Eligibility

  • Standard size refrigerators and freezers are eligible (10-30 cubic feet).
  • Mini fridges are not eligible.
  • Appliances must be in working condition.
  • Two appliances may be recycled per household, per year. Participants will receive $35 per qualifying appliance.
  • Electric utility must participate in Focus on Energy.
  • Must be a resident of a single-family or multifamily residence of 3 or fewer units

Ready to improve your home?

Discover your home’s hidden potential and learn how to improve comfort, lower your energy costs, and boost efficiency. To achieve the greatest benefits, it’s best to look at your home as a system with many different parts all working together. The right mix of improvements can make a huge difference in how your home performs.
 
Choose what’s right for you. Depending on what your home efficiency goals are, there are two tracks available: Home Energy Score or a complete Home Energy Assessment. 

Home Energy Score

If you’re interested in a basic understanding of your home’s energy use a Home Energy Score can be your fastest route to answers. A Home Energy Score consists of a short home inspection with NO performance testing and a simplified assessment process.
 
A Home Energy Score summary report includes your home's Score and improvements you can make to increase your Score. When selling your home, a Score can be listed on the MLS (Multiple List Service) as an added value to your property.

Home Energy Assessment

If you're looking for a more comprehensive analysis of your home, or already have an idea of specific areas in your home that you would like to address, a Home Energy Assessment is the best place to start.  A Home Energy Assessment helps address concerns such as: high energy bills, comfort concerns (like drafty rooms), or mold and moisture issues. What you can expect from a Home Energy Assessment:

  • In-depth testing, including:
    • Use of diagnostic tools and modeling software
    • Health and safety testing
    • An in-depth energy assessment
  • A comprehensive report with:
    • Recommendations for how you can address your home comfort concerns
    • Detailed information on how recommended improvements will save you energy
    • Information on how to receive incentives from Focus on Energy by making the recommended improvements
    • A Home Energy Score

This is a necessary step to receive Focus on Energy incentives on air sealing and insulation improvements

You're in Good Hands

No matter which path you choose, you’ll work with a Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractor to complete your projects. Trade Ally contractors receive specialized training and have access to program incentives and resources that set them apart from other contractors. Click here to find a Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractor near you.

Get Started

  1. There are two customer incentive tiers: Tier 1 (standard) and Tier 2 (income-qualified). See if you qualify for Tier 2 incentives by clicking Show Details below and Tier 2 Eligibility.

  2. Contact one of our Trade Ally contractors and schedule your energy assessment. 

  3. Following the assessment, you will receive a customized energy report outlining the current condition of your home, recommendations for improvements and possible incentives. You decide which improvements to make in your home.

  4. Your Trade Ally contractor will work with you to receive your eligible incentives based on your overall energy reduction.

  5. Receive a $250 bonus incentive when you complete Whole Home Improvements and Heating and Cooling Improvements together within 90 days of each other. This does not include Smart Thermostat stand-alone incentive.

Show Details ▼

Incentives

Incentives valid January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018

Air Sealing and Insulation

Tier 1

Tier 2
10-19% energy reduction $850 $1.000
20-29% energy reduction $1,250 $1,500
30%+ energy reduction $2,000 $2,250

Note: You must first complete an energy assessment to qualify for air sealing and insulation incentives.

Tier 2 Eligibility

You may be eligible for larger Tier 2 incentives if your household income level is at or below the limits outlined in this table.

Household Size Annual Income 80% SMI 3 Month Income 80% SMI
1 $35,467 $8,867
2 $46,381 $11,595
3 $57,294 $14,323
4 $68,207 $17,052
5 $79,120 $19,780
6 $90,033 $22,508
7 $92,079 $23,020
8 $94,125 $23,531
9 $96,171 $24,043
10 $98,218 $24,554
11 $100,264 $25,066

Get free energy saving products delivered right to your doorstep!

Take advantage of ways to use energy smarter and reduce energy waste in your home. Focus on Energy offers six different energy saving packs - all sent to you for free.

For more information on pack options, eligibility requirements, and product installation videos, click the "Show Details" tab below. 

How to order your pack:

  1. Verify that you are a customer of a participating utility company. 

  2. Visit our online store or call 800.230.4701 to order your pack.

  3. Choose the pack that works best for your home. Customers can order one pack per household, once every three years.

  4. Wait 4-6 weeks for your pack to arrive.

Show Details ▼

Installation Videos

Faucet Aerator Installation

Showerhead Installation

Advanced Power Strips

Eligibility

  • Must be a customer of a participating utility company and have not participated in the Express Efficiency or the Simple Energy Efficiency Program within the last three years.
  • Renters must obtain permission from their landlord or property manager to install energy efficient products.
  • Please have your electric and gas utility account number available prior to ordering.

Available Packs

Focus Pack with Advanced Power Strip

3 – 800 Lumen A-lamp LED light bulbs
1 –  Tier 1 Advanced Power Strip
1 – Pipe Wrap Roll 15'
1 – Hot Water Temperature Card 

Focus Flood Light Pack

6 – 650 Lumen BR30 LED 65w Equivalent Reflector

Focus Light Bulb Pack

4 — 9w LED 60w Equivalent General Purpose A-lamp
2 — 11w LED 75w Equivalent General Purpose A-lamp
1 — Pipe Wrap 15’ roll

Focus Decorative Pack

2 — 9w LED 60w Equivalent General Purpose A-lamp
6 — 5w LED 40w Equivalent Candelabra Lamp

Focus Fixed Showerhead Pack

3 — 5w LED 40w Equivalent Globe
2 — 9w LED 60w Equivalent General Purpose A-lamp
2 — 1.0 GPM Faucet Aerator
1 — 1.5 GPM Showerhead w/Pipe Thread Tape
1 — Hot Water Temperature Card
1 — Pipe Wrap 15’ roll

Focus Hand Showerhead Pack

3 — 5w LED 40w Equivalent Globe
2 — 1.0 GPM Faucet Aerator
1 — 1.5 GPM Handheld Showerhead w/Pipe Thread Tape
1 — Hot Water Temperature Card
1— Pipe Wrap 15’ roll

Product Specifications

Product Descriptions

Each pack contains a variety of products, such as:

 

  • ENERGY STAR® qualified Light Emiting Diode (LED) Light Bulbs
    LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, producing less heat and more light per watt. Plus, they have an extremely long life span, typically 15,000 hours or longer.

  • High-Efficiency Showerhead
    Efficient showerheads lower the gallons of water used per minute, without compromising performance – allowing you to use less water, and potentially lowering water and heating bills.
     
  • Water-Saving Bathroom Faucet Aerators 
    These simple screw-in aerators reduce water use in your sinks while providing the pressure you need to wash.  Reducing your water use will save you money on the cost of heating your water.
     
  • Advanced Power Strip (APS)
    Advanced Power Strips are designed primarily for home entertainment centers and home office areas. They work by preventing electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used. 
     
  • Pipe insulation
    Pipe insulation may be used on domestic cold and hot water pipes. Pipe insulation will help to reduce heat loss by up to 80 percent through hot water pipes and will stop sweating on cold water pipes.

Enjoy year-round comfort and savings!

When you consider heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of an average home’s energy usage, it’s easy to see how the right mix of improvements can deliver sizable savings.

Choose from a menu of energy-saving options, including a new furnace, boiler, smart thermostat, or water heater. You can receive incentives for each individual improvement, or make multiple upgrades at once and increase your incentives.

Signs its time for an upgrade:

  • Your heating and cooling equipment is unreliable, inefficient, or over 15 years old.
  • You’ve noticed excessive blower noises, or sporadic pops, bangs, or rattles from your furnace.
  • Your energy bills have gone up.
  • Your home is cold and uncomfortable.

Improvements are made through a Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractor who will guide you through the process and complete the installations. Our partnering Trade Allies receive specialized training and program resources that set them apart from other contractors.

Find a Trade Ally contractor to install your new equipment.

How do I get incentives for my new equipment?

  1. There are two incentive tiers: standard Tier 1 and Tier 2 for income-eligible customers. See if you qualify for Tier 2 incentives by clicking Show Details below and then Tier 2 Eligibility.

  2. Purchase equipment from the pre-qualified equipment lists. Equipment lists can be found in the equipment qualifications section below.

  3. Apply online or download and submit your Heating and Cooling Incentive Application(PDF) and required supporting documentation within 60 days of installation.

Show Details ▼

Incentives and Eligibility

Incentives valid January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018

 

Heating and Cooling Equipment Tier 1   Tier 2  
  Incentive Incentive w/
Smart Thermostat*		 Incentive Incentive w/
Smart Thermostat*

Natural gas multi-stage furnace with ECM, 95%+ AFUE

$125

$250

$525

$650

Natural gas multi-stage furnace with ECM and 95%+ AFUE
installed with a 16+ SEER central air conditioner

$250

$375

$750

$875

Modulating natural gas boiler with outdoor reset control, 95%+ AFUE

$400

$525

$550

$675

Modulating combination natural gas boiler with integrated domestic hot water and outdoor reset control, 95%+ AFUE

$500

$625

$675

$800

Natural gas furnace, 95%+ AFUE

NA

NA

$350

$475

Propane multi-stage furnace with ECM, 90%+ AFUE

$100

NA

$300

NA

Indirect water heater (installed at the same time as qualified boiler)

$100

NA

$150

NA

Air source heat pump 16+ SEER and 8.4+ HSPF (propane, oil or electric furnace only; cannot be a mini-split or ductless system)

$300

$425

$300

$425

ECM replacement (must replace PSC motor)

$100

NA

$100

NA

Ductless/mini-split heat pump for electric resistance heated home, 18+ SEER and 9.0+ HSPF (only for homes heated solely with electric resistance heat)

$500

NA

$500

NA

Smart thermostat stand-alone (not installed along with new program qualified HVAC equipment). For use with natural gas furnace, natural gas boiler, and air source heat pump only.

 $75 NA $75 NA

*Includes installation and smart thermostat incentive. NOTE: Work with your Trade Ally to ensure the equipment you install qualifies for Focus on Energy incentives. Qualified equipment lists and complete eligibility requirements are listed in the Equipment Qualifications section.

$250 BONUS when you complete Whole Home Improvements and Heating and Cooling Improvements together within 90 days of each other. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are eligible. Please note the bonus does not include smart thermostat stand-alone. 

 

Tier 2 Eligibility

2018 State Median Income Limits by Household Size

You may be eligible for larger Tier 2 incentives if your household income level is at or below the limits outlined in this table.

Household Size Annual Income 80% SMI 3 Month Income 80% SMI
1 $35,467 $8,867
2 $46,381 $11,595
3 $57,294 $14,323
4 $68,207 $17,052
5 $79,120 $19,780
6 $90,033 $22,508
7 $92,079 $23,020
8 $94,125 $23,531
9 $96,171 $24,043
10 $98,218 $24,554
11 $100,264 $25,066

Follow these steps to be approved for Tier 2 incentives:

Equipment Qualifications

Air Source Heat Pump

Air Source Heat Pump

  • Air source heat pump with a minimum of 16 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and a minimum of 8.4 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF).
  • SEER and HSPF based on AHRI database, found at ahridirectory.org, for furnace/air handler, coil, and condenser.
  • Coil and condenser must be purchased and installed at the same time.
  • Furnace must be LP, oil, or electric fired (natural gas furnaces are not eligible). Must be primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Ductless or mini-split systems do not qualify for this incentive. See ductless mini-split requirements to ensure your equipment and heating system qualify.
  • Cannot combine with Focus on Energy furnace, ECM replacement, or ductless mini-split incentive.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility
  • Limited to customers who do not have access to natural gas.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump for Electric Resistance Heated Home, 18+ SEER and 9.0+ HSPF 

  • Ductless mini-split heat pump with a minimum of 18 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and a minimum of 9.0 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF).
  • SEER and HSPF based on AHRI database, found at ahridirectory.org, for indoor unit.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility.
  • Only homes heated solely by electric resistance heat are eligible. Homes heated with fuel oil, propane fuel (LP), or natural gas are not eligible.
  • Must augment/replace electric resistance heating (electric baseboard, electric furnace).
  • Limit one incentive per outdoor unit (condenser).

Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) Replacement

ECM Replacement

  • Must replace a permanent split capacitor (PSC) blower motor in an existing furnace or air handler.
  • Existing furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 90 percent or greater.
  • Existing furnace must be a sealed combustion unit.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility.
  • Furnace must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.

High-Efficiency Boilers

Modulating Natural Gas Boiler with Outdoor Reset Control, 95% AFUE

  • Boiler must have an input capacity less than 300 MBH (Thousand British Thermal Units per Hour).
  • Boiler must be sealed combustion unit.
  • Only natural gas boilers are eligible.
  • Boiler must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Boiler must have a modulating burner and include an outdoor-air reset control (integrated).
  • Chimney liners must be installed where a high-efficiency gas boiler replaces an atmospherically-drafted boiler and only a water heater remains vented through the chimney. The interior opening left by the removed boiler must be closed with a metal cap and sealed with caulk or mortar.

High-Efficiency Combination Boilers

Modulating Combination Natural Gas Boiler with Integrated Domestic Hot Water
and Outdoor Reset Control, 95%+ AFUE

  • Boiler must have an AFUE of 95 percent or greater.
  • Boiler must have a modulating burner and include an outdoor-air resent control (integrated).
  • Boiler must have an input capacity less than 300 MBH (Thousand British Thermal Units per Hour).
  • Boiler must be sealed combustion unit.
  • Domestic hot water storage may not exceed two gallons.
  • Must be a customer of a participating natural gas utility and use natural gas for home heating. Boilers must also be the primary heating and domestic water heating source for the home. Only natural gas boilers are eligible.
  • Chimney liners must be installed where a high-efficiency gas boiler replaces an atmospherically-drafted boiler and only a water heater remains vented through the chimney. The interior opening left by the removed boiler must be closed with a metal cap and sealed with caulk or mortar.

High-Efficiency Furnaces

Propane Multi-Stage Furnace with ECM, 90%+ AFUE

  • Furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 90 percent or greater.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility.
  • Propane furnaces are eligible. Electric, oil, and natural gas furnaces are not eligible.
  • Furnace must have a multi-stage or modulating burner.
  • Furnace must have an electronically commutated motor (ECM). An ECM is sometimes referred to as a variable speed, constant-airflow, constant torque, electronically efficient (EEM), or X-13 motor. A permanent split capacitor motor (PSC), single- or multi-speed, does not qualify.
  • Furnace must be a sealed combustion unit and must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Chimney liners must be installed where a high-efficiency gas furnace replaces an atmospherically-drafted furnace and only a water heater remains vented through the chimney. The interior opening left by the removed furnace must be closed with a metal cap and sealed with caulk or mortar.

Natural Gas Multi-Stage Furnace with ECM, 95%+ AFUE

  • Furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95 percent or greater.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility and a participating natural gas utility. Customer must use natural gas for home heating.
  • Only natural gas furnaces are eligible.
  • Furnace must have a multi-stage or modulating burner.
  • Furnace must have an electronically commutated motor (ECM). An ECM is sometimes referred to as a variable speed, constant-airflow, constant-torque, electronically-efficient (EEM), or X-13 motor. A permanent split capacitor motor (PSC), single- or multi-speed motors are not eligible.
  • Furnace must be a sealed combustion unit and must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Chimney liners must be installed where a high-efficiency gas furnace replaces an atmospherically-drafted furnace and only a water heater remains vented through the chimney. The interior opening left by the removed furnace must be closed with a metal cap and sealed with caulk or mortar. 

High-Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Combination

Natural Gas Multi-Stage Furnace with ECM and 95%+ AFUE 
Installed with a 16+ SEER Central Air Conditioner

  • Furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) or 95 percent or greater.
  • Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for the combination of the furnace, outdoor unit, and inside coil must be 16 or greater. SEER based on AHRI database, found at ahridirectory.org, for furnace/air handler, coil, and condenser.
  • Must be a customer of a participating electric utility and a participating natural gas utility and use natural gas for home heating.
  • Qualified furnace and air conditioner must be installed at the same time and may not be combined with individual equipment incentives.
  • If installing a qualified furnace and air conditioner and the condenser cannot be set due to weather:
    • The evaporator coil must be installed at the same time as the furnace.
    • The invoice must include the condenser model and state when the condenser will be installed.
    • The application must be submitted within 60 days of the furnace and evaporator coil installed.
  • Furnace must be a sealed combustion unit and must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Furnace must have a multi-stage burner or modulating burner.
  • Furnace must have an electronically commutated motor (ECM). An ECM is sometimes referred to as a variable speed, constant-airflow, constant torque, electronically efficient (EEM), or X-13 motor. A permanent split capacitor motor (PSC), single- or multi-speed, does not qualify. A Pre-Qualified Equipment list is available below.
  • Chimney liners must be installed where a high-efficiency gas furnace replaces an atmospherically-drafted furnace and only a water heater remains vented through the chimney. The interior opening left by the removed furnace must be closed with a metal cap and sealed with caulk or mortar.
  • An air source heat pump cannot be used to meet the air conditioner portion of this incentive.

Indirect Water Heater

Indirect Water Heater for Home Heating Boiler

  • Qualified boiler must be installed at the same time and may not be combined with individual equipment incentives.
  • Indirect water heater incentive is not available with boilers that were previously installed.
  • Boiler must have an input capacity less than 300 MBH (Thousand British Thermal Units per Hour).
  • Boiler must be a sealed combustion unit.
  • Only natural gas boilers are eligible.
  • Boiler must be the primary heating source for the home's living space.
  • Boiler must have a modulating burner and include an outdoor-air reset control (integrated).

Smart Thermostat

PLEASE NOTE: If purchased online or from a retailer, please use the Retail Smart Thermostat Application available at focusonenergy.com/smart.

  • Must be purchased and installed by a qualified heating and cooling contractor.
  • Smart thermostat must be installed at the same time as a program-qualified furnace, boiler, or air source heat pump. Does not qualify if installed with ductless mini-split, ECM replacement, or water heater.
  • Eligible models must be selected from the Focus on Energy qualified product list available at focusonenergy.com/smart.
    • Program-qualified smart thermostats must feature integrated occupancy-sensing capability, such as motion sensors and/or geofencing with setback.
  • Smart thermostat must be installed to use with the home's primary heating source for the home's living space.
    • Homes heated by LP (liquid propane), oil, wood, or electric resistance are not eligible for the smart thermostat incentive.
    • Homes heated with a geothermal system are not eligible for the smart thermostat incentive.
  • Smart thermostat must replace an existing thermostat that does not qualify for program incentives.
  • The customer must establish the Wi-Fi connection for program-qualified smart thermostats.
  • Limit one smart thermostat incentive per home heating system.
  • Installation of a smart thermostat is only eligible for an incentive if it is purchased new. Resale material or material that is leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims, received from a manufacturer warranty, purchased through other Focus on Energy programs, or won as a prize do not qualify.
  • Must be a customer of a participating utility.

Get instant discounts and information on lighting available at your local retailer.

LED Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 20% of the average home's electric bill. LED’s use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Focus on Energy partners with retailers across Wisconsin to offer instant discounts on select ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs. Learn more...

Choose the Right Bulb

Not sure where to start? We can help. Download our lighting fact sheet, visit the ENERGY STAR website or watch a short video to get answers to frequently asked questions about purchasing bulbs.

Free Lighting Demonstrations

View our calendar of free lighting events held at participating retailers and come speak with our lighting experts.

Low-E Storm Windows

Low-E stands for low-emissivity. It is an extremely durable coating on glass that minimizes the amount of infrared energy that can pass through, without compromising the amount of visible light that shines in. Low-E storm windows are less than half the cost of full window replacement, and can be installed without the help of a contractor. Plus, you can get 25% off Low-E storm windows at participating retail locations. Learn more...

ENERGY STAR Appliances

The average household spends about $2,000 a year on energy costs. Appliances and electronics account for about 30 percent of that amount. To choose products that offer energy efficiency without sacrificing features, performance or comfort, just look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Learn more...

Compare Appliances

Focus on Energy has partnered with ENERGY STAR and participating retailers to make these high-performing, high-quality products more affordable. That means you’ll save on your purchase, you’ll save year after year and you’ll help save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Visit our Appliance Marketplace today to compare benefits, features and pricing of products.

It's Easy to Save

  1. Find a participating retailer near you that offers discounts on energy efficient products.

  2. Look for the Focus on Energy Special Pricing to save!

    Special pricing sticker

  3. Want more information on ENERGY STAR appliances? Visit our Appliance Marketplace for more information and to compare products.

Show Details ▼

Lighting Eligibility

Requirements

  • Discounts are available only at participating retailers and apply only to select lighting products for a limited time, while supplies last.
  • Limit 25 discounted bulbs per customer.
  • Discounts do not apply to ENERGY STAR® qualified fixtures, fans or lamps.

CFL Recycling

Handling & Recycling

All CFLs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury per bulb, which is less than you find in an average watch battery. Though it’s an extremely small amount, these bulbs do need to be recycled properly. Also, if a CFL breaks, you should take special steps as advised by the EPA. Download this Fact Sheet to learn how to properly clean up and dispose of a broken CFL.

Find a retailer that recycles CFLs. 

Build a Focus on Energy Certified New Home

Build a new home that is up to 100% more energy efficient than the average new home built in Wisconsin.

We pair prospective homeowners with builders and energy experts to construct new homes that are between 25 and 100 percent more efficient than homes built to Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code. They are built to be as comfortable, durable, combustion safe and energy efficient as possible.

New Home Certification Advantages:

Your Focus on Energy Building Performance Consultant will make sure your home meets the highest standards for energy efficiency, combustion safety, comfort and durability—ensuring your dream home is also a sound investment. In addition to a more energy-efficient home, you will also enjoy other benefits, including:

  • Dedicated builders – Focus on Energy rewards builders for constructing homes to be as efficient as possible, so you know your new home will be built to save energy for years to come.
  • Lower energy bills – A Focus on Energy Certified New Home is at least 25 percent more efficient than homes that are merely built to code, which means lower energy costs and more efficient performance.
  • Comfort – Expect air tightness that minimizes drafts and creates superior indoor air quality. Sealed combustion equipment and carbon monoxide detectors ensure combustion safety and whole-house ventilation for proper circulation.
  • Proof of quality – Your Building Performance Consultant conducts two site visits to review construction and overall performance; conducts scientific tests to ensure the proper performance of the air sealing, insulation, ventilation and combustion equipment; and certify your home.
  • Resale advantage – A Focus on Energy New Home Certification offers added value when looking to resell your home.

 

How do I build a Certified Home?

  1. Your participating builder works with a Focus on Energy Building Performance Consultant to review plans and construction.

  2. Your new home is framed and insulated and your Building Performance Consultant makes an initial home visit to review work to date.

  3. Your new home construction is finished and the Consultant makes a final home visit to test performance.

  4. If your home meets energy efficiency and performance requirements, you will receive your Focus on Energy New Home certification!

Show Details ▼

New Homes Resources

Eligibility & Requirements

Interested in incorporating renewable energy into your new home?

Ask your Focus on Energy Building Performance Consultant about having a geothermal heat pump or a solar electric system installed.

Reach next level savings!

If you’ve already put in the work to make your home or business as energy efficient as possible, now is the perfect time to take an even more rewarding step. Follow the Renewable Energy path and receive Focus on Energy cash incentives for qualified solar electric and geothermal installations.

Your benefits:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Greater energy independence
  • Financial incentives
  • Technical support

Renewable Funding Status - Updated 12/10/2018

Total Residential Renewable Budget $1,352,296.00
Paid/Entered* $1,017,429.26
Reserved** $240,573.57
Estimated Funding Available $94,293.17

 

Total Business Renewable Budget $652,000.00
Paid/Entered* $453,753.40
Reserved** $58,865.79
Estimated Funding Available $139,380.81

Sign-up to receive automated notifications regarding Focus on Energy's Renewable Incentive offerings. 

*Paid/Entered: The amount of renewable funds entered, paid, or approved for payment based on incentive applications fully processed as of the date noted above.
**Reserved: The amount of renewable funds reserved based on reservation applications fully processed as of the date noted above. 

Don't Miss Out on Incentives

  1. Prior to constructing your project, submit an online Reservation Application to ensure funding for your project. You can also download and send in PDF reservations: Solar Electric (PV) Reservation Application / Geothermal Reservation Application 

  2. When your project is complete, fill out the Incentive Application to receive your check! You can also download and send in PDF applications: Solar Electric (PV) Incentive Application / Geothermal Incentive Application

Show Details ▼

Incentives and Eligibility

RENEWABLE PROJECT INCENTIVE
Solar electric (PV) system

    Residential

12% of installed cost, not to exceed $2,000*

    Business

12% of installed cost, not to exceed $4,000*

Geothermal heat pump system

 

    Residential or Business

$650

 *Maximum incentive amounts based on system cost averages from the previous 12 months and will be updated every six months.

Renewable project funding from Focus on Energy is available for Geothermal Heat Pumps and Solar Electric systems. Geothermal heat pumps use stable ground temperatures to heat your home or business. Solar electric system incentives are available on select qualifying solar photovoltaic equipment. Work with A renewable Trade Ally contractor to help you earn incentives from Focus on Energy on qualifying equipment.

 

Get a $75 cash incentive on ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats!

Save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. Some ENERGY STAR  smart thermostats auto-adjust to help you manage your home’s heating and cooling costs. Plus, they’re easy to install! If only every project were as easy as upgrading to a smart thermostat.

 

Smart thermostats can save up to $120 annually and typically pay for themselves in two years. You can also save energy and money by controlling your home’s temperature from anywhere using your smart device.

 

Some smart thermostats even notify you when the system isn’t operating at top condition. You’ll know when to change a dirty filter or schedule a tune-up before you need a costly repair.

Combine with HVAC Upgrades

Considering new heating and cooling equipment? Ask your Trade Ally to install a smart thermostat at the same time and receive an incentive check from Focus on Energy, in addition to other Focus on Energy incentives available for heating and cooling equipment. Learn more.

How Do I Get My Smart Thermostat Incentive?

  1. There are a few ways to get your smart thermostat incentive: Purchase a qualifying smart thermostat online or in-store and then submit an online application within 60 days of purchase to receive a $75 incentive check in the mail.

  2. Buy online and get an instant discount! Visit nest.com or ecobee.com and follow the prompts at check-out to see if you qualify to receive a $75 off coupon code.

  3. Or, if your smart thermostat was purchased and installed by a participating Trade Ally (contractor) or retailer, complete the online Heating and Cooling Incentive application or download it to obtain your incentive.

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Eligibility Requirements

Offer is limited to qualifying smart thermostats that:

  • Have been purchased within the past 60 days.
  • Are not purchased for resale, leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims or a manufacturer warranty, or won as a prize.
  • Do not qualify for other Focus on Energy incentives.
  • Replace an existing thermostat that does not qualify for an incentive.
  • Connect with Wi-Fi.
  • Feature integrated occupancy-sensing capability, such as motion sensors or geofencing with setback.
  • Are listed in our Qualified Products List.

Offer is limited to Wisconsin customers of Focus on Energy participating utilities based on the home's primary heating system.

  • Homes with a natural gas furnace must be a customer of a participating electric utility and gas utility.
  • Homes with a natural gas boiler must be a customer of a participating gas utility.
  • Homes with an air-source heat pump must be a customer of a participating electric utility.
  • Homes heated by liquid petroleum (LP) gas or a geothermal heat pump are not eligible.
  • Offer is limited to one incentive per home heating system and two per household.

"With the incentive I received from Focus on Energy, I was able to afford a higher quality, more energy-efficient furnace. I'm very happy with the Focus on Energy program!"

-Angela (Madison, WI)
Upcoming Events
June 2nd
to
June 2nd
2018
June 2nd
Lighting Demonstration - Johnson Creek
Johnson Creek
10:00 AM