Then Marilyn discovered the IRA Home Energy Rebates through FOCUS ON ENERGY® (Focus).
With help from trusted IRA Registered Contractor Aaron Riendeau at St. Croix Energy Solutions, she was able to make major improvements to her home—while receiving more than $18,000 in combined rebates and incentives, which made the project financially achievable.
For many homeowners, this level of support can be the difference between putting off upgrades and moving forward with improvements.
A Home with Potential—And a Few Challenges
Marilyn purchased her home in 2023 and moved in the following spring. The house had strong fundamentals, but like many homes built in the 1960s across New Richmond and western Wisconsin, energy efficiency upgrades were overdue.
She had already begun remodeling the interior with help from her son—updating flooring, cabinets, and other visible features.
But she soon realized the upgrades that matter most are often behind the walls.
Improving insulation and modernizing electrical systems would help the home:
- Hold heat more effectively.
- Reduce drafts.
- Prepare for future energy upgrades.
“The house is warmer now than it was before,” Marilyn said.
A Simple Path to Upgrades
Marilyn first learned about the program through her brother, who had previously worked with St. Croix Energy Solutions.
Aaron visited Marilyn’s home to evaluate the project and explain potential rebate opportunities.
When the IRA Home Energy Rebates became available later that year, he helped guide her through the process.
“What I tell people is you can go online and find out in about ten minutes whether you qualify,” Marilyn said.
Aaron also handled much of the coordination and paperwork.
“He was a dream,” she said. “He took care of everything.”
The Upgrades
Through the IRA Home Energy Rebates and Focus incentives, Marilyn completed several improvements to make the home more comfortable and efficient.
- Wall insulation. Additional insulation was installed inside exterior walls to reduce heat loss during winter and keep cooled air inside during summer.
- Attic insulation. Upgrading attic insulation helps keep warm air inside the home and reduces energy waste.
- Foundation insulation. Insulating foundation areas reduces drafts and helps stabilize indoor temperatures.
- Electrical system upgrades. A new service panel and wiring improvements modernized the home’s electrical system, improving safety and preparing the home for future upgrades.
Together, these improvements created a more stable indoor environment while reducing energy waste.
Making the Project Affordable
Incentives played a critical role in reducing upfront costs and making the project possible.
Instead of facing the full cost upfront, Marilyn was able to access multiple incentives that significantly lowered the financial barrier, including:
- $10,000 IRA Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES)
- $4,000 IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) for an electrical panel upgrade
- $2,500 IRA HEAR wiring incentive
- $2,470 Focus insulation rebate
Because Marilyn was eligible for income-qualified rebates, the IRA Home Energy Rebates also covered $500 of the home energy assessment.
In total, Marilyn received more than $18,000 in financial support.
“I was going to do the work earlier, but I could not afford the quote at the time,” she said.
The rebates made the upgrades possible. With that support, a project that once felt financially out of reach became something she could confidently move forward with.
Incentive amounts vary based on eligibility, home characteristics, and project scope.
Noticeable Results
The improvements made an immediate difference.
“The house is warmer than before,” Marilyn said. “There is not as much temperature change between rooms.”
The electrical upgrades also brought peace of mind.
“It makes me feel good knowing the electrical system is updated,” she said. “You feel safer.”
By reducing energy loss, these improvements can also help lower ongoing energy costs and make monthly bills more predictable.
Sharing the Experience
Marilyn’s experience was so positive that she has already recommended the program to others in her community.
“I told several people about it,” she said.
Her advice to other homeowners is simple:
Start by checking eligibility and talking with a contractor.
“The process may be easier—and more affordable—than you expect, especially with the incentives available.”
Check Your Eligibility
Upgrading your home’s insulation or electrical system can improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and lower energy costs.
Focus connects Wisconsin homeowners with trusted IRA Registered Contractors and financial incentives and guidance that help reduce upfront costs and make upgrades easier to complete.
See what your home qualifies for and start your home energy plan today.
