Focus on Energy logo with the tagline "Partnering with Wisconsin Utilities"

When Standard Solutions Don't Work, Custom Ones Do

Not every home can be upgraded with a simple system replacement.

  • Older homes may lack ductwork.
  • Some floor plans don’t support traditional equipment.
  • Structural limitations may make major changes difficult.

For these homeowners, the challenge is finding a solution that actually works.

Aaron Anger, co-owner of Advanced Comfort Systems in Oostburg, specializes in exactly that.  

As an IRA Registered Contractor working with FOCUS ON ENERGY® (Focus), he designs customized systems that fit the home—while using incentives to make those solutions more affordable.

A Contractor Focused on Removing Barriers

Serving homeowners across eastern Wisconsin, Aaron specializes in helping customers navigate complex upgrades—especially in older homes where standard solutions don’t apply.

Often, the challenge is both technical and financial. That ability to design custom solutions, while using incentives to reduce cost, helps more complex projects move forward.

Many homeowners hesitate to reach out because they don’t know:

  • What the full cost will be.
  • What incentives they qualify for.
  • How to coordinate contractors and paperwork.

Without clear guidance, those questions often stop projects before they begin.

Turning Complexity into a Clear Path

To solve this, Aaron’s team has built a process designed to remove friction at every step.

Instead of asking homeowners to manage the project themselves, they provide a single, guided path forward:

  1. Start with a one-on-one consultation.
  2. Design a system based on the home and budget.
  3. Identify and apply for available incentives.
  4. Coordinate key parts of the project.

“We handle the administrative side along with everything else,” Aaron said. “We want customers to feel confident in their decisions. And we want to make the process as simple as possible.”

For homeowners, that means fewer decisions and less to manage. For Aaron’s business, it means more projects actually move forward.

A Real Example: Making a Complex Home Work

In a late-1800s home with no ductwork, homeowner Cheryl Sohn needed a solution that would not disrupt the structure of her home.

Aaron designed a custom multi-zone heat pump system that provided both heating and cooling—without major reconstruction.

The project qualified for $8,950 in IRA Home Energy Rebates, significantly reducing the upfront cost and making the upgrade achievable.

Without that level of support, the project may have been delayed or scaled back.

Incentive amounts vary based on eligibility, home characteristics, and project scope.

Why Affordability Changes Everything

For many homeowners, incentives help reduce upfront costs enough to turn a “maybe later” decision into a project that can move forward now.

"The incentives make a big difference,” Aaron said. “They help customers feel like the project is actually doable.”

Instead of focusing only on cost, homeowners can focus on choosing the right solution for their home.

What Customers Notice Right Away

Once projects are completed, the benefits are immediate:

  • More consistent temperatures throughout the home.
  • Better humidity control.
  • Cooling during hot summer months.
  • Greater control over comfort and energy use.

These improvements don’t just increase comfort—they also help homeowners better manage energy use and reduce surprises when it comes to monthly bills.  

Business Impact: More Projects Moving Forward

For Aaron’s team, the program has changed how projects move through the pipeline.

  • Customers are more willing to move ahead.
  • Fewer projects stall due to cost concerns
  • Conversations shift from “Can I afford this?” to “What’s the best option?”

This allows his team to deliver more complete solutions instead of basic replacements.

“I’m proud of these projects,” Aaron said. “We’re able to help people do something they might not have been able to do otherwise.”

Advice to Homeowners

Aaron encourages homeowners not to assume upgrades are out of reach, and instead, start with a conversation.

With the right guidance and available incentives, projects that feel overwhelming at first can become manageable—and achievable.

Start With a Simple First Step

If your home needs an upgrade, but the process feels complicated or expensive, support may be available.  

Focus connects you with IRA Registered Contractors who guide you through every step—from planning to installation to incentives.

Check your eligibility and see how you may be able to reduce upfront costs with a clear path forward. 

See all Success Stories
Book icon Join our newsletter to stay up-to-date.
Which type of news would you like?*
Question mark icon Need answers? Try our Help Center. Help Center
Question mark icon Looking for something specific?
© 2026 Focus on Energy