What is “Focus On Energy”

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise might not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control our states growing demand for electricity and natural gas. There are cash back rewards for purchasing Energy Star qualified products. I also would recommend every home have a Home Performance Energy Star evaluation. The report details where your home can be improved for energy savings. There is generally a fee for this service as it is done by a qualified inspector; however it can be quickly recouped in both cash and comfort.  For more information about all Focus on Energy’s programs please see www.focusonenergy.com (Jan 2010)

Are there any energy credits available for residences?

The act reinstated the nonbusiness energy property credit for property placed in service in 2009. The pre-Act credit expired at the end of 2007. There is no credit for 2008. A credit of up to $500 is available for qualified energy efficiency improvements or qualified residential energy property expenditures. Eligible improvements include: insulation, exterior windows, including skylights, exterior doors, metal roofs with cooling pigment, asphalt shingles with cooling granules, electric heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners, stoves using biomass fuel to heat water or residence, and natural gas, propane or oil heaters. A qualified solar electric property is capped at $2000 for 2008 but the cap is removed for 2009-2016 and is 30% of the cost of the qualified property. (1/09)

What does the "Energy Star" label on appliances mean?

Introduced by the EPA in 1992, Energy Star is a labeling program designed to identify and promote energy- efficient products. Seen on thousands of products, such as appliances, lighting, and consumer electronics, the label identifies which items meet the programs specifications for energy efficiency. Typically, Energy Star models incorporate higher-quality materials, better design, and advanced technology. Because the manufacturers spend more time researching and developing these products, they tend to come with a higher price tag. However, depending on the appliance, Energy Star models can save 15% to 40% on annual utility bills, because they use fewer resources than regular appliances. Energy Star has almost 100 utility partners and they offer different incentive programs. Check their website. www.energystar.com for more information.

What can you tell me about "Wisconsin’s Green Built Remodeled Home" program?

The "Green Built Home" program is a voluntary green building initiative that reviews and certifies remodeling projects (and new homes) that meet sustainable building and energy standards. The Green Built Home Project Guide outlines environmentally responsible solutions for nine common building and remodeling scenarios such as: building a new addition, installing flooring, installing a new roof, painting a room, installing insulation, replacing windows, residing your house, remodeling a kitchen or bath and landscaping with native plants. Green Built Home is only certifying the individual remodeling projects, not the entire home. See www.greenbuilthome.org for a list of remodeling contractors in your area. Please come see us at the Lakeland Builders Association Home Expo.

What can I do to improve my indoor air quality?

Use products that emit the lowest levels of chemical, especially cleaning products. If you are remodeling use building materials and furnishings that emit fewer toxins.

Clean your home regularly to prevent dust, dirt and pet hair accumulation. Inspect, clean or replace furnace and ventilation system filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Plan routine seasonal maintenance of your HVAC equipment to ensure they are working properly and performing as intended. Ensure clothes dryers are exhausted directly to the outside and make sure the filters and hoods are cleaned to maintain maximum airflow.

Ensure that continuous ventilation is provided in addition to the intermittent systems so general air quality is maintained. Increase ventilation rates during family gatherings and parties to keep air fresh.

Turn on your range hood (that is vented directly outside) when cooking to expel moisture and orders while cooking. Operate the bathroom exhaust fan when bathing and showering for at least 20 minutes to remove moisture. Consider installing a humidistat control on your fan.

Install and use exhaust fans in craft rooms and attached garages

Select HVI-Certified ventilation products for your home to ensure airflow, sound and energy performance expectations are met or exceeded.(6/09)

With energy prices a constant concern, what are some tips to help us save on our heating bills?

I have 3 words for you-Maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance! Get you furnace tuned up at least once a year by a professional HVAC contractor. A furnace that is in peak working condition will be the most efficient and last the longest and be the safest. Regularly, scheduled check ups (i.e. Tuesday morning at 10 am) are much less expensive than a Saturday night emergency call because you have no heat in February. If your gas forced air furnace is more than 10-12 years old, consider changing it out for a new model. The technology is dramatically improved and energy savings are immediate. Purchase the best unit (the most efficient) you can afford. I know it's difficult to spend $4,000-$8,000 on a new HVAC system, but it's the heartbeat of your family's comfort. Don't forget to consider your air conditioning needs. I might also suggest having your ductwork cleanedit's amazing how much gunk collects over the years in your ducts. Again the money ($500-$1,000) will be well spent on improved air quality and efficiency. The least you can do is change you filters monthly and adjust your ductwork for the change of seasons February 2009 Q? How can I keep more of my heat in my house? February 2009 A. Replacing windows and doors, caulking air leaks and insulating weak areas are still your best investment. You can do the obvious yourself; however doing the wrong thing can make matters worse. Remember a house is a system (especially a home built after 1980) and every cause has an effect. A professional Energy Star evaluation is the best way to find the weak points in your home. A consultant will come into your home with equipment to test where the cold air is entering your home and where the warm are is leaking out to heat the neighborhood. After the test, you will be given a full written evaluation with very specific recommendations for your home. Armed with real data, you can then work with the appropriate professional contractor to make the recommended changes to your homes. Yes it will cost money, but your family will feel much more comfortable in your home and you will save money on your energy bills. In 2009 (through 2016) there will be a $500 energy credit available for eligible improvements.

How can I keep more of my heat in my house?

Replacing windows and doors, caulking air leaks and insulating weak areas are still your best investment. You can do the obvious yourself; however doing the wrong thing can make matters worse. Remember a house is a system (especially a home built after 1980) and every cause has an effect.A professional Energy Star evaluation is the best way to find the weak points in your home. A consultant will come into your home with equipment to test where the cold air is entering your home and where the warm are is leaking out to heat the neighborhood. After the test, you will be given a full written evaluation with very specific recommendations for your home. Armed with real data, you can then work with the appropriate professional contractor to make the recommended changes to your homes. Yes it will cost money, but your family will feel much more comfortable in your home and you will save money on your energy bills. In 2009 (through 2016) there will be a $500 energy credit available for eligible improvements. (2/09)

What makes a tankless water heater green?

You don’t use hot water 24 hours a day, but with a conventional hot water heater you are paying to heat or reheat water 24 hours a day, even while you are sleeping. A tankless water heater is a more efficient way to heat water. It heats water quickly and delivers an endless supply of hot water for as long as you need it. You pay only to heat water when you need it for as long as you want it. Tankless water heaters are up to 30% more efficient than a traditional natural gas water heater and 50% more efficient than an electric water heater. They shut off automatically when the water supply is closed, providing users with a significant energy savings – in turn saving money on utility bills. They do not store water, or waste energy by using a conventional chimney and have an electronic ignition, so there is no wasteful pilot flame. Most gas fired water heaters have an Energy Factor of only about .62-maybe less. Most tankless units start at an Energy Factor of .80. Unlike old style tank water heaters which fire at only one rate, most modern tankless water heaters will only use the amount of gas necessary to heat the hot water being used at any given time. To do this they measure the incoming water temperature and the flow rate, compare that to the desired output temperature (which can be set by you) and fire at the rate necessary to meet this need. If you change any of these variables, the tankless unit re-calculates and adjusts its firing rate accordingly. The tankless unit will therefore fire anywhere between its minimum and maximum firing rate. Tankless water heaters are compact wall-mounted units with a life expectancy of 20 years, whereas hot water tanks require about 16 square feet of floor space, and usually last about 10 years. One last "green" benefit: Power vented natural gas tankless water heaters with an Energy Factor of .80 or greater will qualify you for a $100 Cash Back Reward Incentive through Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program. The unit must be purchased and installed by December, 31, 2008.