What is Focus on Energy?

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program, funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Since 2001, this innovative program has been helping Wisconsin residents and businesses reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and protect the environment through smart energy choices.

For Milwaukee homeowners, Focus on Energy represents a significant opportunity to upgrade heating and cooling systems while receiving substantial financial incentives. As a certified Focus on Energy Trade Ally, Tony's Heating and Air is uniquely positioned to help you navigate these benefits and maximize your savings.

Why Does Focus on Energy Exist?

The program was created with several important goals in mind:

1. Reducing Energy Consumption

Wisconsin's energy demand continues to grow, and Focus on Energy helps manage this demand by encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. By reducing overall energy consumption, the program helps stabilize energy costs for all Wisconsin residents and decreases the need for new power generation facilities.

2. Environmental Protection

Energy-efficient HVAC systems significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. A modern, high-efficiency heating and cooling system can reduce your home's carbon footprint by up to 40% compared to older, inefficient equipment. This collective effort helps Wisconsin meet its environmental goals and creates a healthier future for our communities.

3. Economic Benefits

The program stimulates Wisconsin's economy by creating jobs in the energy efficiency sector, supporting local contractors and businesses, and keeping energy dollars within the state. Since its inception, Focus on Energy has helped create thousands of jobs and generated billions in economic activity across Wisconsin.

4. Consumer Savings

Most importantly, Focus on Energy puts money back in homeowners' pockets. The average Milwaukee homeowner who upgrades to an energy-efficient HVAC system through the program saves $500-$1,200 annually on energy bills, with the savings continuing year after year.

How Focus on Energy Helps Milwaukee Homeowners Save on HVAC

Substantial Cash Rebates

Focus on Energy offers generous rebates for qualifying HVAC equipment installations:

• Central Air Conditioning: Up to $450 rebate for high-efficiency systems (16+ SEER)
• Air Source Heat Pumps: Up to $800 rebate for qualifying systems
• Furnaces: Up to $450 rebate for 95%+ AFUE gas furnaces
• Boilers: Up to $500 rebate for high-efficiency boiler systems
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Up to $600 rebate per system
• Smart Thermostats: Up to $100 rebate for qualifying programmable thermostats

These rebates can be combined with manufacturer rebates and federal tax credits, potentially saving Milwaukee homeowners $2,000-$4,000 or more on a complete HVAC system replacement.

Free Energy Assessments

Focus on Energy provides free or low-cost home energy assessments to help you identify the best opportunities for energy savings. These comprehensive evaluations include:

• Detailed analysis of your current HVAC system efficiency
• Identification of air leaks and insulation issues
• Personalized recommendations for improvements
• Estimated savings from recommended upgrades
• Information about available rebates and incentives

Expert Guidance from Trade Allies

Working with a certified Trade Ally like Tony's Heating and Air ensures you receive:

• Expert Knowledge: We stay current on all available rebates and program requirements
• Proper Equipment Selection: We help you choose systems that qualify for maximum rebates while meeting your comfort needs
• Simplified Paperwork: We handle the rebate application process, making it hassle-free for you
• Quality Installation: Our certified technicians ensure your new system operates at peak efficiency
• Ongoing Support: We provide maintenance and service to keep your system running efficiently for years

Real Milwaukee Success Stories

The Johnson Family - West Allis

The Johnsons replaced their 20-year-old furnace and air conditioner with a high-efficiency heat pump system. With Focus on Energy rebates ($800), manufacturer rebates ($500), and federal tax credits ($2,000), they saved $3,300 on their $12,000 installation. Their monthly energy bills dropped by $95, meaning the system will pay for itself in less than 8 years.

The Martinez Home - Greenfield

After a home energy assessment revealed significant inefficiencies, the Martinez family upgraded to a 96% AFUE furnace and added a smart thermostat. Focus on Energy rebates covered $550 of the cost, and their heating bills decreased by 35% in the first winter alone.

How to Get Started with Focus on Energy

Step 1: Schedule a Consultation

Contact Tony's Heating and Air for a free consultation. We'll assess your current system, discuss your comfort needs, and identify qualifying equipment options.

Step 2: Choose Your Equipment

We'll help you select the right high-efficiency HVAC system that qualifies for Focus on Energy rebates while fitting your budget and home requirements.

Step 3: Professional Installation

Our certified technicians will install your new system according to manufacturer specifications and Focus on Energy requirements, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Step 4: Rebate Processing

We'll complete and submit all necessary paperwork to Focus on Energy on your behalf. Most rebates are processed within 6-8 weeks.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Savings

Start enjoying lower energy bills, improved comfort, and the peace of mind that comes with a modern, efficient HVAC system.

Additional Focus on Energy Benefits

Financing Options

Focus on Energy partners with local lenders to offer special financing for energy efficiency projects. These programs often feature low interest rates and flexible terms, making it easier to afford the upfront cost of a new HVAC system.

Educational Resources

The program provides extensive educational materials to help homeowners understand energy efficiency, including:

• Online calculators to estimate potential savings
• Comparison tools for different HVAC systems
• Seasonal energy-saving tips
• Maintenance guides to keep systems running efficiently

Year-Round Support

Focus on Energy isn't just about rebates. The program offers ongoing support through:

• Energy efficiency workshops and webinars
• Expert advice hotline
• Regular updates on new rebates and programs
• Tips for maximizing your system's efficiency

Maximizing Your Savings: Combining Incentives

The real power of Focus on Energy comes from stacking multiple incentives:

Federal Tax Credits

The Inflation Reduction Act provides federal tax credits of up to 30% (maximum $2,000) for qualifying HVAC equipment. These can be combined with Focus on Energy rebates for even greater savings.

Manufacturer Rebates

Many HVAC manufacturers offer seasonal rebates that can be combined with Focus on Energy incentives. Tony's Heating and Air stays informed about all available manufacturer promotions to maximize your savings.

Utility Company Programs

Some Wisconsin utilities offer additional rebates beyond Focus on Energy. We'll help you identify and apply for all available incentives in your area.

Why Choose a Trade Ally?

While any contractor can install HVAC equipment, working with a certified Focus on Energy Trade Ally like Tony's Heating and Air offers distinct advantages:

• Guaranteed Expertise: Trade Allies receive specialized training on energy-efficient technologies and program requirements
• Streamlined Process: We handle all rebate paperwork and ensure compliance with program standards
• Quality Assurance: Trade Allies must meet strict quality standards and maintain proper licensing and insurance
• Maximum Rebates: We know how to structure projects to qualify for the highest possible rebates
• Accountability: Trade Allies are monitored by Focus on Energy to ensure customer satisfaction

Common Questions About Focus on Energy

Who is eligible for Focus on Energy rebates?

Most Wisconsin homeowners served by participating utilities are eligible. This includes the majority of Milwaukee-area residents. We can verify your eligibility during your consultation.

How long does it take to receive rebates?

Most Focus on Energy rebates are processed within 6-8 weeks of application submission. We'll track your application and keep you informed throughout the process.

Can I apply for rebates myself?

While homeowners can apply directly, working with a Trade Ally ensures proper equipment selection, correct installation, and accurate paperwork submission, significantly increasing your chances of approval and maximizing your rebates.

Are there income requirements?

Standard Focus on Energy rebates have no income requirements. However, additional assistance may be available for income-qualified households through other programs.

Do rebates expire?

Rebate amounts and availability can change annually. It's best to act when you need HVAC service rather than waiting, as future rebates aren't guaranteed.

The Environmental Impact

Beyond personal savings, participating in Focus on Energy contributes to Wisconsin's environmental goals:

• Since 2001, the program has saved Wisconsin residents over 8 billion kWh of electricity
• Reduced natural gas consumption by over 100 million therms
• Prevented millions of tons of CO2 emissions
• Helped Wisconsin move toward a cleaner energy future

When you upgrade to an energy-efficient HVAC system through Focus on Energy, you're not just saving money—you're contributing to a healthier environment for future generations of Wisconsin residents.

Take Action Today

Don't let another Wisconsin winter or summer pass with an inefficient HVAC system. Focus on Energy rebates make it more affordable than ever to upgrade to modern, efficient heating and cooling equipment.

As a certified Focus on Energy Trade Ally serving the Milwaukee area, Tony's Heating and Air is ready to help you:

• Assess your current system's efficiency
• Recommend qualifying high-efficiency equipment
• Calculate your potential savings and available rebates
• Provide expert installation
• Handle all rebate paperwork
• Ensure your new system operates at peak efficiency

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how much you can save with Focus on Energy. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and affordable home.

Call (414) 406-5110 or request service online to schedule your free Focus on Energy consultation today!