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A Holistic Approach to Energy Improvements. Not Just Insulation.

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Rebates & Incentives


Insulation & Air Sealing Program

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable resource. This statewide organization provides information, resources, and generous financial incentives to eligible Wisconsin customers of participating utility companies by offering energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that otherwise wouldn’t happen, or in some cases years sooner than scheduled.

Since 2011, Focus on Energy has realized more than $1 billion worth of net economic benefits to Wisconsin. By eliminating energy waste, the need to purchase coal and natural gas from other states is substantially reduced. This keeps dollars and jobs in Wisconsin and lessens the need to build additional power plants.

Focus on Energy logo

Insulation and air sealing are some of the most important and beneficial improvements you can make to your home. They lower energy costs while keeping the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. These upgrades can also solve common home issues like condensation, ice dams, and poor indoor air quality.

Why Insulation & Air Sealing?

Properly insulating your home is one of the most basic and important steps you can take to achieve year-round comfort and lower your energy costs. Most older homes—and newer homes, too—can benefit from additional insulation in the attic, exterior walls, overhangs, sill boxes, or the foundation. For even greater results, insulate and seal air leaks at the same time. It is a strategy that works to prevent wasted energy and money from slipping through the cracks, and it quickly pays for itself in reduced utility bills. Insulation slows down the movement of heat, keeping it where you want it. That means out in the summertime, and in during the chilly winter months.

Air sealing works to prevent air leakage, a common dilemma that puts an extra burden on your heating and cooling systems and makes it harder and more expensive to maintain comfort. The typical trouble spots include attics, interior walls, electrical outlets, and light fixtures—areas where it is easy for warm air to escape into your home. A smart combination of insulation and air sealing is the ideal prescription to combat the issue, boost comfort, and improve home performance.

Download Insulation and Air Sealing Program Overview (pdf)

Insulation Types

Benefits of Insulation

  • Increased comfort
  • Lower utility costs
  • Less noise

Benefits of Air Sealing

  • Greater comfort
  • Lower utility costs
  • Fewer drafts
  • Less pollen and dust
  • Prevention of ice dams
  • Humidity control

Common Households Leaks

  • Behind knee walls
  • Attic hatch
  • Wiring holes
  • Plumbing vents
  • Recessed lights
  • Furnace flue or duct chaseways
  • Basement rim joists
  • Windows and doors

Rebates

The program offers two installation options: Professionally Installed and Do It Yourself (DIY).

  • Professionally Installed: Only certified Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractors can install and offer these higher Focus on Energy rebates. NOTE: Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin has meet the required requirements and submitted the necessary documentation & certifications to be a qualified Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractor. A Home Energy Assessment is required for both rebate levels.
    • This option has two rebate levels.
      • Standard Rebates: Available for moderate to high income households.
      • Income-Qualified Rebates: Available for households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for their county and household size. Households must be pre-qualified prior to participation.
    • Download Program Overview (pdf)
  • Do It Yourself: Focus on Energy offers $200 cash back for self-installed attic insulation and air sealing.
    • Before committing to a DIY project, confirm your home is a good fit (see below).

Focus on Energy programs are available to customers of participating utility companies (see list below). NOTE: Some programs require that a resident must be a customer of a participating natural gas AND electric utility.

Complete Program Requirements / Complete Installation Requirements

Participating Utility Companies (Current as of January 1, 2024)

*Florence Utilities customers are eligible for Focus rebates and incentives related to improvements that reduce their electric energy usage and for renewable energy rebates. Florence Utilities customers are not eligible for Focus rebates and incentives related to improvements that reduce their natural gas usage.

Insulation and Air Sealing Program

Focus on Energy programs are available to customers of participating utility companies (see list below). NOTE: Some programs require that a resident must be a customer of a participating natural gas AND electric utility.

Review Complete Program Requirements

Participating Utility Companies (Current as of January 1, 2024)

The Insulation and Air Sealing Program rebates are based on household income. To discover what level of rebates you’re eligible for:

  • Go to Focus on Energy’s Income-Qualified Rebates
    • Scroll down to ‘2024 Area Median Income Limits by Household Size’ tool
      • Select the county you live in (ex: Brown County)
      • Select the number of individuals in your household (ex: 5)
      • The tool will calculate your county’s maximum household income for your household (ex: $84,700).
        • If your household’s annual income is ABOVE that number, you qualify for Standard Rebates – jump to Step 3.
        • If your household’s annual income is BELOW that number, you may qualify for additional rebates.
      • If you have questions or want to be screened by an Income Specialist, call 855.339.8866.

Great news! Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin is a registered Trade Ally contractor and meets Focus on Energy’s standards of certification, licenses, and training.

  • Check out the FAQs tab for frequently asked questions about the program.
  • If you’re interested in moving forward with us as your Trade Ally Contractor, submit a form to get an estimate or call us at 888-719-5905 to answer your program questions.

Understanding how your home currently uses (or loses) energy is necessary to develop a custom energy improvement plan for you.

  • An energy assessment takes 2-4 hours to complete depending on the size, age, and condition of your home. Learn more about What to Expect and What’s Included in the Energy Assessment (Audit).
  • There is a cost for the assessment (typically included in the overall project cost). Low-income households are eligible for up to a $500 instant discount to help cover the cost of an audit. Tax credits to help offset these costs may also be available to those who qualify. Ask us for details.
  • A comprehensive personalized energy report with data-driven energy upgrade recommendations and suggestions with be provided to you by your Trade Ally Contractor.

Based on the results of your energy assessment, we’ll develop a plan and then schedule a meeting to discuss how to improve the energy-efficiency of your home.
Meeting topics include:

  • Areas that make most sense from a return on investment and fit best within your current household budget.
  • You may choose to upgrade everything or we can discuss a phased plan.
  • The rebates you’re eligible for (see ‘Single-Family Rebates’ and ‘Multifamily’ tabs).
  • Available rebates from other sources including Focus on Energy IRA HOMES Rebates and other tax credits.
  • Timing and scheduling for Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin to return and complete your project.
  • Complete Installation Requirements

Following the completion of your project, Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin will submit your application and project data and results including:

  • Visual inspection report,
  • Pre and post installation photos,
  • System commissioning,
  • Diagnostic and combustion safety testing results,
  • Invoice and receipts,
  • Eligible rebates, etc.

Trade Ally Contractors are required to provide instant discounts for completed projects to low-income households. Instant discounts for completed projects to moderate- and higher-income households are optional.

SINGLE-FAMILY REBATES (1-3 Units)

Insulation / Air Sealing ImprovementStandard Rebate Income-Qualified Rebate
ENERGY STAR® Qualified Air Sealing Energy Assessment Required* $675$1,125
Attic Insulation$525$675
Sill Box Insulation$75$110
Foundation Insulation$75$110
Wall Insulation $450$450
Duct Sealing & Insulation$75$75
Verified Duct Sealing & Insulation$150$150
DIY Attic Insulation & Air Sealing$200$200

Rebates effective for improvements made on or after July 1, 2024, Incentives may change or discontinue without notice. *Must be completed along with Trade Ally contractor installed attic or wall insulation improvements. Please review the Program Requirements tab for full participation requirements.


MULTIFAMILY REBATES (4+ Units)

Insulation & Air Sealing ImprovementRebate Amount
Air Sealing & Attic Insulation, Existing < R-11$1.00 per sq. ft. of attic space
Air Sealing & Attic Insulation, Existing R-12 to R-19$.70 per sq. ft. of attic space
Air Sealing & Attic Insulation, Existing R-20 to R-38$.55 per sq. ft. of attic space
Exterior Wall Insulation, Existing < R-5$.80 per sq. ft. of wall area improved

Rebates effective for improvements made on or after July 1, 2024, Incentives may change or discontinue without notice.

Insulation

  • Types of Insulation (pdf)
  • Insulation (pdf)
  • Insulation (video)

Air Sealing

  • Air Sealing (pdf)
  • Air Sealing Explained (video)

Home Energy Assessment

  • Home Energy Assessment (pdf)
  • Home Energy Assessment (video)
  • Preparing for a Home Energy Assessment (video)

Ice Dams

  • What Causes Ice Dams? (pdf)
  • Ice Dams (video)

Moisture

  • Moisture Issues (pdf)
  • Moisture Control (video)

Vermiculite

  • What is Vermiculite? (pdf)

Windows & Doors

  • Windows: Replace or Keep Them (pdf)

Ventilation

  • Ventilation (pdf)

Every home is different so it varies depending on its age, size and condition. We find that homes benefit the most from air sealing and adding insulation especially in the attic, basement/crawlspace, uninsulated walls and around windows and doors.

Your home is more than a building with just walls and floors. It is changing and evolving on a daily, even hourly, basis. Indoor and outdoor temperatures, the season, number of occupants, levels of insulation in the attic or walls, condition of your HVAC and mechanical equipment, ventilation and presence of air sealing, etc. effect how energy efficient, healthy and safe your home is. Making an improvement in one area can have a negative impact in another area. For example: improperly adding insulation in the attic can create an environment for mold and mildew.

That is why Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin takes a holistic approach to energy improvements. We look at your entire home (top to bottom) and perform diagnostic tests to identify the cause of the problem so when improvements are made they positively (not negatively) improve your overall home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Replacing windows can seem like the obvious choice to improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy waste. While energy-efficient windows do help to tackle drafts and air leaks, the majority of a home’s energy is lost in other areas.

Trouble spots include attics, walls, light fixtures, doors and anywhere warm air can escape or sneak into your home. If you need new windows, we recommend replacing them as a package of upgrades that also includes air sealing and insulation. This will help maximize home comfort and savings.

An energy assessment, also known as an energy audit, is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and consumption. It’s similar to a medical check-up for your house. During the assessment:

  1. An energy auditor inspects your home for energy-related issues.
  2. They ask questions about your energy usage and comfort levels.
  3. Various diagnostic tests are performed.

At the conclusion, the auditor provides:

  1. A diagnosis of your home’s overall energy health
  2. A tailored plan with recommended improvements
  3. A roadmap to enhance your home’s energy efficiency

This process helps identify areas where you can save energy, reduce costs, and improve comfort in your home. For more information, visit What’s Included in an Energy Audit and What to Expect.

Planning for your audit will make sure your home is ready and you get the most out of the experience. Here are a few :

  1. Expect the audit to take 2 – 4 hours depending on the size, age and condition of your home.
  2. Have at least one homeowner available to accompany the energy advisor throughout your home. We encourage you to ask questions and take notes. Plan to learn about the current condition of your home and how your home is holistically connected. Your energy advisor will provide tips on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home and how you can save more energy and money.
  3. Allow access to all rooms. Make sure there is clear access to heating and cooling equipment, appliances and other mechanical systems. Remove ashes from fireplaces and/or wood-burning stoves prior to the appointment.
  4. For the safety and well-being of your pets, temporarily relocate or restrain them. The diagnostic tests are harmless but can be scary and stressful for your pets.
  5. Plan to provide access to one or more years worth of utility bills or energy usage.

The home energy audit takes 2-4 hours depending on the size, age and condition of your home. We recommend at least one homeowner to be available during the audit to answer questions. We encourage you to ask questions about your home and to take notes for future reference.

During your audit, your Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin energy auditor will perform the following services:

  1. Visual inspection of your living space, attic, basement or crawlspace.
  2. Blower door test to measure air tightness.
  3. Combustion safety test and ventilation test to ensure mechanicals, such as your furnace and water heater are operating correctly and there is sufficient air circulation.
  4. Infrared camera scan (optional) to identify air leaks and lack of insulation in walls and around doors and windows.

A blower door test or the ‘Big Red Door’ is used to test the airtightness of buildings and helps physically locate air leaks in your home. The blower door consist of a frame and flexible, red panel that fits in a doorway, a variable-speed fan and a pressure gauge to measure the pressure difference inside and outside the home. The blower door test depressurizes the home to simulate a 25 mph wind.

Your energy advisor will conduct tests and collect data to enter into software that will help identify issues in your home and how to improve it.

Yes, it is safe to be in the building while the test is being conducted. Your energy advisor will make sure atmospheric boilers, furnaces and woodstoves are shut off before the testing begins and that the home is properly ventilating.

Your energy advisor will provide a customized energy report highlighting the improvements and upgrades that are the best investments for your home.

They will also go over the incentives available through our partner, Focus on Energy, and help you prioritize efficiency improvements before pricing out the project costs, presenting a contracting and completing the improvements.

Your customized Home Energy Report includes the results of the data collected during your home energy audit, proposed issues, recommendations and proposed cost estimates including available incentives for eligible customers.

The home energy audit cost ranges from $400 – $700 depending on the size, age and condition of your home. This is a small price to pay to receive a comprehensive evaluation of your home, solutions and recommendations, and tips on how to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. NOTE: Depending on the project scope and size, there may be no cost for the audit.

While some of these improvements could be a DIY project it is usually not for the “Average Joe” homeowner. Knowing where to make improvements to avoid introducing new problems and having the right equipment is key. Air sealing and installing insulation can also be a messy, back breaking and time consuming project. Plus, to receive Focus on Energy’s most generous incentives a qualified Focus on Energy Home Performance Trade Ally Contractor must perform the work.

Yes, any changes made to your home, whether it is updating a bathroom or doubling your home’s square footage, will affect the way your home performs. The best time to take steps to improve the overall performance of your home is before demolition and construction.

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable resource program. The statewide organization provides information, resources and generous financial incentives that benefit all Wisconsinites by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise would not happen, or in some cases years sooner than scheduled.

A Focus on Energy Trade Ally / Contractor is trained and qualified to participate in the program and has agreed to abide by Focus on Energy rules and guidelines. It is Focus on Energy’s way of ensuring the work performed on your home and the materials used meet strict standards and guidelines and the customer service provided are of the highest quality.

Focus on Energy financial incentives are available only to certified trade allies / contractors. To be eligible, a contractor must have the required business and insurance credentials, apply to participate in a particular Focus on Energy program and follow strict program standards and guidelines. Home Energy Solutions is a Focus on Energy Trade Ally / Contractor and is eligible to provide air sealing and insulation incentives.

Focus on Energy programs and incentives are available to single family (1-3 units) and multi-family (4+ units). Homeowners must be a customer of a participating Focus on Energy utility company and at least 51% of the home must be heated through natural gas or electricity. Before making any improvements, Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin will confirm your eligibility and complete the necessary paperwork.


25C Insulation Tax Credit

The 25C Insulation Tax Credit, also called the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, allows eligible homeowners to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,200 annually for upgrades like insulation and air sealing.

The best part is if qualify for other rebates (e.g., Focus on Energy or IRA rebates), you are also eligible for the 25C tax credit. It’s a great opportunity for additional savings, making upgrading your home even more affordable.

Home Energy Solutions can help ensure that your work qualifies for this insulation tax credit. Reach out today to see how much you could save with the insulation tax credit and other available incentives and rebates.

What Is a Tax Credit?

Homeowners sometimes ask us if home insulation is tax deductible. Tax credits and tax deductions are similar tax breaks, but they’re not the same. A tax credit reduces the amount of taxes you owe, while a tax deduction reduces your total taxable income. The insulation tax credit only applies to federal taxes, not state taxes.

Benefits of the 25C Tax Credit for Insulation and Air Sealing

Taking advantage of the insulation tax credit means that you’ll see all of the benefits of improving the energy efficiency of your home: lower energy bills, improved home comfort, and a house that’s better for the environment. But there are additional benefits unique to this specific tax credit:

The Insulation Tax Credit or Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is:

Available to Anyone With Federal Tax Liability: If you pay federal taxes, you can claim your insulation tax credit! This is a national incentive available to any homeowner, unlike many rebate programs.

Can Be Combined With Other Incentives and Insulation Rebates: But if you do qualify for other incentives, the 25C tax credit is a great opportunity for additional savings, making upgrading your home even more affordable.

$150 Credit for Energy Audits: If your eligible tax credit for insulation and air sealing work doesn’t reach the $1,200 annual maximum, you can also take a 30% credit—with a limit of $150—for any energy audit related costs.

Calculated Separately From Heat Pump Upgrades: The 25C homeowner tax credit covers a number of different energy-efficiency upgrades for your home, and insulation and air sealing upgrades are in a separate category from heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters. This means that you can take both a $1,200 insulation tax credit and a $2,000 heat pump tax credit in the same year, for as much as $3,200 in total tax credit savings.

How Does the 25C Insulation Tax Credit Work?

The 25C tax credit (25C refers to the relevant section of the IRS tax code) allows you to take a federal tax credit equaling 30% of the total cost for a variety of energy efficiency home upgrades, including qualifying insulation and air sealing expenses. There is an annual maximum credit of $1,200 for the category of upgrades that includes insulation.

Attic insulation, wall insulation, basement insulation, and crawl space insulation all qualify for the credit, as do many different types of insulation materials, as long as certain insulation levels are met. Home Energy Solutions will work with you to ensure that your insulation work is eligible.

How to Claim Your Tax Credit

Claiming your tax credit for insulation and air sealing upgrades is straightforward:

  1. Verify Eligibility: Home Energy Solutions will verify with you that the insulation work we’ve done for you meets the criteria for tax credit eligibility.
  2. Keep Your Receipts: We will also provide you with an invoice breaking down the tax-credit-eligible portion of your work. You’ll need this when you or your accountant goes to file your taxes for the year in which work was done on your home.
  3. File IRS Form 5695 or consult a Tax Professional:* When you file your taxes, remember your tax credit!

*At Home Energy Solutions, we have a tax professional prepare our taxes, and recommend that you do, too. Our goal is to be as helpful as possible in ensuring you get your tax credit, but we’re experts in insulation, not taxes!

With the 25C Insulation Tax Credit / Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit you can save up to $1,200 in tax credits when you insulate your home with Home Energy Solutions.

$150 Credit for Energy Audits: If your eligible tax credit for insulation and air sealing work doesn’t reach the $1,200 annual maximum, you can also take a 30% credit—with a limit of $150—for any energy audit related costs.

These tax credits can be combined with other incentives and insulation rebates: But if you do qualify for other incentives, the 25C tax credit is a great opportunity for additional savings, making upgrading your home even more affordable.

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What your neighbors are saying about us...

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"Cannot believe how much longer the house stays cold, with AC hardly running at all. Was even able to raise room temperature and started those savings on the AC. Looking forward to winter and know we will enjoy the same extra warmth and savings! Best thing we ever did!"

- Mark Gorham

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