Answers By: Doug Dettlaff
Scroll UpWhat do I need to know before I shop for a new furnace?- Aaron, West Bend, WI
There are several things to consider when buying a new furnace.
Click to read the full answerWhat is an ECM motor?- Pam, Wausau, WI
An ECM is a fan motor typically found in high efficiency furnaces.
Click to read the full answerCan a programmable thermostat really save energy?- Robin, Delafield, WI
Yes!
Click to read the full answerAre space heaters that are designed like fireplaces worth the initial investment?- Carol, St. Francis, WI
In most cases, heating with natural gas or propane is cheaper than heating with electricity.
Click to read the full answerWill I really save energy by running the fan on my furnace all the time?- George, Oshkosh, WI
No, you won't save money running the furnace fan continuously.
Click to read the full answerWhat's the best fuel to heat my home? (natural gas, liquid propane[LP], oil, electricity)- Jerry, Milwaukee, WI
The best fuel to heat your home will depend on the cost of the fuel and the efficiency of the appliances used for heating.
Click to read the full answerI'm interested in ground-source heat pumps. Are they worth the cost?- Nikki, Grafton, WI
There are many factors to consider with ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps.
Click to read the full answerShould I close off vents in rooms that I am not heating/cooling?- Doug, Stevens Point, WI
No, especially if the room has a return air duct.
Click to read the full answerShould I use my fireplace instead of my furnace to save on my heating bills?- Jon, Wauwatosa, WI
A fireplace only heats a small portion of your home while a furnace heats the entire home.
Click to read the full answerDoes turning down my thermostat during the day make the furnace work harder?- Tom, Whitefish Bay, WI
It will take less energy to run your furnace for a short time to heat up a cool house.
Click to read the full answerHow often would you recommend replacing a furnace filter?- Eric, Madison, WI
Good question since a new furnace filter helps reduce heating costs. Read on.
Click to read the full answerWhat kind of water heater should I buy?- Ken, Beloit, WI
Focus on Energy has some recommendations.
Click to read the full answerIs there really a difference between tank and tankless water heaters?- David, Port Washington, WI
When you buy a water heater, there are many things to consider.
Click to read the full answerHow much can I save by switching from an electric to natural gas water heater?- Lucas, South Milwaukee, WI
You can save up to one third of your heating bill!
Click to read the full answerHow much money can I save by installing an energy efficient water heater?- Don, West Milwaukee, WI
Energy efficient water heaters can save up to 25% on your water heating bill.
Click to read the full answerDo tankless water heaters provide hot water faster?- Susan, Monroe, WI
Tankless water heaters don't necessarily provide hot water faster.
Click to read the full answerCan I install a water heater myself?- Gary, River Falls, WI
You can but it's best to hire a professional.
Click to read the full answerAt what temperature should I set my water heater?- Brooke, Oconomowoc, WI
Usually between 120°F-125°F.
Click to read the full answerCan I really save money by turning down my hot water heater setting?- Matt, Beaver Dam, WI
Yes you can, but be careful not to set it too low.
Click to read the full answerIs it better to turn your thermostat way down on warm days, and then back up when it's cold?- Ashley, Chicago, IL
Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature can save energy.
Click to read the full answerIs there a long-term cost difference between standard water heaters and tankless?- Matt , Watertown, WI
This depends on the energy used to heat the tankless water heater.
Click to read the full answerCan you explain efficiency levels of furnaces?- Jennifer , West Bend, WI
The higher the AFUE, the more heat you get for your heating dollar.
Click to read the full answerHow do I install a timer for my water hearter?- Colleen, Milwaukee, WI
A water heater blanket may be a better choice.
Click to read the full answerHow would an air-to-air heat pump affect my electric bill and carbon footprint?- Patricia , Bowler, WI
Read on for your answer.
Click to read the full answerCan a wood stove be used with a 'direct-vent' chimney and a 'draft-fan' instead of a tall chimney?- Jeff , West Bend, WI
It’s best to check with a wood stove installer.
Click to read the full answerIs it worth putting in a "Air to Air heat pump"?- Steve , Franklin, WI
Heat pumps save money
Click to read the full answerHow much energy can I save by having my furnace cleaned?- Chris, Delavan, wi
You can save up to 10% on furnace operation costs.
Click to read the full answerHow much will it cost to covert an oil heating system to natural gas?- Cleopatra , Milwaukee, WI
It’s best to contact a contractor.
Click to read the full answerHow can I tell if a geothermal system is running efficiently?- Ann, Green Bay, WI
A contractor will need to take measurements.
Click to read the full answerShould I let my energy efficient furnace fan run at a very low speed 24/7?- Dale , De Pere, WI
It’s best to run the furnace an on “auto”.
Click to read the full answerWhat tax incentives/rebates are available for a geothermal heating/cooling systems?- Cheryl, Wheatland, WI
Visit our Web site for more information.
Click to read the full answerIs it more or less efficient to circulate air in my home (2 story) using the furnace fan?- Nancy , Wauwatosa, WI
It’s best to run the furnace fan on “auto”.
Click to read the full answerGeothermal heat pumps don't burn fossil fuels, but are they really the "green" alternative?- Jon, Madison, WI
Geothermal may be the green choice.
Click to read the full answerWe are replacing 2 old furnaces in a 2-family home (rental unit). Do we qualify for any rebates?- Richard , Fredonia, WI
This depends on the type of furnace you purchase.
Click to read the full answerOur current HVAC system is 22 years old. Should we upgrade to reduce our monthly energy bills?- Kate , La Crosse, WI
A home evaluation will tell you what is most cost-effective.
Click to read the full answerIs it efficient to install a water heater in the kitchen to avoid running the faucet a long time?- Bob , Cedarburg, WI
In some cases, this is efficient.
Click to read the full answerCan I get rebates on a qualifying furnace and AC system if I install them myself?- Greg , Merrill, WI
We do offer rewards for self-installed units.
Click to read the full answerWe have high bills and our 30-year old heating system needs replacing; can you help?- Delores , New Glarus, WI
Financial incentives and guidance are available from Focus.
Click to read the full answerWe have a boiler, but would like to invest in geothermal, are there any incentives?- James , Franksville, WI
There are incentives for water to air geothermal heat pumps.
Click to read the full answerAre there any reducers/timers that I can install - my children take LONG showers?- Francie , Union Grove, WI
Timers are available to help and habits can be changed.
Click to read the full answerDo you offer a rebate for a programmable thermostat?- Lisa, Eau Claire, WI
There is no reward for thermostats right now.
Click to read the full answerHow do you verify HVAC correct sizing for a home?- Sharon , Keshena, WI
Sizing should be according to the home’s heat gain and loss.
Click to read the full answerDo second homes qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps?- David , Green Bay, WI
While not experts in tax incentives, we can provide you resources.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the average energy savings with a geothermal system over a conventional furnace?- Gene, Madison, WI
This is not always the best choice for our short cooling season.
Click to read the full answerI would like to cut back on my air conditioning usage. Is using the blower fan cost-effective?- Laura , Waukesha, WI
Yes, but the energy savings can vary.
Click to read the full answerI recently installed a tankless heater. How long will it take to pay for itself?- Ron, Woodland, WI
There’s a little bit of math involved in this one!
Click to read the full answerI am considering a geothermal system using my furnace as "back up". Are there any incentives?- Tom , Bagley, WI
We have a Cash-Back Reward and there may be tax incentives.
Click to read the full answerAre there rebates or tax write offs for a 50 gallon propane hot water heater?- Roxanne , Kewaskum, WI
Depending on the water heater, you may qualify for incentives.
Click to read the full answerIs it worth buying a saltless water softner? How do they work?- Steven , Sturgeon Bay, WI
There are several things you can do to find out more.
Click to read the full answerHow much does it cost to use air conditioning vs. opening windows and using fans?- Tony , Milwaukee, WI
It costs over 30 times more to turn on the air.
Click to read the full answerIs it more efficient to keep the air conditioning on all day or turn it on when you arrive back home?- James , Wauwatosa, WI
Use a programmable thermostat and “set back” the temperature.
Click to read the full answerAre high efficiency heat pump hybrid systems (SEER 16-20) really effective in Wisconsin?- Steve , Stoughton, WI
Yes, they can actually save you money.
Click to read the full answerHow soon can I expect to recover the cost of a tankless waterheater?- Ron , Woodland, WI
You can save money in the long run with a tankless water heater.
Click to read the full answerIs it best to run your air conditioner at a high temp or low temp? What temp is best?- Tam, Milwaukee, WI
The highest temperature you are most comfortable at.
Click to read the full answerAre there any incentives to upgrade my furnace from oil to either gas or wood pellets?- Timm , Appleton, WI
Yes, there are Focus and Federal incentives to help.
Click to read the full answerWill I save energy, water and money if I install a hot water circulating pump?- Debra , Berlin, WI
Yes, these can help you save.
Click to read the full answerWould an electric on-demand water heater fit my needs under a Time of Use program?- Arlene , Bruce Crossing, MI
There might be a better solution.
Click to read the full answerHow much does it cost to run a fan 24 hours a day?- Danielle, Milwaukee, WI
Depends on the fan, cost of electricity and how it’s used.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for switching from electric to an LP tankless water heater?- James, Eagle River, WI
It depends. Read on to learn more.
Click to read the full answerIs there any energy savings for replacing two 40 gal. water heaters with one 75 gallon tank?- Mary Ann, Pewaukee, WI
Yes, this will save you money.
Click to read the full answerWhich heating system (forced air or a heat pump/radiator) would be the best to install?- Holly, Three Lakes, WI
Air sealing and insulation is the best place to begin for energy savings.
Click to read the full answerCan you tell me what I would save by going to a geothermal heat system?- Bob, Waukesha, WI
Savings can be significant. Read on for details.
Click to read the full answerHow do you determine the correct size of furnace for our home?- Mary Jo , Pound, WI
Sizing should be according to the home’s heat gain and loss.
Click to read the full answerAm I able to claim a new water softener & drinking water purifier on my 2009 Tax form?- Gerald, Elm Grove, WI
I can direct you to another Web site for details.
Click to read the full answerWe live in a manufactured home with electric heat. Can we get central air installed?- Cindy, Reedsburg, WI
I would recommend installing a heat pump instead.
Click to read the full answerShould I replace my water heater with a power-vent or direct-vent model?- Bret, Eau Claire, WI
Both power-vent and direct-vent are effective.
Click to read the full answerHow can my son heat and cool his two-room school house more efficiently?- Joanne , Mayville, WI
You may want to consider an energy evaluation.
Click to read the full answerCan I get a rebate or money back if I buy a geothermal furnace?- Kathy , Crystal Falls, MI
Visit the Tax Incentives Assistant Project Web site.
Click to read the full answerHow low should I set my programmable thermostat during the day?- Steven , Shawano, WI
Focus recommends 68° when home. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerI have several questions regarding radiant heat.- David , Egg Harbor, WI
I suggest contacting a few heating contractors in your area.
Click to read the full answerDo I have to replace copper LP tubing with black iron piping?- Craig , Wild Rose, WI
Contact the village clerk or a heating contractor in the area.
Click to read the full answerWhat rebates are available for geothermal heating system installations?- Mark , Poplar, WI
Visit the Tax Incentives Assistant Project Web site.
Click to read the full answerWhere can I get the best information and advice on replacing my HVAC units?- Gary , Colgate, WI
Focus on Energy has a number of resources. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerHow much does it cost to use geothermal vs. conventional H & C?- Lane , Hayward, WI
Geothermal systems are notably less expensive to operate.
Click to read the full answerWhat's the best way to heat our new sun room electrically?- Bob, Slinger, WI
The most effective way is by using a heat pump.
Click to read the full answerShould I replace my floor heat or install a boiler?- Laura , Elk Mound, WI
Focus recommends installing a high-efficiency boiler.
Click to read the full answerAre there any incentives for residential furnace tune-ups?- Dale, Sheboygan, WI
There are currently no financial incentives.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the impact of closing some heating vents in our home?- Dean, Mercer Island, WA
It can affect the performance and lifetime of the equipment.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for having my residential boiler tuned up?- Carl , Green Bay, WI
There are currently no financial incentives.
Click to read the full answerIs it better to have two furnaces or one furnace with "Zone" control?- Gary , Colgate, WI
Zoning can provide greater comfort and energy savings.
Click to read the full answerHow will an electric fireplace impact my electric bill?- Kathleen, Delafield, WI
There is a calculation you can use. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerWhat type of room heater do you recommend?- Roger , Van Dyne, WI
Not recommended, but all of them are about the same.
Click to read the full answerWhat is an ECM furnace blower motor?- FK, Livonia, MI
Electrically commutated motor, which uses less electricity.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the fuel cost difference between natural gas and LP gas?- Paul , Franksville, WI
Giving an answer is hard due to the flux of propane costs.
Click to read the full answerAre infrared heaters a good option?- Stephanie, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Space heaters are not a cost-effective of heating your home.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the most cost-efficient fuel to use with a heat pump system?- Mike, Creston, IA
The cost-effectiveness of the heat pump depends.
Click to read the full answerWill it cost a lot of money to run my gas fireplace along with the furnace?- Robert, Racine, Wi
The furnace is likely to be more efficient.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the best temperature to keep an empty house?- Jane , Janesville, WI
Hire a professional to winterize the home.
Click to read the full answerWhat is an IR heater? Are they energy efficient?- Katherine , Port Washington, WI
Space heaters aren’t a cost-effective way of heating.
Click to read the full answerCan you get more than one rebate for converting from electric water heater to gas?- Sue , Muskego, WI
Yes, but there are some factors. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerAre there any programs available to help purchase a new furnace?- Sue , Oconto Falls,WI
Cash-Back Rewards for furnaces are available.
Click to read the full answerIf I buy a new energy-efficient water heater now, how do I apply for a rebate?- Sharon, Omro, WI
Fill out the application on our Web site and mail it in with the invoice.
Click to read the full answerHow can I save money using my thermostat?- Lubov , Glendale, WI
A programmable thermostat could save you money.
Click to read the full answerWho can clean our furnace?- Dennis & Joey , Fond du Lac, WI
Schedule yearly maintenance with a qualified contractor.
Click to read the full answerHow much electricity might I save with a new furnace with a blower motor?- Dennis , Oconto, WI
The electric savings can be substantial.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the relative efficiencies of replacing oil, gas, and propane furnaces?- Bob, Dousman, WI
Natural gas may be the most cost-effective.
Click to read the full answerShould I turn my thermostat down when I'm not home?- Matt , Dodgeville, WI
Turning down the thermostat will save you money.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the current residential water heater incentives?- Mike, Wauwatosa, WI
Read on for full details.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the cost difference of heating with propane or electricity?- Jason , Markesan, WI
You can use this spreadsheet to compare heating fuel costs.
Click to read the full answerHow do I apply for a cash back reward for installing a new gas boiler?- Frank , Superior, WI
Find the Application on the Focus on Energy Web site.
Click to read the full answerIf I leave my home for extended periods, should I turn off my water heater?- Angie , Milwaukee, WI
If you’re gone for several days or a week it may make sense.
Click to read the full answerCan I get multiple Cash-Back Rewards for completing multiple projects?- Gerard , Milwaukee. Wisconsin
Rewards are available in 2010. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerIf I only use the zone heating in the basement will I save energy?- Lynn , Superior WI
Energy savings will depend on the type of equipment used.
Click to read the full answerHow do we choose a furnace? Are there financial incentives available?- Sue , New Berlin , WI
Yes and yes! Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerAre there any rebates or tax benefits for new water heaters?- Joe , Brown Deer, WI
Yes, provided they meet some requirements.
Click to read the full answerWill the rebates for tankless water heaters extend into 2010?- Chris , Waupun, WI
Yes, provided they meet some requirements.
Click to read the full answerCan I use an IR heater to maintain above-freezing temps in a cabin?- Mark , Mason, WI
An IR would likely be okay if it had a fan for convection.
Click to read the full answerWhat temperature should I leave my thermostat on when I leave for work?- E , Kenosha, WI
Focus recommends 68° when home. Read on for more.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the best programmable thermostat for a boiler and heat pump?- Laura , Fond du Lac, WI
Look for a thermostat with 7-day programmability.
Click to read the full answerMy heating contractor is not on the list. Will I still qualify for Cash-Back Rewards?- William , Hazelhurst, WI
In most cases the contractor can be added to the list.
Click to read the full answerIn my house, one room will be hot and another cold. What can I do?- Jim, Valdosta, GA
There are a number of solutions.
Click to read the full answerWith a hydronic boiler, what degree setback is efficient for a 7-8 hour period?- John , Milwaukee, WI
Reducing your thermostat setting by one degree.
Click to read the full answerIs there a rebate for servicing furnaces and boilers?- Matt's Electric, Ellsworth, WI
In some cases, yes .
Click to read the full answerWhich is more efficient, boiler or furnace?- Elizabeth, Milwaukee, WI
Neither. They both have benefits.
Click to read the full answerHow efficient is it to turn the heat down when we're not home?- Ken , Elk Mound, WI
A programmable thermostat could save you money.
Click to read the full answerIs oil-filled baseboard heat any more efficient than a gas furnace?- Nanci , Omro, WI
If the baseboard heat is electric, then it’s more costly.
Click to read the full answerIs it efficient to turn our hydronic radiant heat down?- Ray , Chippewa Falls, WI
Try using a programmable thermostat.
Click to read the full answerWhich is most cost effective for water heaters? Electric or LP gas?- William , Janesville, WI
Natural gas is the least expensive to operate.
Click to read the full answerDo you provide low-interest loans for heating and cooling equipment?- Todd , Burlington, WI
Yes, see Energy Finance Solutions (EFS).
Click to read the full answerWhat’s the difference between an old furnace vs. new high-efficiency furnace?- Abraham , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
They are about the same, 4,770 kWh per year. Read on.
Click to read the full answerWe replaced our water heater in May 2009. How do we apply for a rebate?- Maryann, Algoma,WI
You will need to send in certain information by 3/31.
Click to read the full answerIs there such a thing as "stale air" and is it harder to heat?- Lori, Appleton, WI
"Stale air" is no harder to heat than "fresh air”.
Click to read the full answerShould I install a heat-recovery unit on my dryer to help heat my home?- Leland , Boulder, CO
It may be more trouble than it's worth.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the efficiency of a split system with a heat pump?- Carol , Wisconsin Dells, WI
There is a considerable amount of saving opportunity here.
Click to read the full answerShould I install a gas insert in an existing wood-burning fireplace?- Dan, Malone, WI
It depends on how you are going to use the fireplace.
Click to read the full answerWhat water heater can I get that vents out the side of the house?- Bob, Tiffin, OH
A power-vent water heater can.
Click to read the full answerHow much money will I save with a 16 seer air conditioner?- Cathy , Madison, WI
The savings will be about $60 a year.
Click to read the full answerDoes Focus on Energy consider geothermal to be renewable?- Ron , Dodgeville, WI
The system doesn’t rely solely on renewable energy to work.
Click to read the full answerWhen will residential natural gas condensing water heaters be available?- Renee , Whitewater, WI
They’re available now, in both tank and tankless models.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for installing a tankless water heater?- Steve, Waupun, WI
Yes, please read on.
Click to read the full answerCan I get cash back rewards for both boilers in my owner-occupied duplex?- Tina , Milwaukee, WI
Yes, please read on.
Click to read the full answer