Answers matching: Heating and Cooling
Scroll UpIs 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 answerHow can I save money using my thermostat?- Lubov , Glendale, WI
A programmable thermostat could save you money.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 answerWho can clean our furnace?- Dennis & Joey , Fond du Lac, WI
Schedule yearly maintenance with a qualified contractor.
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 answerWhich is more efficient, boiler or furnace?- Elizabeth, Milwaukee, WI
Neither. They both have benefits.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 answerI have 2 Gas furnaces. House is 2700 Sq. Ft. Furnaces are 31years old. I intend to replace them. One contractor says to keep2 furnaces. Another one says to replace with one furnace with "Zone" control- Gary , Colgate, WI
Zoning can provide greater comfort and energy savings.
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 answerIs there a rebate for servicing furnaces and boilers?- Matt's Electric, Ellsworth, WI
In some cases, yes .
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 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 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 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 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 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 an ECM furnace blower motor?- FK, Livonia, MI
Electrically commutated motor, which uses less electricity.
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 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 answerAre there any incentives for residential furnace tune-ups?- Dale, Sheboygan, WI
There are currently no financial incentives.
Click to read the full answerWhat 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 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 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 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 answerCan a programmable thermostat really save energy?- Robin, Delafield, WI
Yes!
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 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 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 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 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 is an ECM motor?- Pam, Wausau, WI
An ECM is a fan motor typically found in high efficiency furnaces.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 answerIs it worth putting in a "Air to Air heat pump"?- Steve , Franklin, WI
Heat pumps save money
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 answerMy house does not hold heat. Do you have any suggestions?- Dave , Milwaukee, WI
Have a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR evaluation.
Click to read the full answerIs reflective roofing designed primarily for buildings in sunnier locations than WI?- Barbara, La Crosse, WI
All locations can benefit from reduced solar gain.
Click to read the full answerI am building a new home. Can we make it energy efficient without breaking the bank?- Lynn , Menomonee Falls, WI
There are many things you can do and Focus can help.
Click to read the full answerWe own a building (zoned commercial) & live on the 2nd story. Can we get boiler incentives?- Glenn , Manitowoc, WI
Focus incentives depend on how your building is defined on your utility bill.
Click to read the full answerWhat incentives are there for appliances, furnace/air-conditioning, lighting, or windows?- Tom , Racine, WI
Depending on the product purchased, incentives may be available.
Click to read the full answerIs there a savings in the cost to cool a day care with the air conditioner & ceiling fans?- Barb , Green Bay, WI
Use ceiling fans to cool people, not rooms.
Click to read the full answerShould I buy a house which has the forced-air gas-furnace in the attic?- Metje , Madison, WI
You may want to check with a reputable heating contractor.
Click to read the full answerIs replacing your dark roof with a light one a good idea in WI?- Thelma , Columbus, WI
There can be benefits in all climates.
Click to read the full answerI read that according to the US DOE, cleaning inside ducts is seldom necessary. Is this true or false? and why?- Wendy, Cedarburg, WI
This is dependent on many factors.
Click to read the full answerI want to build a home that is green, what are the first steps I should take?- Fred, Milwaukee, WI
Tell your builder you want a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home!
Click to read the full answerI'm having a new home built. What should my builder do to make it more efficient?- John, Madison, WI
Tell your builder you want a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home!
Click to read the full answerWhat is an energy evaluation?- Diane, Racine, WI
It's like a check up for your home.
Click to read the full answerShould I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace in the summer?- Kevin, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
It depends--read on for more info!
Click to read the full answerI am insulating a new home with closed cell polyurethane. Is a geothermal heating system cost effective?- Jim , Racine, WI
In this case, geothermal may not be a cost-effective solution.
Click to read the full answerWhat's the average cost of a geothermal installation for a building with average insulation?- Matt , San Gabriel, CA
The cost can vary, read on to learn more!
Click to read the full answerHow can I reduce the energy use in my home?- Lisa, Green Bay, WI
There are a variety of things you can do to reduce the energy use in your home.
Click to read the full answerMy business is searching for users of dry wood as a source of heat.- John , Milwaukee, WI
Visit the Focus Web site to view resources tto help your business.
Click to read the full answerWill UV blocking film on Western facing windows help keep the room cooler (and help with cooling costs)?- J, Madison, WI
UV blocking window film will help keep the room cooler.
Click to read the full answerI rent a two bedroom apartment. How can I determine what is causing high heating costs?- Edward , Racine, WI
We have some suggestions, read on!
Click to read the full answerAre there any energy rebates available for a water heater, softener, and washer and dryer?- Mary, Waukesha, WI
Yes, depending on the type of appliance.
Click to read the full answerDo you have any no-cost tips to save energy?- Jeremy, Grafton, WI
We have a ton of no cost, energy saving tips!
Click to read the full answerMy home does not hold its temperature before the furnace runs again.- Dave , Milwaukee, WI
It can be influenced by the size/shape/height of your home.
Click to read the full answerAre there rebates available for purchasing energy efficient appliances?- Mike , Altoona, WI
Yes, depending on the type of appliance.
Click to read the full answerDo I out fit the cabin with gas, or gas & electric, or just electric?- Terry , Downers Grove, IL
Generally speaking, natural gas is the least expensive fuel.
Click to read the full answerWill I save money on my energy bills by building a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Home?- Joey, Mequon, WI
Yes, they are more energy efficient.
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 solar attic fans an option in WI or are they better suited for warmer climates?- Darren, Madison, WI
It is best to air seal the floor to attic area.
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 answerCan you explain air flow in a house which has a basement, a first floor and a second floor?- Nancy , Wauwatosa, WI
Typically, air flows out of the top of a home.
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 can we heat an enclosed breezeway with solar energy?- Amy , Menomonie, WI
A simple air collector system might work for this application.
Click to read the full answerHow do we assess our property for geothermal and PV?- Myron , Randolph, WI
Yes! Read on for more information.
Click to read the full answerDo you offer Cash-Back rewards on appliances?- Abby , Edgerton, WI
Yes, depending on the type of appliance.
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 answer