FAQs

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Here is a list of questions we hear most often:

Q: Can ECM furnaces count in the SEER of the air conditioner?
A: Single stage air conditioners - No. Energy savings that the program claims for ECM furnaces include the increased efficiency of the air conditioner. Therefore, allowing the ECM to increase the air conditioner's efficiency would mean double counting those energy savings. SEER for single stage air conditioners is determined by combination of the evaporator and condenser coils alone.

Two stage air conditioners - Yes. Because there are additional energy saving benefits to two stage air conditioners that cannot be easily quantified (such as correcting sizing errors), we allow the ECM to raise the SEER of a two stage air conditioner.

For additional information on verifying air conditioner SEERs, visit the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Web site.

Q: Are air handlers eligible for a reward?
A: No. However, air handlers that are not part of a furnace can be included in the SEER of an air conditioner. For example, if you install an air conditioner whose evaporator and condenser coils reach 13 SEER and the added air handler raises the system to 14 SEER, the air conditioner will be eligible for the $100, 14 SEER reward.

Q: What are the "Natural Gas" and "Electric" Reward labels?
A: Focus on Energy is funded by utility rate payers of participating electric and natural gas utilities. To ensure that the rewards are being distributed back to the people who fund the program, we label rewards as either "Natural Gas" or "Electric" and require that reward applicants purchase natural gas or electricity from a participating utility to qualify for the corresponding reward.

Q: Why is LP (propane) equipment not eligible for Natural Gas Rewards (i.e. the high efficiency boiler)?
A: LP (propane) customers are not eligible for natural gas rewards because they do not pay into the funding for Natural Gas equipment. (see Question #3)

Q: Why are gas furnaces considered an Electric Reward?
A: The Electric/Natural Gas Reward label is based on the energy savings that are obtained from installed equipment. Because 90% of the furnaces purchased in Wisconsin are high efficiency furnaces, the Efficient Heating & Cooling program requires the ECM for additional energy savings. The bulk of energy savings from a new furnace are electric savings from the ECM; therefore, the furnace is considered an Electric Reward.

Q: What kind of reward can I receive for a Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump?
A: Customers who purchase electricity from a participating electric utility may qualify for the following Cash-Back Rewards if the installed geothermal system meets the indicated criteria.

$150 Gas Furnace

COP 3.3 for a closed loop system.
COP 3.6 for an open loop system.
Air handler must have an ECM.
Heat pump must have at least 2 stages of heat output; the second stage cannot be electric resistance.

$100-$200 Split System A/C

14 and 15 EER systems must have a TXV
Equipment eligibility will be based on the system's EER instead of the SEER. Example: a 15.8 EER system will qualify for the $150, 15 SEER A/C reward.

$150 System Bonus (March 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008)

If the system qualifies for both the Gas Furnace and Split System A/C rewards and is installed between March 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008, you qualify for an additional $150 bonus.