"Your home is your castle." "There's no place like home." "Home is where the heart is." "Make a house into a home." We have all heard these and countless other adages about the bond between an individual and their dwelling. It doesn't matter if we are describing a mobile home or a mansion, a quaint cottage or sprawling estate. For most people, their home is among their largest investments. Even in a tough economy with rampant foreclosures, a house is also one of the best ways to build wealth over time. Equity comes from paying down debt, as well as increasing the value of the property. And just as a high tide raises all boats (that are in the water), an improving market elevates the vast majority of housing values. Of course, a poorly maintained, leaking boat will struggle to stay above the tides and the same can be said of a poorly maintained house.

This blog will delve into some off the many systems that comprise a house (roofing, ventilation, HVAC, insulation, windows, entry systems, flooring, kitchen and bath). We will discuss what it takes to keep these systems functioning properly, how to maintain them, and what to look for when replacing or upgrading them.

Home improvement is a scary business. Cutting corners to save a few bucks may end up costing you dearly in aggravation, legal entanglements, premature system failure and subsequent replacement. Unpaid subcontractors can place a lien on your home, even if you paid the entire amount of the contract. Does the contractor carry insurance? The Yellow Pages ad may say so, but those claims are never verified. A worker getting injured on the job potentially places the home-owner at risk of liability. "Lifetime" warranties are only as strong as the company that backs them up. With nearly 70% of contractors going under within 7 years, who do you go after if/when something goes wrong? Buried deep in the fine print, it is all-too common to find clauses nullifying warranty protection if installation is not in accordance with manufacturer specifications. How does an unsuspecting homeowner know if the installation is done properly and in accordance with those specifications?

This blog will help to expose the issues that can turn a home improvement project into a nightmare. Knowing how to protect yourself should provide some much needed peace of mind.






Monday, October 15, 2012

Natural gas furnace and boiler rebate program

If your natural gas furnace or boiler is more than 10 years old, consider having an HVAC professional look at it. The time may be right for a more energy-efficient model. A new furnace or boiler can reduce your energy bill and keep you and your family more comfortable during winter months. You also can get cash back for your purchase.
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, offers cash-back rewards for qualified replacement natural gas furnaces and boilers. In addition, We Energies is partnering with Focus on Energy to provide an additional $100 rebate for certain cash-back rewards programs.

How to get started

Choose the equipment you are looking to replace in the table below. You’ll find information about qualifying for Focus on Energy cash-back rewards through the program links below.

How to apply

Complete the Focus on Energy application available by clicking the program links below. Your Focus on Energy application automatically qualifies you for the We Energies rebate. You do not need to complete a separate form for the rebate.

Notes:
  • You must be a We Energies natural gas customer in Wisconsin to be eligible.
  • You will receive separate checks from Focus on Energy and We Energies.

Residential Rewards program – single family, duplexes and triplexes

Eligible equipment/efficiency rating Focus on Energy reward We Energies rebate Total
Natural gas furnace
95%+ AFUE with ECM		 $275 $100 $375
Boiler 95% AFUE (<300 MBh) $400 $100 $500

Home Heating Assistance program for income-eligible residential customers –
single family, duplexes and triplexes

Eligible equipment/efficiency rating Focus on Energy reward We Energies rebate Total
Natural gas furnace
90%+ AFUE with ECM		 $850 $100 $950
Natural gas furnace
90%+ AFUE		 $475 $100 $575
Boiler
90%+ AFUE (<300 MBh)		 $750 $100 $850

Multifamily Energy Savings program for owners or managers of apartments or condos
with four or more units

Eligible equipment/efficiency rating Focus on Energy reward We Energies rebate Total
Natural gas furnace
95%+ AFUE with ECM		 $275 $100 $375
Natural gas furnace
90%+ AFUE with ECM		 $125 $100 $225
Natural gas condensing boiler
90%+ AFUE (<300 MBh)		 $500 $100 $600

Business Incentive program for Fg1 or Fg2 customers

Eligible equipment/efficiency rating Focus on Energy reward We Energies rebate Total
Natural gas furnace
95%+ AFUE with ECM		 $275 $100 $375
Natural gas furnace
90%+ AFUE with ECM		 $125 $100 $225
Boiler
90%+ AFUE (<175 MBh input)		 $200 $100 $300
Boiler
90% +AFUE (175 to <300 MBh		 $250 $100 $350
Boiler
90% AFUE (<=1000 MBh)		 $2/MBh boiler input $100 Depends on boiler size

How to find your rate

Check your energy bill. Bill Example

Questions?

Focus on Energy programs
focusinfo@focusonenergy.com
800-762-7077

We Energies natural gas and boiler rebate programs
Email
800-242-9137 (residential)
800-714-7777 (business)
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Saturday, October 6, 2012

What's the FTC up to? Shedding light on false window claims
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Getting contractors to finish the job - TODAY'S TMJ4

TodaysTMJ4 News ran this "Call 4 Action" segment on the news this morning, presented by Karen Stiles.  It has some good advice for homeowners in dealing with contractors.

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