Application Deadlines for the Wisconsin Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Focus On Energy has released an update for Wisconsin’s State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). As we mentioned in last weeks energy post, funds are expected to run out by the end of this month. The cash-back rebates are available only while funds last and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Focus on Energy, the end dates for the SEEARP Rewards are:
Clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers
- Appliances must be purchased by April 30, 2010
- Applications must be received by May 31, 2010
Solar Hot-Water Heaters
- Application forms must be received by April 30, 2010 for pre-approval.
Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
- Installation must be completed by May 15, 2010
- Application forms must be received by June 15, 2010
On Wednesdays we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
Wisconsin Appliance Rebate Program Update
Thomas Content from JSOnline recently reported that the Wisconsin State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program has used about half of the allocated funds in the first three months of the program. Focus on Energy expects that the funds will be exhausted by the end of April. If you were planning to purchase a qualifying appliance or redeem a rebate, you had better do it soon!
Focus on Energy maintains a calculator on their website to help you monitor the rebate funds remaining. For more information on the rebate program, see our previous post.
On Wednesdays we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
How to Get a $50 Credit on Your WE Energies Bill
For the second time this year, WE Energies customers will see another rate hike. According to an article from Thomas Content of JS Online, The Public Service Commission approved a $48.1 million rate hike which has gone into effect. Content reports that the rate hike was due to increased fuel costs and the rate hike is subject to refund if WE Energies collects too much money to cover their increased fuel costs. Rates are scheduled to rise again in 2011.
If you’re looking for a way to help offset the increased costs this summer, WE Energies Energy Partners Program offers a $50 credit each summer if you allow them to control your central air conditioner during periods of high demand for energy.
If you sign up for the program, WE Energies will install a small radio device near your central air conditioner. This device allows WE Energies to cycle the air conditioner between noon and 11pm from May 15th through September 15th of each year. According to WE Energies, cycling air conditioners usually takes place on weekdays between noon and 8pm.
Three options are available:
- $50 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 6 continuous hours in one day
- $40 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 4 continuous hours in one day
- $12 credit – your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 45 minutes, run 15 minutes, and continue this cycle up to 8 hours in one day
Here’s a look at when WE Energies has actually cycled air conditioners off:
- 2009 – None
- 2008 – None
- 2007 – Cycled once for 30 minutes
- 2006 – None
- 2005 – Cycled 4 days for a total of 2.5 hours
- 1999 to 2004 – None
To learn more or to enroll, visit the WE Energies Energy Partners program webpage.
So do you think this is a good deal? Leave a comment and let us know.
We regularly feature energy savings tips to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
How to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home
The Energy Star website has a thorough 13-page do-it-yourself brochure available with detailed guidance on how to seal up air leaks in the attic and basement. This makes for a nice project to tackle at this time of year since you can work inside your home, help make your home more comfortable during the winter, and attempt to reduce your utility bills.
The guide covers topics which include using foam and caulk for small gaps in the attic, sealing the attic hatch or door, sealing heating and cooling ducts, insulating recessed “can” lights, and adding attic insulation.
Keep in mind that your expenses on insulation and products that seal air such as weather stripping, spray foam in a can, and caulk designed to seal air may be eligible for a federal tax credit that expires on December 31, 2010. See the Energy Star webpage for tax credits for more information.
Each Wednesday we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers try to reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
Milwaukee Furnace Tune-Up Coupons
Have you changed your furnace for your air filter lately? Energy Star recommends checking the filter every month. If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it, and at a minimum, be sure to change the filter every 3 months.
If you don’t change your air filter on a regular basis, the air flow will slow down and your HVAC system will need to run harder, leading to wasted energy. In addition, a dirty filter may lead to dust and dirt accumulating in the HVAC system which could lead to expensive repairs.
If you are in need of repairs or an annual tune-up, we found several furnace tune-up coupons from Milwaukee area furnace experts that might be useful to you. If you are aware of any other quality HVAC contractors in the Milwaukee area offering a deal, please contact us and we’ll add the information to our post.
NOW Heating and Cooling has a coupon on their website for $59 Winter furnace maintenance check-up. The coupon shows an expiration of 1/31/10 but we confirmed with them that the coupon’s expiration has been extended to 3/31/10.
1st Choice Heating and Cooling has a coupon on their website for a $69.95 heating or cooling clean and check (regularly priced at $99.95 less the $30 coupon.) The coupon shows an expiration date of 12/31/09 but we confirmed with 1st Choice Heating and Cooling that they will honor the coupon and their website will soon be updated with the same coupon valid through 12/31/10.
Burant Heating and Air Conditioning LLC has a coupon on their website for $10 off a regularly priced $85 performance tune-up.
You can also use a free service called Service Magic to search for contractors. After filling out a little information on the Service Magic website, they will match you up with up to four contractors. Contractors can compete for your business and you have the opportunity to review comments from past customers in order to help you find the best match for your needs.
Each Wednesday we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers try to reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
