Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's rebate program
Focus on Energy offers rebates and services that support Wisconsin residents' energy-efficiency efforts. Rebates run through energy-efficiency specialists and participating trade allies.[1] The state Department of Health Services also points lower-income households to its income-qualified heating rebates and its residential efficiency rebates.[6]
Two tracks overlap, and that is where most of the confusion starts.
The standard program covers single pieces of equipment. The IRA Home Energy Rebates, which Focus on Energy also runs for Wisconsin, add Home Efficiency Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. Eligibility and amounts are tied to household income.[2]
Start with the Rebate Finder. Enter your ZIP code and it shows the residential rebates currently available to you.[5]
Furnace and heat pump rebates from Focus on Energy
Equipment pricing changes over time, so confirm current figures with the provider before you decide.
For natural-gas furnaces, Focus on Energy's 2024 overview sheet listed standard rebates of $50 at 95% AFUE, $100 at 96% AFUE and $150 at 97% or higher. Income-qualified amounts were $350, $450 and $550 at the same tiers.[3]
| Furnace efficiency | Standard rebate | Income-qualified rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 95% AFUE | $50 | $350 |
| 96% AFUE | $100 | $450 |
| 97% AFUE or higher | $150 | $550 |
That same sheet listed a $1,000 standard air-source heat pump rebate, subject to efficiency requirements spelled out on the sheet.[3] For the current furnace and heat pump amounts, check the current rebate page or the Rebate Finder before you price a job.[5]
Qualification depends on the specific model, not the word "furnace" or "heat pump."
Confirm the model number and efficiency rating before installation. For what the equipment itself costs, see the furnace replacement cost guide.
Heat pump and furnace rebates do not combine at installation
Not at installation. The application states that heat pump rebates cannot be combined with furnace or boiler rebates.[4]
Whether a standard rebate can stack with an IRA rebate is a separate question. Ask the program before you commit to a plan.
Insulation and other upgrades beyond equipment
Insulation and air sealing are listed as home-efficiency improvements.[1] They also qualify under the IRA Home Efficiency Rebates, alongside heat pumps.[2] A dollar amount for either is not confirmed on the pages above, so check the current rebate page for what applies to your attic or walls.
IRA projects begin with an energy assessment.
Side by side
Standard track versus IRA track
Standard equipment rebate
- Covers a single furnace or heat pump
- Income-qualified amounts if you qualify
- Managed through participating trade allies
IRA Home Efficiency
- Starts with an energy assessment
- Covers whole-home work like insulation and air sealing
- Uses an IRA Registered Contractor or qualifying retailer
After that you work with an IRA Registered Contractor or a qualifying retailer.[2] Ask the program what the assessment costs and whether your project needs one.
Matching your home to a program track
Sort it by income and project size. Whether you qualify for income-based amounts depends on your household income.[2]
- A single furnace or heat pump usually points to the standard equipment rebate, with income-qualified amounts if you qualify.[3]
- A whole-home project with insulation, air sealing and heat pumps points to the IRA Home Efficiency track.[2]
- Federal tax credits are a separate matter. Ask a tax professional, since this page does not confirm their terms.
Steps to claim a rebate
For the standard equipment rebates, the order is simple. Get a quote, install qualifying equipment, then file. Keep every document along the way.
- Look up your ZIP code in the Rebate Finder and confirm the rebate for your equipment.[5]
- Get an itemized quote that shows the equipment, labor, the expected rebate and who submits the claim.
- Confirm the model number and efficiency rating qualify before the install.
- Complete and sign the rebate form, and attach your invoice or sales receipt.[4]
- Submit within 60 days of installation.[3][4]
Do not assume the rebate will show up automatically.
Get it written into the quote, and keep your receipts and model numbers.
Step by step
Claiming a standard rebate
Check the Rebate Finder
Enter your ZIP code and confirm the rebate for your equipment.
Get an itemized quote
It should show equipment, labor, the expected rebate and who submits the claim.
Confirm the model
Check the model number and efficiency rating qualify before the install.
Complete the form
Sign the rebate form and attach your invoice or sales receipt.
Submit within 60 days
File within 60 days of installation.
The program's own materials note that rebates are limited and can change. Call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 to confirm where your application stands.
IRA-funded projects follow a different path, starting with the assessment and a registered contractor.[2]
Contractor participation depends on the track
It depends on the track.
Standard rebates are managed through participating trade allies, and the Rebate Finder lets you search for qualified Trade Allies by project.[1][5] Whether a non-participating contractor's work still qualifies for a standard rebate is not confirmed on the pages above. Ask the program.
For IRA rebates, the program says projects go through an IRA Registered Contractor or a qualifying retailer.[2] If you want the federal money, check that status before work starts.
Pro tip
Confirm a contractor's program status in writing before work starts, so the rebate is not at risk after the install.
Ask each contractor three things:
- Do you participate in the program, or are you a Registered Contractor?
- Will you handle the paperwork, or do I?
- Is this exact model on the qualifying list?
To confirm a contractor's state credentials, see how to look up a Wisconsin contractor license. For the wider picture on furnaces, licensing and rebates, see the HVAC in Wisconsin guide.
Quick answers
Can I combine a heat pump rebate with a furnace rebate?
Not at installation. The application states that heat pump rebates cannot be combined with furnace or boiler rebates.
How long do I have to submit a standard rebate?
Submit within 60 days of installation.
Where do I find the rebates available to me?
Enter your ZIP code in the Rebate Finder to see current residential rebates.
How do IRA rebate projects start?
They begin with an energy assessment, then you work with an IRA Registered Contractor or a qualifying retailer.
Sources
- Focus on Energy. "Residential." https://focusonenergy.com/residential. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Focus on Energy. "IRA Home Energy Rebates." https://focusonenergy.com/home-energy-rebates. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Focus on Energy. "2024 Heating and Cooling." https://assets.focusonenergy.com/production/inline-files/2024/RES-HVAC-Rebates-OV.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Focus on Energy. "Residential HVAC Rebate Application." https://assets.focusonenergy.com/production/inline-files/2024/RES-HVAC-Fillable-APP.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Focus on Energy. "Residential Rebate Finder." https://focusonenergy.com/residential/get-started. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services. "Climate and Health: Winter Weather and Extreme Cold." https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winter-weather.htm. Accessed October 17, 2026.