Wisconsin: Focus on Energy
| Loan Features | Current Interest Rates |
| Eligible Measures | How to Apply |
To learn if you are eligible to participate in the Focus on Energy loan program, please visit the Focus on Energy Web site and use the Eligibility Tool.
Loan Features
Key features of an EFS loan:
What if your contractor is not approved?
- Residential owner-occupied single-family and duplex homes
- Unsecured loan (homeowner provides no collateral)
- Borrowers can finance $2,500 - $10,000
- Fixed rate loan terms available: 3, 5, 7 and 10 years
- No fees, points, or closing costs
- No prepayment penalty
- Can finance 100% of installation costs
- Quick approval process - usually 30 minutes or less
- Approved contractors only
Please advise your contractor to visit our Contractor Participation page to find information on how to become approved.
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Current Interest Rates
Credit Score Interest Rate Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 640+ 9.99% 9.99% Note: Rates subject to change weekly.
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Eligible Measures
The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®/Efficient Heating and Cooling loan program is designed to promote the installation of high efficiency measures, making your home more energy efficient. Therefore, all measures to be installed must meet minimum efficiency requirements to be eligible for financing.
This sheet provides you with the efficiency requirements of all eligible measures for financing. To expedite processing, please make sure your estimate and contract specify the efficiency level for each measure to be installed.
Please note that the minimum loan amount is $1,000. A minimum of two measures must be installed to qualify for financing. Measures from the following list can be financed as long as the amount does not exceed $10,000.
A) Heating, Cooling, and Water Heating Systems
Any costs associated with the installation of the below measures (such as duct work, grills, diffusers, air cleaners, furnace humidifiers, thermostats, and service contracts or warranties) may be financed at market rate. Other energy related improvements, such as wiring, roofing, asbestos abatement, etc.) may also be financed at market rate, when at least 50% of the financed improvements are eligible measures.Customers who finance equipment or measures through Energy Finance Solutions cannot receive Cash-Back Rewards for the same measures from Focus on Energy.
NOTE: All measures must be performed by a participating contractor.
Heating System Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements Gas Furnace 90% AFUE, 2 stages of heating and ECM Modulating Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler 90% AFUE, Modulating unit, less than 300 MBh, system must include outdoor air reset control Geothermal Heat Pump 15 EER; heating must meet COP of 3.3 for
closed loop, 3.6 for open loop. Must have two
stages of output, no electric backup heat,
including plenum heaters and electric baseboard.
Air handler must have ECM.
Cooling System Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements Central Air Conditioner and Air Source Heat Pump (<65 MBH) 15 SEER; SEER based on evaporator and
condenser coils and furnace fan. Must be installed
at same time as qualified furnace, and both the evaporator and condenser coils must be replaced. Proper refrigerant charge and airflow are required. System must include a TXV or EXV/EEV.Mini Split/Ductless System 15 SEER; System must include multiple indoor
units to allow zoning and a TXV or EXV/EEV. Both the condenser and evaporators must be replaced.
Water Heating System Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements Power- vented Natural Gas Water Heater .64 EF Natural Gas Condensing Unit 90% Thermal Efficiency Indirect Unit Water Heater Must use qualified Natural Gas Boiler or
Geothermal Heat Pump. See requirements above.Electric tank-type Water Heater .93 EF (additional restrictions apply)
B) Building Shell and Other Eligible Measures
The measures listed below are eligible for reduced interest rate financing. Any costs associated with the installation of eligible measures (ex. Roofing, asbestos abatement, etc.) are eligible for market-rate financing. When utilizing market rate financing, at least 50% of the amount financed must be for qualified measures.Customers who finance equipment or measures through Energy Finance Solutions cannot receive Cash-Back Rewards for the same measures from Focus on Energy.
Please note: All measures must be completed by a participating contrator.
A home assessment must be performed by a certified Home Performance Consultant or Rater before any of the below listed items may be financed. The cost of the Home Assessment may be included in the total amount that is financed.
Building Shell Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements Insulation (attic, wall, floor,
sill box, interior or exterior foundation)No minimum efficiency requirement Sidewall Insulation - 1/2" to 3/4" Continuous Foam 700 sq ft minimum Sidewall Insulation - 1" Continuous Foam 700 sq ft minimum Air Sealing/Infiltration Reductionm Conducted by partnering
Consultant or Qualified Contractor with blower door - Reduced by 400 CFM or 25% of pre-test
Other Minimum Efficiency Requirements Rating or Assessment Must be performed by partnering
Consultant or Qualified ContractorChimney Liner Poor drafting units only Spot Ventilation 1.5 sone or less Notes:
- Measures that are not performed by an approved contractor are ineligible for financing.
- Customers who finance equipment or measures through Energy Finance Solutions cannot receive Cash-Back Rewards for the same measures from Focus on Energy. Customers are, however, eligible to receive the Home Performance Comfort Bonus and Completion Reward when utilizing the financing.
- Measures must be installed in an owner-occupied one or two-unit dwelling.
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How to Apply
Before you select one of the four options below please download the document, " 6 Easy Steps". 6 Easy Steps is a simple step by step instruction guide designed to assist you through the loan process.
Below are four ways that you can apply for the Focus on Energy loan program.
At any time throughout the application process you may call 1.800.583.5869 for assistance.
A) Print the application
Click here to download the credit application. Please note the credit application is not a contract for a loan nor does it lock you into any commitment with a contractor. The credit application will allow us to proceed with your request for a loan to finance your improvement(s).B) Request an application packet by mail
You may request an application packet by mail by calling 1.800.583.5869.C) Apply online
If you have an accepted bid from an approved contractor and are ready to submit a full application or you have already been pre-approved and would like to complete the application - you can fill out the credit application online.If you apply online, a loan representative will contact you within a few hours to inform you of the loan decision. You will also be notified by mail.
D) Apply by phone
You may call 1.800.583.5869 to obtain a pre-approval by phone.In order to fully process your loan, you will need to mail or fax the following information in addition to the Credit Application:
- Copy of contractor's bid for the eligible home improvements. (The bid needs to be signed by the contractor and homeowner, list the eligible improvements, and indicate the total cost.)
- If your loan is over $4,000, you may need to provide proof of income. (Recent paystub showing year to date income, or if self-employed, provide a copy of the most recent federal tax returns)
Submit to:
Energy Finance Solutions
431 Charmany Drive
Madison, WI 53719
Fax: 608.249.5788
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