Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program works with WHEAP to determine needs and set priorities click HERE or to go to our Get Payment Assistance tab for WHEAP information for your County.

10 Tips to Reduce Your Energy Usage

1. Set the temperature
   In summer months turn your thermostat up to recur how often your air conditioner is running. On average, you will save 3% on your energy bill for every degree you turn up your thermostat. Keep the temperature warmer when your family is away and lower the temperature when people are home. During winter months turn your thermostat down. Wear an extra layer of clothing to stay comfortable.
   
   Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi enabled devices that automatically adjust the temperature settings in your home for peak energy efficiency. Visit Focus on Energy to learn more!
2. Unplug when not in use
   Device chargers, toasters, coffee makers, televisions, game systems and any other items that are plugged in, use electricity even when they are not in use. Unplug and save! That old die-hard refrigerator or freezer that you keep for extra drinks & food for parties uses a lot of energy. Retire it - or only plug it in when you really need it.
3. Switch to LED lightbulbs
   Replacing the bulbs in your homes five most frequently use rooms could save you as much as $75 a year! As a Marshfield Utility customer you are eligible for an energy-saving pack from Focus on Energy every year. Visit Focus on Energy to order your FREE pack of ENERGY STAR® certified light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
4. Leave the oven off
   Summer months are a great opportunity to fire up the grill! Keep you oven off to reduce electricity usage and you won’t be adding extra heat in your home. Other great alternatives are using your microwave, crock-pot, or an air fryer.
5. Use a ceiling fan when you are in the room
   If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to set your thermostat setting about 4°F higher with no reduction in comfort. Remember to turn them off when you leave the house.
6. Maintain your air conditioner & furnace
   Have a service professional check your central air conditioner and furnace annually to ensure efficient performance. To ensure proper air flow inside, vacuum air vents regularly to remove dust build up and make sure furniture or other objects are not blocking vents. Outside, clear any debris and foliage from your air conditioner. Also, replace the filter for your air conditioner and furnace as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have fur shedding pets you may have to do this more often. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your A/C’s usage by up to 15%.
7. Manage the sunlight entering your home
   During summer months, keep out the greenhouse effect of the sun by closing the curtains and blinds on your southern- and western-facing walls. You can keep the blinds open on north-facing window to let in natural light without heating up your home. Take advantage of the greenhouse effect during winter months by living those blinds and curtains open during the day.
8. Wash efficiently
   Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120° Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of your total energy use. Further cut back on the energy used by washing machines and dishwashers by using cold water. Additionally, change your drying method. Skip the drying cycle on your dishwasher and hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer.
   
   Make some adjustments to your cleansing routine like taking a cold shower or reducing the length of time you are in the shower. When washing your face or shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather than running the tap continuously. This saves about 60% of the water normally used.
9. Seal your home
   You can save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs with simple caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows. Check your attic and basement for gaps in insulation, missing weather-stripping, and the joints on your ductwork are properly sealed. If the joints of your ductwork are not sealed you could be losing 20% - 40% of your airflow. To seal the joints us a UL-approved 181A aluminum foil-backed duct tape and magic duct sealing compound around each joint.
10. Close doors and vents in unused rooms
    If you have a storage room, guest bedroom or other rooms that you rarely enter, close the vents and doors. This will prevent you from paying to cool/heat uninhabited space.

Electric Space Heaters

What you should know

Programs and Incentives

• Water Sense Toilet Rebate Application
• Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Application
• Focus On Energy – Residential Programs
• Smart Thermostat Rewards Program
• See Focus on Energy link above for information on any available recycling programs