Focus on Energy – Efficiency Upgrade Incentives

We are often asked by our customers, “are there any rebates or incentives available?”… well you’re just in luck because Focus on Energy offers incentives for energy improvements for your whole home.

Focus on Energy is partnered with Wisconsin utilities to provide incentives towards energy efficiency improvements, such as upgrading heating and cooling equipment, air sealing and adding insulation, or installing renewable energy systems.  These incentives are a great way to enjoy year-around savings and comfort with a new high efficiency furnace or air conditioner, along with many other products.

There are too many incentives to list in this newsletter, but here are a few of the most common Home Performance Program incentives that could benefit you:

Natural gas furnace = $125

•   95%+ AFUE rating
•   Multi-stage heating
•   ECM motor

Natural gas furnace & air conditioner = $250

• Same requirements as “Natural gas furnace” listed above
• Air conditioning system to have 16+ SEER rating

Natural gas boiler = $400

•  95%+ AFUE rating
•  Modulating heating
• Outdoor reset control

For more information on these incentives and many more, please visit focusonenergy.com/myhome or call 800.762.7077.  Also, feel free to contact us at Pharo Heating & Cooling to learn more about efficiency upgrades to your heating and cooling systems.

We’re Hiring!

Pharo Heating & Cooling has added some new team members to help fill open positions in our service and installation departments over the summer, as well as in the office recently.  With that being said, we are still looking to add a couple more qualified HVAC installers to the team.  So if you or someone you know is looking for a career in the trades, then stop by or email Clint at clint@pharoheating.com for more information.  You can also go onto our website, at www.PharoHeating.com, and click on the “Employment” link at the top of our website to get a printable application.  We look forward to talking to you.

Gas Safety – Flexible Connectors

Many homes use flexible gas connectors to attach gas appliances, such as a range or clothes dryer, to the homes main gas supply pipes. Older, uncoated flexible brass connectors can corrode over time which could lead to gas leaks, fire or even an explosion.

If you have any of these old bare brass appliance connectors, they should be replaced immediately with new stainless steel or plastic-coated flexible connectors; certified by the American Gas Association. If the flexible connector is attached to a fixed appliance, such as a gas furnace or water heater, then you may want to look at having it connected with hard pipe (aka black pipe).  Most appliances need to be moveable for repair/replacement, so these require the use of a flexible gas connector.

Also, if you know an appliance that uses a flexible gas connector and is more than 20 years old, it is a good idea to have the connector replaced. Or better yet, replace the unit with a more efficient one and make sure the gas connector gets replaced at the same time.

Nancy’s Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:                                             Streusel Ingredients:

(2)     cups all-purpose flour                                     (¾)    cup all-purpose flour

(½)    cup packed brown sugar                               (¾)    cup packed brown sugar

(¾)   cup cold butter, cubed                                    (½)   cup quick-cooking oats

(2)     pkg. (8oz ea.) cream cheese, softened        (1/3)    cup cold butter, cubed

(1)     tsp. vanilla extract                                            (1/3)    cup hot caramel ice cream

(2)     large eggs, lightly                                                       topping

(½)    cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided

(3)     medium tart apples, peeled & chopped

(¼)    tsp. ground nutmeg

(½)    tsp. ground cinnamon

 Preheat oven to 350⁰. In small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a well-greased 13”x 9” baking pan. Bake 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.

• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Spread over crust
• In a small bowl, toss apples with cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining sugar; spoon over cream cheese layer. In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and oats; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple layer.
• Bake 25-30 minutes or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping; cool in pan on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Cut into bars, serve and enjoy!