News - Local Energy Alliance Program

New Program Provides Free Solar for Age and Income Qualifying Homes

New Program Provides Free Solar for Age and Income Qualifying Homes


For years, LEAP’s free energy assessments and weatherization services for seniors and low-income households have been a core element of our work. Now, thanks to a new initiative from Dominion Energy, we’re taking our mission to the next level by offering free residential solar installations to age and income qualifying households. The program, which read more...

Avoid winter woes with a little preparation

Avoid winter woes with a little preparation


Crisp air and colorful leaves. Family holidays. Hot cocoa. Snow days. There are plenty of reasons to get excited about fall and winter, but the return of high heating bills doesn’t make that list. There are several things you can do to make your home cozier and more efficient that don’t require any specialized read more...

When the Power Goes Out

When the Power Goes Out


Losing power, especially when your home’s life-preserving systems are reliant on it, such as heating and cooling, is stressful. Many Virginians lost power during the early January storms – not just for 24 hours, but for multiple days, with near-freezing temperatures adding to the challenge. All of this brings up questions around resiliency and read more...

Keep Cool Like a Wonk

Keep Cool Like a Wonk


From the Desk of the Executive Director I recently came back from a short trip to the UK (to attend my sister-in-law’s wedding), where the temperatures were much milder. Hot, humid, and uncomfortable late into the day seems to be most days in VA currently and is definitely what hit me as I stepped read more...

Insulation – the unsung hero of energy efficiency. Yes, you probably need more of it!

Insulation – the unsung hero of energy efficiency. Yes, you probably need more of it!


From the Desk of the Executive Director I spent part of my Memorial Day weekend installing insulation under a mobile home trailer. Even though 90% of LEAP’s work is implementing energy-efficiency measures like installing insulation, and I think about it a lot, I don’t usually spend my free time installing it. Have you ever read more...

Solar, Solar, Solar, but Reduce First!

Solar, Solar, Solar, but Reduce First!


From the Desk of the Executive Director It is starting to get warmer out, and my rooftop solar production is high! If the warm weather has got you thinking about solar energy too, our Solarize campaign is live in Northern Virginia and around the corner in the Piedmont region. But, this year we are read more...

Level-up your cooking game with an energy-efficient stovetop

Level-up your cooking game with an energy-efficient stovetop


When it comes to cooking methods, home chefs of all sorts might have preferences for gas or electric stovetops. But both of those traditional options fall short of the energy efficiency that induction offers. Induction stovetops have already been popularized in Europe, but the efficient, affordable, and elegant method is just starting to gain read more...

Air Purifiers Help Us Breathe Easy While We Stay at Home

Air Purifiers Help Us Breathe Easy While We Stay at Home


A June article from Scientific American highlighted a serious byproduct of coronavirus lockdowns: exposure to indoor air pollution. As outdoor air quality improves (for example, as much as 30 percent reduction  of air pollution in the northeastern U.S.), our added time indoors can increase the levels of volatile organic compounds we’re exposed to. There read more...

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Sustainable Summer

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Sustainable Summer


By: Keith Nordstrom, AJ Heating & Air, Wilson Ratliff and Erin Morgan, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) Energy-waste and HVAC-related damage to your home can put a damper on summer relaxation. With a little attention to your HVAC maintenance, you can keep your home comfortable and even save money on your utility bills while you read more...

Cold Feet? Here’s How to Use Electric Floor Heating Wisely.

Cold Feet? Here’s How to Use Electric Floor Heating Wisely.


Many people love the idea of having warm toes for their first morning bathroom visit. Electric radiant floor heat has become less expensive and easier to install in the last few years, and the popularity has increased for new construction and remodels. People who have radiant floor heat love the luxurious comfort, but learn read more...