energy efficiency

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...

Every Valentine’s Rose Has It’s (Energy) Thorn

Every Valentine’s Rose Has It’s (Energy) Thorn


Since the early 1900s, Americans have indulged in Valentine’s Day, and used tokens of romance to express their affection. Roses are undeniably the most popular choice among modern romantics, with at least 250 million cut roses sold annually for the holiday. Before you go finding that perfect red bouquet for your beloved, however, consider read more...

Feast Your Eyes on These Energy Saving Tips for Your Holiday Cooking

Feast Your Eyes on These Energy Saving Tips for Your Holiday Cooking


As you prepare for a holiday season filled with food and family, don’t leave energy efficiency on the back burner! The kitchen is a hub of energy-hogging appliances. Whether you’re in the market for new kitchen appliances, or just need some best-practice tips for minimizing energy waste during the holidays, here are some tips read more...

Transitioning from Fuel Oil to Electric Heating – Ensuring Low-Income Households Aren’t Left in the Lurch

Transitioning from Fuel Oil to Electric Heating – Ensuring Low-Income Households Aren’t Left in the Lurch


by Chris Meyer, LEAP Executive Director The longer I spend in my role at LEAP, the more aware I become that the challenges of switching fuels for residents have become both more apparent and necessary to meet climate change goals. While visiting WA state for a family vacation this summer, I read about the read more...

The Intersection of Affordable Housing and Home Energy Efficiency

The Intersection of Affordable Housing and Home Energy Efficiency


by Chris Meyer, LEAP Executive Director I’m now a couple of weeks into my role as the Executive Director at LEAP – diving into the energy efficiency world with gusto. The more I’ve been learning about energy efficiency, the more I’ve seen how it is linked to solving two problems many cities in Virginia read more...

Solar? On your roof? It’s more possible than you think.

Solar? On your roof? It’s more possible than you think.


  Going solar is a big decision, one that has big potential to greatly reduce your utility costs and your greenhouse gas emissions. Maybe you’re just starting to explore a solar photovoltaic system for your home, or maybe you feel ready to take the plunge. Here are some factors to consider to get solar read more...

Treat Your Attic Right – Insulation and Air Sealing

Treat Your Attic Right – Insulation and Air Sealing


Many homeowners ignore their attic except for the quick trip to retrieve holiday decorations once a year, but ignoring your attic comes at a price through wasted energy and money. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 85% of the conditioned air lost in a house passes through the attic. read more...