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Let the Household Thermostat Battles Begin!

Let the Household Thermostat Battles Begin!


by Chris Meyer, LEAP Executive Director Twice a year, my lovely wife accuses me of either setting the thermostat too hot or too cold. My response to her is that the cool-looking, digital Nest thermostat has a mind of its own and sets the temperature… Yeah, that doesn’t get me very far, and I read more...

Moisture and Mildew and Mold, Oh My! How Moisture Management Can Combat Microbial Growth.

Moisture and Mildew and Mold, Oh My! How Moisture Management Can Combat Microbial Growth.


In addition to the discomfort it creates in your home, high indoor humidity can lead to harmful microbial growth. Microbial growth – often referred to as mildew or mold as a catch-all – is a family of fungi that can destroy parts of your home and cause health problems. In its early stages, it 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...

Are you (and your home) breathing right?

Are you (and your home) breathing right?


What to Know We spend 90% of our time indoors, which can be a scary prospect when you consider that the pollution inside your home is typically 2-5x worse than the air outdoors. This “indoor air quality” can cause or contribute to asthma, headaches, dry eyes, nose and throat issues, nasal congestion, nausea, and fatigue. read more...

3 Big Ways to Keep Cool and Save on Your Energy Bills this Summer

3 Big Ways to Keep Cool and Save on Your Energy Bills this Summer


  School’s out for a long, hot, humid summer. But as you crank up your AC to beat the heat, there are myriad ways you can make sure your cooling bills don’t rise with the mercury. Before beginning your energy efficiency improvements, make sure to take stock of your home’s energy use with DIY 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...

How Often Do I Really Need to Change My HVAC Filter?

How Often Do I Really Need to Change My HVAC Filter?


Replacing the filter in your air conditioning and/or heating system is one of the best and easiest things you can do to keep it working effectively and efficiently. The filter keeps particles (some visible and some not) from getting into the fan and motor. A dirty filter will reduce airflow which causes the system read more...

Managing Indoor Moisture and Humidity

Managing Indoor Moisture and Humidity


Virginia summers mean an inevitable rise in humidity. While this may appear to be a simple outdoor annoyance, the inside of your home can also be negatively affected. There are many vulnerable points in your house that may allow for the build up of moisture, humidity, and eventually mildew and mold. In addition to read more...

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation


Conserving our limited water supplies is always a good idea, but did you know there is also a direct connection between water and energy use? Delivering water and wastewater services is an energy-intensive effort, as the water is treated, pumped to our homes and businesses, then pumped to wastewater facilities to be treated again. read more...