leap news

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...

Holiday Gifts for Energy-Efficiency Lovers

Holiday Gifts for Energy-Efficiency Lovers


We know: It’s easy to get behind on holiday gift shopping! Every year, the season of giving feels like it comes a little sooner than the last, and before you know it, you’re scrambling for the perfect last-minute gift idea. Whether your loved one is an efficiency fanatic, or if you’d just like to 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...

Are You Solar Ready?

Are You Solar Ready?


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 ready. read more...

LEAP’s Winter Survival Guide

LEAP’s Winter Survival Guide


Don’t let the winter weather (and forecast) get you down. The headlines are daunting. “Arctic invasion: Unusual cold sweeping the nation is here to stay.” “You’ll likely need that winter coat for a while, unless you’re in SoCal.” “Arctic surge brings winter chills.” And it’s only November! Sure, winter reared its frigid head early, read more...

The Heat is On…Can Your House Handle It?

The Heat is On…Can Your House Handle It?


Does it feel like just yesterday that we were buried in snow begging for summer heat? Wish granted. With a heat wave and plenty of humidity already under our belt, we’ve switched to cranking up the A/C (and hoping it doesn’t conk out), cursing that stuffy second floor, and trying whatever tricks we can read more...