residential

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...

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...

Checking Your Gas Appliances

Checking Your Gas Appliances


The Energy Information Administration reports that natural gas fuels 50% of Virginia’s net electricity generation, making safe and efficient use of natural gas appliances a concern for many residents. If you have a gas stove, water heater or furnace there are basic safety tips that every homeowner needs to be aware of. First, natural read more...

Easy New Year’s Energy Resolutions

Easy New Year’s Energy Resolutions


About 40% of U.S. adults make New Year’s resolutions and a popular one is to spend less and save more. These simple energy resolutions can help make a dent in your energy bill and best of all these actions are largely one time actions. With about half of New Year’s resolutions abandoned by June, 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...