residential

News: New Devices for Indoor Air Quality May Provide a Catalyst for Residential Efficiency

News: New Devices for Indoor Air Quality May Provide a Catalyst for Residential Efficiency


Until recently, homeowners had no way to measure their indoor air quality (IAQ) or understand the possible health effects from it. If they can’t identify and measure the problem, there’s no way to manage it. That is changing with the release of products like Awair, Birdi, Netatmo, CubeSensors, Withings’ Home and Alima that monitor air 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...

What Happens When the [Solar] Power Goes Out?

What Happens When the [Solar] Power Goes Out?


When you get some or all of your power from solar panels on your roof, what happens when a big storm rolls through and knocks out the power? When the power goes out, grid-tied PV systems shut off as well, but not because they can’t produce electricity. The systems are programed to turn off 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...

How to Make Your Washer/Dryer Work for You!

How to Make Your Washer/Dryer Work for You!


Washing and drying clothes is one of the biggest energy hogs for homes behind only hot water heaters and refrigerators. This could be especially true for a family of four or five that does multiple loads throughout each week. In the overall laundry cycle, the dryer accounts for close to 80% of energy consumed, read more...

What is a Smart Strip? And How Do I Get One?

What is a Smart Strip? And How Do I Get One?


Originally published Spring 2014 Since last fall we’ve provided Home Energy Check-Ups to more than 800 homeowners in central and northern Virginia. Not only have our Energy Coaches given these folks tailored advice on saving energy and money, they have installed (as part of the flat $20 fee) more than 6,000 CFL lightbulbs and read more...

Back to the Bulb

Back to the Bulb


LEAP has teamed up with Batteries + Bulbs in Charlottesville where you can get $8 main-in rebates on new LED light bulbs plus an additional 5% discount for LEAP clients. There has never been a better time to upgrade your home's lighting and energy efficiency. read more...

Q+A: How often should I change my air filters?

Q+A: How often should I change my air filters?


When we posted to Facebook a list of 20+ ways to save energy and money while staying cool during this hot summer, we got a question: “How often should I change my filters?” Here’s a response, courtesy of Guy Caroselli, LEAP’s Senior Technical Advisor and Trainer: The filter keeps particles (some visible and some not) read more...