tips

Avoid winter woes with a little preparation

Avoid winter woes with a little preparation


Crisp air and colorful leaves. Family holidays. Hot cocoa. Snow days. There are plenty of reasons to get excited about fall and winter, but the return of high heating bills doesn’t make that list. There are several things you can do to make your home cozier and more efficient that don’t require any specialized read more...

When the Power Goes Out

When the Power Goes Out


From the Desk of the Executive Director 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 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...

Air Purifiers Help Us Breathe Easy While We Stay at Home

Air Purifiers Help Us Breathe Easy While We Stay at Home


A June article from Scientific American highlighted a serious byproduct of coronavirus lockdowns: exposure to indoor air pollution. As outdoor air quality improves (for example, as much as 30 percent reduction  of air pollution in the northeastern U.S.), our added time indoors can increase the levels of volatile organic compounds we’re exposed to. There read more...

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Sustainable Summer

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Sustainable Summer


By: Keith Nordstrom, AJ Heating & Air, Wilson Ratliff and Erin Morgan, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) Energy-waste and HVAC-related damage to your home can put a damper on summer relaxation. With a little attention to your HVAC maintenance, you can keep your home comfortable and even save money on your utility bills while you read more...

Energy attorneys: Virginia solar legislation strengthens homeowner rights, limits ability of HOAs to block rooftop solar installations

Energy attorneys: Virginia solar legislation strengthens homeowner rights, limits ability of HOAs to block rooftop solar installations


***PRESS RELEASE*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2020 An updated educational report prepared by Richmond energy law firm ReisingerGooch PLC and Charlottesville-based nonprofit the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), explains how a new Virginia law has significantly expanded the rights of homeowners who are a part of Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) to install and use read more...

Time on Your Sanitized Hands? Use It to Spring Clean Your Home’s Energy Use.

Time on Your Sanitized Hands? Use It to Spring Clean Your Home’s Energy Use.


Despite how different things are in the world this time around, spring is here again. Though our day-to-day lives have changed in the past few months, stay-at-home order conditions make it even more important to get your home in tip-top shape in preparation for the changing, warmer months ahead. Some of our usual suggestions 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...

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...