tips

Improving Efficiency of Your Wood Burning Fireplace

Improving Efficiency of Your Wood Burning Fireplace


As cozy as they are, fireplaces typically remove more heat from a house than they contribute, sending up to eight percent of heat pump or furnace-warmed air up and out the chimney. But you don’t have to abandon your wood-burning ambiance–try these solutions that can improve the efficiency of your fireplace. Check Damper First, read more...

Weatherizing Your Old Single Pane Windows

Weatherizing Your Old Single Pane Windows


Many homeowners in older homes experience energy loss with old single pane windows, and outright window replacement can be costly and out of reach for some homeowners. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the performance of existing windows at a far lower cost than replacement. Weatherizing windows focuses on stopping cold drafts and read more...

Energy Efficiency Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Energy Efficiency Tips for Winterizing Your Home


In the winter, space heating is the main energy consumer in the home. However, homeowners can follow these energy efficiency tips to help stop the infiltration of cold air and the loss of heat through cracks and openings in the home. Prepare Windows Remove A/C window units and store them for the winter so read more...

Is My Device a Vampire?

Is My Device a Vampire?


You asked. We investigated. As part of Energy Action Month in October, LEAP and the 5th Graders at Peabody School worked to discover the vampires that are hiding in our homes, schools, and businesses. Vampires are electronic devices and appliances that draw electricity when they not in use. Note: We’ve included devices that draw electricity when read more...

Lower Your Baseload Energy Consumption

Lower Your Baseload Energy Consumption


  Did you know that approximately half of your annual utility bill comes from heating and cooling your home? Fortunately, in the spring and fall, you generally don’t have to heat or cool your home, so your overall utility bills will be lower compared to the summer and winter months. During these “shoulder seasons,” read more...

Preventing Mold in Your Home by Controlling Moisture

Preventing Mold in Your Home by Controlling Moisture


Mold is a type of fungus that can destroy parts of your home and can cause health problems. Some common areas in homes where mold could grow include: windows, drains, crawl spaces, basements, areas that had previous water leaks or flooding, and areas around moisture-generating appliances (e.g., dishwashers, dryers, or refrigerators). Molds need 3 read more...

Energy-Efficient Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool

Energy-Efficient Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool


When the temperature outside starts to surge, keep in mind some of these energy-efficient tips for keeping your home cool. Minimize Your Home’s Energy Loss Close and lock windows. Repair any gaps to windows and replace worn weather stripping. Before you leave home for the day, close the blinds and curtains, especially on south read more...