energy efficiency tips

When the Power Goes Out

When the Power Goes Out


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 this brings up questions around resiliency and 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...

Feast Your Eyes on These Energy Saving Tips for Your Holiday Cooking

Feast Your Eyes on These Energy Saving Tips for Your Holiday Cooking


As you prepare for a holiday season filled with food and family, don’t leave energy efficiency on the back burner! The kitchen is a hub of energy-hogging appliances. Whether you’re in the market for new kitchen appliances, or just need some best-practice tips for minimizing energy waste during the holidays, here are some tips 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...

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...

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...

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation


Conserving our limited water supplies is always a good idea, but did you know there is also a direct connection between water and energy use? Delivering water and wastewater services is an energy-intensive effort, as the water is treated, pumped to our homes and businesses, then pumped to wastewater facilities to be treated again. read more...