energy efficiency tips

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...

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...

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...

Not a Drop to Waste: How to Get Smart with Water and Energy Conservation

Not a Drop to Waste: How to Get Smart with Water and Energy Conservation


Drink. Flush. Clean. Spray. Wash. Think about all of the ways we use water. We use water to look good (wash our clothes, brush our teeth, take showers), feel good (drink water, go to the bathroom, water the vegetables and herbs we eat), and to make our homes look good (water our lawn and 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...

Why I Hosted a C3 Power Party

Why I Hosted a C3 Power Party


by Chris Meyer, LEAP  Executive Director Even before joining the Local Energy Alliance Program as its Executive Director, I had a passion for energy efficiency. On a day-to-day basis this manifested in small things I could do in my own home, like turn off lights and manage the house’s thermostat. However, I’ve wanted to read more...

Treat Your Attic Right – Insulation and Air Sealing

Treat Your Attic Right – Insulation and Air Sealing


You may be among the many homeowners who 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 read more...