Energy & Water Conservation

Join a community of volunteers who are passionate about helping neighbors reduce their carbon footprint, their energy and water consumption, and their utility bills. Energy Masters volunteers, after receiving specialized training, deliver hands-on conservation upgrades and community education in affordable housing communities in Northern Virginia.

After hands-on training, volunteers will perform 25 hours (20 hours for student volunteers) of community service annually:

• Making hands-on improvements in affordable housing units that increase energy and water efficiency.

• Educating residents and their families to encourage behavior change for sustained impact

• Delivering educational programs to community groups and students at local schools.

• Providing educational information and energy and water conservation toolkits to residents who work hard to manage utility costs.

Sign up HERE to learn more about upcoming volunteering opportunities.

Next Energy Masters Training: Fall 2025!

When: Potential training dates: Oct 1st - Nov 12th; 1 evening per week from 6:30-8:30pm. Below is information for our Fall 2024 training.

• 2024-2025 Energy Masters Community Volunteer Program Overview

• 2024-2025 Energy Masters – Student Volunteer Program Overview

Where: Hybrid training (virtual and in-person) will consist of 2 hour virtual sessions once a week with in-person sessions. See Program Overviews above for specifics

How: Visit https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/community-programs/energy-masters/training/ to learn more about the program. 

Insulation:

• Seal up any cracks or gaps in your home (windows, walls, and doors)

• Use gaskets in outlets and light switches to insulate and reduce drafts

• Wrap insulation around hot water pipes and heating vents 

Heating and Cooling:

• Reverse your ceiling fans in the winter to force hot air back into the room

• Don’t block heat registers with furniture

• Use a programmable thermostat

• Open the shades and blinds during the day

Water:

• Do only full loads of laundry and dishes

• Install low flow showerheads 

• Put an aerator on faucets 

Appliances: 

• Dry dishes by hand instead of in the dishwasher

• Unplug chargers or appliances that are not being used or use a Smart Strip to turn off all of your devices at once 

• Clean the coils under your fridge

• Use Energy Star labeled products

For more tips, check out our Home Energy Efficiency 101 event on Wednesday, April 30, 6-7 p.m. Click here to register.

• Energy Masters Bingo

• Breathe Easy: Indoor Air

• Breathe Easy While Cooking: Indoor Air

• Understanding Utility Bills

• Water Conservation

• Energy Carnival (for youth)

• Demonstrations of energy efficiency tools and gadgets