HomeWise

The Fairfax County HomeWise program educates, empowers, and enables residents to make changes that reduce energy use, water use, and associated costs in their homes. Volunteers assist low- and moderate-income residents with physical improvements to their homes and provide support for behavior changes that are proven to conserve resources and money. 

If you have questions about the program, please email homewise@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

UPCOMING HOMEWISE EVENTS

There are no HomeWise events currently scheduled. Please check back for more updates. 

ENGAGE WITH HOMEWISE

The HomeWise program offers a variety of different engagement opportunities upon request. Please see the information provided in the dropdown below and email the HomeWise program if you wish to bring the program to your next event, community meeting, or to develop a custom educational offering for your organization or group.

This type of in-person offering involves the HomeWise program setting up tables with information and demonstrations at a desired event. The program can bring a designated number of energy-efficiency improvement kits to pass out to event attendees. Trained volunteers can provide demonstrations on how to install weatherstripping, socket sealers, and low-flow aerators.

The event organizer will be responsible for providing 2-3 tables and chairs. Requests for HomeWise to join community events or to organize custom tabling events require at least eight weeks of advance notice.

HomeWise volunteers can offer in-person or virtual Q&A sessions. These sessions provide one-on-one time slots for residents to speak with the program’s trained volunteers on questions relating to weatherstripping, aerators, LED lightbulbs, and energy and water-saving habits.

The event organizer will be responsible for guaranteeing a minimum of eight sign-ups. If the Q&A is held in-person, the event organizer is responsible for providing 2-3 tables and chairs. HomeWise Ask A Volunteer events require a minimum of four weeks advance notice.

HomeWise education sessions are typically held as webinars and are focused on a predetermined topic. Trained volunteers will present information and leave time for questions and answers at the end. Webinar topics range from air sealing to energy vampires to water conservation in kitchens and bathrooms. Upon request, the HomeWise program can provide a list of possible topics.

The event organizer is responsible for guaranteeing a minimum of 50 webinar attendees. The HomeWise program requires at least six weeks of advance notice to organize and offer a webinar or education session.

Demonstration sessions are ideal for groups that want to learn about energy and water-efficiency improvements and habits together. The event organizer is responsible for planning a gathering of individuals in a single location. HomeWise volunteers join the group to provide demonstrations on weatherstripping, low-flow aerators, socket sealers, and lightbulbs. The program can also bring a designated number of energy-efficiency improvement kits to pass out to attendees.

The event organizer will be responsible for providing 2-3 tables and chairs. The HomeWise program requires at least eight weeks of advance notice to put on a demonstration event.

VIEW HOMEWISE WEBINARS

The HomeWise program offers virtual education through topic-specific webinars. Use the dropdown below to explore recent HomeWise webinars. 

On February 22, 2022, Fairfax County HomeWise volunteers hosted a 60-minute webinar on preventing heat loss and sealing air leaks at home. This webinar included a presentation and a question and answer session. 

On March 16, 2022 HomeWise volunteers offered a 60-minute webinar on water conservation in bathrooms. Attendees learned how to identify leaks in their bathrooms and where, when, and how to intervene. They picked up new tips and tricks for saving water used in sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers and learned how to turn their bathrooms into water-saving sanctuaries.

 

April showers bring May flowers, but what if it doesn't rain much? How can you use water in gardens and around the outside of your home in a responsible way? How can you cut costs due to outdoor water use as the summer approaches? The Fairfax County HomeWise program held a webinar on outdoor water conservation on April 19, 2022 to answer these questions and more.

VOLUNTEER WITH HOMEWISE

The HomeWise program offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone, regardless of skill level or past experience.

All HomeWise volunteers are provided with training on environmental, technical and social aspects of water and energy efficiency projects. This training is completed virtually and can be done on your own time. Volunteers are also offered enrichment opportunities to facilitate connections and to expand their knowledge base, year over year. 

HomeWise volunteers are individuals interested in learning basic hands-on skills for weatherization and home improvement projects or those who already have substantial experience with these projects. Volunteers may hold professional licenses, but it is not a requirement for participation.

This opportunity is appropriate for anyone with an interest in energy and water savings in a residential setting and requires little to no experience or prior knowledge of the subject matter. However, some sincere interest in the subject matter is expected. Volunteers should also be comfortable speaking in small and large groups and interacting with members of the public.

Volunteers will be asked to host activities (either virtual or in person) with county residents of all ages. Potential volunteer activities might include community outreach events, workshops for residents and building managers, large or small-group demonstrations, or one-on-one virtual meetings. Projects will vary in type and length, ranging from a one or two hour virtual or in-person workshop to staffing a booth or table for a half-day or full-day at a community event. On average, volunteers can expect to be engaged in a community project or workday once per month following completion of their training.

HomeWise volunteers will be asked to commit to the program for an entire year (until December 31st, 2022). Upon conclusion of the weekly virtual training series, volunteers will be required to complete an in-person or virtual hands-on training with staff members.

The application period for 2022 HomeWise volunteers has closed. Please check back for more information.

HOMEWISE ADVISORY COUNCILS

The HomeWise program is managed by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) with input from an internal advisory council consisting of representatives from various county departments and agencies, and an external advisory council composed of representatives from relevant community organizations. The following list reflects council membership as of February 15, 2022.

HomeWise Internal Advisory Council members

HomeWise External Advisory Council member logos

*LEAP also provides dedicated technical guidance and support to the HomeWise program.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant