07/09/2024
Sprucing up your outdoor space with well-placed landscaping can help you control the temperature inside and save money on your energy bill. On average, a well-designed landscape can provide enough energy savings to return your initial investment in less than eight years.
Here are a few ideas to help get you started:
1. Plant some trees
Trees planted in the right spot can save up to 25% of household energy consumption, according to the Department of Energy. That's between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. Plus, they can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as six degrees.
It's important to know what kind of tree to plant and where to plant it to get the maximum benefits. If you're looking to block the summer sun but let it shine in during the winter, use deciduous trees. In the summer, they'll provide shade from their leaves and in the winter the leaves will fall and allow sunlight to help warm your home while blocking the wind. It's best to plant them on the south side of your home to shade your roof and the west side to block the lower late afternoon sun.
2. Consider other plants
Other plants, like shrubs, bushes and groundcover, can also be effective. These plants reduce heat radiation and cool the air before it reaches your home. A trellis or lattice can also serve as a great way to shade walls along your home and patio.
3. Shade your equipment
Providing shade around your air conditioning unit can help it run more efficiently by at least 10%. Be sure to keep plants at least three feet away and keep the unit free of debris to ensure good air flow around it.
Let DREAMscapers help you with all your landscaping needs!