Employ Energy Efficient Landscaping to Keep Hydro Bills Down

Spring is officially here and the temperature is slowly rising. Many homeowners will soon turn their attention outside to get their yards ready for the summer season. With rising hydro rates, we’re all looking to increase home efficiency and decrease monthly bills. Try to incorporate some of these energy efficient landscaping tips this spring and take some pressure of your hardworking HVAC system!

Landscaping for the Summer

In the warmer months, landscaping should focus on preventing the sun from entering your home. Creating shade will prevent your house from overheating and will allow your air conditioner to work less while keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Deciduous trees, those that lose their leaves seasonally, should be planted on the south and west sides of your home. These large trees can shade the roof of your home from the afternoon sun and can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 4 degrees Celsius. Bur Oak and Green or Red Ash trees are popular options in our Southwestern Ontario area.

Make sure your air conditioner condenser is installed in the shade, north or east side of your home, or that a tree is planted to provide it adequate cover from the sun. This will keep the unit cool, allowing it to keep your home comfortable without overheating.
 

Landscaping for the Winter

In the colder months, energy efficient landscaping should focus on allowing the sun to enter you home, thereby providing additional heat. The same deciduous trees that provided shade in the summer will allow sunlight to enter in the winter since there are no leaves to block the sunlight.

Evergreens, trees that retain their leaves in the winter, can also be planted and used as a windbreak. A row of trees on the northwest side of your home can reduce the speed of cold wind that typically batters your home.

In addition to the windbreak, smaller evergreens that are planted about four feet away from the northern wall of your home can act as additional insulation. The addition of evergreens to your energy efficient landscaping will ensure monthly hydro bills will be more manageable.

Every bit helps when creating an energy-conscious home. Incorporating these energy efficient landscaping tips in addition to your homes high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner will ensure your monthly bills will be lower.

Remember, the best way to keep your HVAC system efficient is to schedule annual service. Professional technicians can check that all your HVAC components are clean, functioning properly and operating efficiently.

Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists has provided reliable heating, cooling, plumbing and air quality service and installation in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions since 1967.

Contact us today to schedule your annual air conditioning tune-up and inspection.

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