How to Use Landscaping to Save Energy

Beautiful landscaping makes spending time in your yard or on your patio more pleasant. It can also help you reduce your utility and maintenance costs and raise the value of your home in Hughes Springs, Texas. You can save energy by adding shade, minimizing the amount of pavement on your property, and directing breezes toward your home.

Add Shade Around Your Home

Creating shade makes your home more comfortable in summer. That way, you won’t have to use your HVAC system as much. You can save energy and extend your air conditioner’s life by reducing wear and inconvenient breakdowns.

Plant deciduous trees near the west side of your home to block the hot afternoon sun. Since they lose their leaves in fall, you’ll still receive warming sun in winter. Adding a fence, an awning or a trellis with vines can also help you add shade to your home.

Minimize Pavement on Your Property

Pavement often absorbs heat from the sun, making the air around your home warmer and forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Don’t install large paved areas in your yard, and make your driveway as small as possible. Instead of a full sidewalk, use smaller paving stones.

You should also avoid dark colors. Lighter pavement will stay cooler because it reflects more sunlight.

Direct Breezes Toward Your Home

Use fences and shrubs to direct cooling breezes toward your home. This makes spending time on your porch or patio more comfortable, and it can help you avoid using air conditioning or a portable fan.

If plants require frequent watering, don’t plant them too close to your home. They could make the air feel hot and humid, even during a breeze.

Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. received the State of Texas Small Business Award for best practices in 2010. We have more than half a century’s worth of heating and cooling experience. Call us at 903-285-6550 for more information about efficient landscaping and HVAC equipment.

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