landscaping which takes into account energy needs can save
the average household approximately a third of their usual
costs on heating and cooling throughout the summer and
winter months. In reality, we could be talking about $250
of savings over a twelve month period.
The question is ' how do you create an energy efficient
yard? There are several things to consider when learning
how to do this, whether your yard is already landscaped or
still yet to be done. Here are a few suggestions.
Keep Out the Sun
One of the main things to think about when landscaping is
the prevailing weather conditions. Where does the sun
shine on your property and what path does it take? When
hit directly by the heat of the sun, the walls of a house
will attract nearly 90% of the sun's heat, and in doing so,
put more pressure on the air conditioning or other cooling
system to keep the inside of the house at a pleasantly cool
temperature.
If you want to block out the sun you can plant dense and
wide trees at south or west facing areas of the house and
the foliage will give shade from the hot summer sun. You
will find that temperatures within the property are reduced
by nearly ten degrees Fahrenheit simply by following this
procedure.
During the winter months when the deciduous trees shed
their foliage, the winter sun will be allowed access to
your walls and foundations, just when the heat it needed.
Break the Wind
The winds which blow through your house are a main
contributor to the lower indoor temperatures experienced
especially in the winter-time when the cold wind chill
factor is present.
If you can set up a wind break, either by the use of
strategically placed fences or evergreens and trees, this
will cut down the winds blowing through your home a great
deal.
Capturing the Heat or Cool Indoors
Much energy is regularly wasted when the heat or cool
within the house is allowed to disappear through the
windows, doors and even the roof so it is necessary to find
a way to capture the heat or cool and store it inside the
home. Shrubs around the perimeter of the foundations of the
property will create a dead air barrier, thus keeping the
heat and cool indoors. It has been suggested by the experts
that to widen the area between the foundations or walls and
the planted shrubbery will create more space for the dead
air.
When landscaping your garden or yard, maximize the
advantages of using materials and greenery which are
appealing to look at. You will then find that not only is
your garden a pleasure to behold but it will be preserving
energy and saving you money at the same time.
----------------------------------------------------
Get many more landscaping tips, including ideas and
designs, at http://landscaping.freegardentips.info . You'll
find many landscaping ideas and plans that make landscaping
your yard less hassle and more enjoyable.
