Keep landscaping clear of HVAC and air-conditioning units to ensure maintenance access and airflow around equipment.
Photo by Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources
Q: How can landscaping help lower my energy bill?
A: A lot is going on in the space around our homes. Competing factors of aesthetics, safety, energy efficiency and water conservation are a lot to consider. Thoughtful planning and good design can address these factors and result in year-round energy savings.
Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a typical household’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To select the right trees and other foliage, research what is best for your local climate. Select native species naturally adapted to your location for lower maintenance.
Strategically placed deciduous trees allow for summer shade and passive solar heat gain in the winter when leaves have fallen, leading to energy savings in both seasons. Slower-growing trees might take longer to provide maximum shading benefit, but their roots are typically deeper and their branches stronger. These factors can make them less likely to be damaged by wind, snow or ice and more likely to be drought resistant.
Be sure to plant large trees far enough away from your home to prevent damage from falling branches or root damage to your home’s foundation.
If you have a rooftop photovoltaic solar system, keep in mind that even a small amount of shade can significantly reduce energy production. Consider smaller plantings closer to the home to shade walls, windows or hardscaped surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.
Windbreaks—trees and shrubs that grow relatively low to the ground—are another landscaping strategy that can help save energy in windy areas. They can reduce wind speed by as much as 30 times the windbreak’s height, according to the Energy Department. That, in turn, reduces wind chill near your home and can lower heating costs. The Department of Energy recommends planting two to five times the mature tree’s height away from your home. Plant evergreen trees and shrubs for windbreaks, and consider adding fences or earthen mounds to help lift wind up and over your home.
Keep landscaping clear of dryer vents, heat pumps and air-conditioning units to ensure access for maintenance and airflow around those locations.
Always consider safety first when landscaping or making other home improvements. Call before you dig to ensure you know where any underground power, gas, water or sewer lines are located. The national 811 Underground Service Alert program routes you directly to your local resources. Call 811 or go online to call811.com before you dig.
Be mindful of overhead power lines, too. Look up and check your surroundings before setting up ladders. Be thoughtful when planting new landscaping that could encroach on power lines. Utility equipment should have at least 10 feet of clearance, when possible.
As you prepare to refresh your yard for the coming spring and summer, consider these ways you can boost your energy efficiency for more comfort and savings year-round.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.