Simple Secrets to Reducing Your Air Conditioning Bill
Published 08/17/16
Do you ever feel like you live in an oven? When it’s baking outside, the last thing you want to do is bake inside. However, in the hot summer months your air conditioning bill can grow as the temperature in your home drops. These simple secrets will help you use the outside of your home to cool down the inside.
Add Trees and Beat the Heat
You know that it feels cooler under a tree in the summertime, and you know that a forest is even cooler than a park with a single tree. However, there are refinements to make if you want to plant a tree specifically for its shade potential. Trees can reduce your cooling energy use by up to 30 percent, but the key is to place the trees on the sides of the house that get really hot. A tree planted on the east is not nearly as useful as a tree planted on the west or south side. However, this varies depending on the other trees and buildings around your home. If you’re considering adding trees to your property, make sure that your gutter systems can handle the additional leaves and needles. Consider adding gutter covers so your gutters will continue to flow cleanly.
Use Smaller Plants to Adjust the Temperature
If you don’t have room for a tree, or you can’t commit to keeping your gutters clear of debris, consider adding smaller plants instead. While adding vines to the side of a home is controversial, as some vines damage types of siding, adding vines to a trellis outside a window gives you both privacy and shade. Be cautious when you’re adding vines such as English Ivy or Morning Glory, as both species are invasive and spread. Old-fashioned climbing roses, honeysuckle, clematis, and wisteria all provide a beautiful view and shade. If you don’t want to add a trellis, and you’d like to see out of the window in the fall, winter, and early spring, consider growing a tall plant, such as sunflowers.
Awnings Keep Your Home From Heating Up
Add awnings to your windows’ exterior. You’ll reduce the heat on the inside of your home. Do those awnings actually work? Awnings can reduce solar heat gain from 65-77 percent on your windows. Add them strategically to the side of your home that receives the most sunlight, usually the south or west side of your home. If you install retractable awnings, you can open them during the summer and keep them closed in the fall and winter when you want more light and heat in your home.
As you plan your home renovations, contact Harry Helmet. We’re well-versed in the strategies you need to keep your home cool in the summer. Learn more about our retractable patio awnings and how they can help you reduce your home energy costs. Contact us today.
