Mediomagic/Photodisc
DCL
In a recent post, I described how trees can be planted on the outside of the house to increase energy efficiency on the inside of the house. To recap, plant deciduous trees on the south side of the house, because they will shade in the summer and lose their leaves and allow light to reach the roof in the winter. On the north side, plant evergreen trees. They will act as a windbreak in the winter and their bottom-heavy foliage won?t block light from hitting the roof.
Trees aren't the only things that can save energy in your home. Shrubs, vines and other foliage can be employed to decrease your energy bills as well. Here are a few helpful hints.
1. Shade your air conditioner or move it to the north side of the home.
2. Vines Vines are a double-edged sword. Don't grow them on your house, they might damage it. You'll need a trellis. Place the trellis at least six inches from your home. Vines can also attract pests. Use pesticide-free methods of dealing with unwanted insects.
Once your deciduous trees are large enough to shade the house on the south side. You won't need vines. Of course, if you find the vines attractive, do what you like. Find a vine that is right for your climate.
3. Shrubs Shrubs create a mini-windbreak near the base of the house in the winter and provide shade on the house in the summer.
4. Evaporation Plants transpire. They release some water from their leaves. This water evaporates and cools the air. It has a minimal effect on indoor energy, but it makes for a slightly cooler outdoor climate.
You can also employ a solar-powered fountain for the same effect. A misting fountain will add to the outdoor cooling and look attractive. If you have problems with humidity, adding more moisture to the air can prove problematic. In any case, you shouldn?t waste water. Use grey water if possible. If you are misting, it would be best to boil any water that may have bacteria in it before adding it to the fountain.
Still, if you want indoor energy savings, you are better off with an awning.
5. Always landscape for your climate Pick native plants that won't requite a ton of maintenance. Grow grass that requires less water and grows slower. 6. And another reason to landscape From ESP Energy:The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) estimates that urban America has 100 million potential tree spaces (i.e., spaces where trees could be planted). NAS further estimates that filling these spaces with trees and lightening the color of dark, urban surfaces would result in annual energy savings of 50 billion kilowatt-hours?25% of the 200 billion kilowatt-hours consumed every year by air conditioners in the United States. This would reduce electric power plant emissions of carbon dioxide by 35 million tons (32 million metric tons) annually and save users of utility-supplied electricity $3.5 billion each year (assuming an average of $0.07 per kilowatt-hour).
