Think of Mother Nature as a no-cost energy provider. Plant trees in the right
place on your property and you can reduce air conditioning and heat energy usage
by 20 to 40%. Here's how:
- Plant trees near the north, northwest side of the house to block winter winds
without interfering with summer breezes.
- Planting tall, leafy shade trees on the sunny, south side of your home can
reduce roof temperatures by up to 40ºF - which will reduce air-conditioner
use.
- Cool your home further by placing awnings on southern windows.
- Use low voltage lighting near ground-level, instead of high mounted 110 volt
carriage lights. You'll use less energy - and gain a better view of the nighttime
sky!
- Equip your outdoor lighting with timers or photoelectric on/off sensors.
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