Homeowners tend to use their cooling systems at full blast during our hot Oklahoma summers. Cut the necessity of this by strategically landscaping and placing plants and arbors near windows to shade your home, which will help to cut your energy bill by significant amounts.
Consider Your Climate
Oklahoma is in a temperate climate zone and, according to Energy.gov, homeowners need to make the most of what shade they can grow around their residences. In addition, the microclimate or climate immediately surrounding your home also needs to be taken into account when landscaping a yard. Your home may be in a sunny belt, located on a southern slope, or built near a body of water, which can all affect your home's microclimate.
What to Add to the Landscape
If your home is very hot in summer, plan to include the following in your yard:
Deciduous trees—which lose their leaves in winter—that have large, spreading tops and which are planted on the south side of your home will give you shade in summer but not block the sun in winter.
Lower growing trees on the western side of your home will provide shade against the afternoon sun.
Shrubs and groundcovers protect paved areas from exposure to the sun and cut down on reflected heat.
Arbors and trellises are ideal for climbing vines, which also help to protect your home from the sun.
Check how large trees and shrubs are going to grow as you don't want to cause problems with roots interfering with drains, sidings, or foundations. Choose plants that are native to the region as they will grow to be hardy and healthy.
Servicing of Equipment
Of course, the other way to save energy is make sure that your HVAC systems are working efficiently by servicing them regularly. When you sign an Air Assurance Extended Service Plan, you become a VIP, receiving benefits such as 24/7 service, discounts, and peace of mind.
Contact Air Assurance today for advice on how to lower your energy bills through thoughtful landscaping and other methods. We've proudly served the Broken Arrow area since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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