Your HVAC system works hard, especially in the summer months, and anything you can do to lessen the load will not only help keep your system running longer, but it will also save you money on energy bills too. In fact, you can see a lot of HVAC savings through simple tweaks to your HVAC system and your home.
One great way to realize HVAC savings all summer is to plant a few trees. Just by adding a couple of well-placed trees to your yard, you can generate quite a bit of HVAC savings — and trees can help with other issues too, shielding plants from direct sun, giving your yard a fuller look, and providing additional privacy. There are countless reasons to plant more trees, and HVAC savings is certainly among them. To learn more, get in touch with your heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis.
How Trees Translate into HVAC Savings
So how exactly do trees turn into HVAC savings? There are a few ways that trees can help you save energy and keep your air conditioner working well. First, well-placed trees will keep your home cooler, blocking out sunlight that heats up your home and makes your HVAC system work harder.
Trees that have broad leafy branches are a good choice as they create more shade. Of course, you will want them to be deciduous rather than evergreens as you don’t want the extra shade in the winter. You should also make sure the trees are well suited to the St. Louis climate so they will not become a problem of their own. Once you have found the right trees, you are on your way to big HVAC savings.
How to Plant Trees for Cooling Effects
From there, you will need to decide where to plant them for maximum HVAC savings. You should prioritize the west and southwest sides of your home, as the sun is hottest in the afternoon. You should aim to block sunlight from entering major windows, but shade on the roof can also help. Big trees are better as they create more shade, but they can be harder to transplant. In that case, even small trees can do a lot, and they will get better and better at producing shade every year. Plus, just by being around your home, the evaporation of water from tree leaves will cool the surrounding area, leading to more HVAC savings for you.
More HVAC Savings and Landscaping Things to Consider
Another thing to think about when updating your landscaping in order to keep your home cool and cut down on HVAC maintenance is how your outdoor air conditioning unit is affected by your plants. You will want to provide shade and cooling to the outdoor unit as well as your home in general, taking special care to keep the intake area cool. That said, you do not want to plant anything too close to the intake area, as blockages can create other problems for your air conditioner. Landscaping can do a lot for the health of your HVAC system, and with a few simple changes, you can realize quite a bit of HVAC savings this summer — and next.
Have Your System Checked Out and Realize HVAC Savings with Galmiche & Sons
To schedule a routine maintenance check, or get help with any other HVAC issues you may be experiencing in your St. Louis area home or business, connect with our heating & air conditioning company today. We look forward to hearing from you!
