Landscaping To Reduce Year Round Energy Costs
Many homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the energy savings possible with existing and new landscaping. Through the proper use of trees and shrubs, the natural terrain, and manmade structures. The climate around the home can be modified to reduce heat gains in summer and heat losses in the winter.
Reductions in energy use commonly are brought about by either protecting the house from the wind or shading the house from direct sunlight. Winter heating bills may be reduced by as much as 15% while summer cooling energy bills may be cut by 50% or more. Then adding approximately 15% – 20% in property value.
To take full advantage of the effects a landscape has in which a home gains or loses heat, first it must be understood. Heat exchange in a home occurs through three major processes: air infiltration, heat conduction, and radiation transmission through windows.
First, air infiltration is the passage of outside air through cracks around doors, windows porous material, open doors, and other openings. Outside air is forced or drawn through these openings into the home by pressure differences.
Properly placed landscape material can reduce air infiltration by reducing wind velocity in the vicinity of the home.
A second major way a home gains or loses heat is by the conditions through materials from which a home is constructed. Heat conduction through solids is controlled by the thermal conductivity of the building material, thickness of the material, and surface areas available for heat flow (for example: areas of walls, floors, glass, and ceiling), and the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the material.
Landscape material can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the outer surface of a home and reduce the temperature difference between inner and outer building surfaces in summer when heat is being conducted rapidly into the home. However, in winter, solar heating of a building’s exterior surfaces can be beneficial in reducing rates of heat loss.
Radiation transmission through glass is essentially a one-way process. Radiation from the interior of the home has long wavelengths which are not easily transmitted by glass. Thus, short-wave radiant energy from the sun can pass in through the windows but long-wave radiation cannot be transmitted back out to well.
Regions of moderate climate with winter heating and some summer cooling require landscaping to conserve energy year-round.
When a home is air-conditioned, trees can save energy. Even if a home has an average of only 20% of roof shade per day.
Windbreaks can reduce wind velocities without shading a home. A windbreak is a single row or several rows of trees oriented perpendicular to the prevailing winds which will reduce the impact of the wind. The windbreaks are located upwind from the home at a distance that depends on maximum tree height.
Most windbreaks serve several purposes. Visual screening is provided when trees are 5 to 6 feet in height. A well-planned and properly maintained windbreak is esthetically pleasing, complimenting the home and increasing property value.
Windbreaks properly located on a property can reduce average wind velocities by about 40%. Not only are windbreaks significant in reducing wind but also give excellent privacy and are living fences that will not rot in time.
Strategically placed deciduous trees best provide summer shade along the sunny borders of the home. But varies with the direction in which the home is facing. Not only do deciduous trees give shade in the summer months but after fall leaf drop, the sun is allowed through the trees onto your home during the winter months.
The design and composition of the windbreak depend upon the space available on the property and upon the species and size of the planting stock.
The side of the home facing to the east or west should be shaded since these surfaces receive considerable direct sunlight in the morning and afternoon.
Conifer trees which are evergreens hold their foliage year-round. Winds usually come from the easterly or westerly directions, to serve as two purposes. Shading in the summer and protecting from winds in the winter.
Properly placed Conifers can allow wind to flow over the home while trapping a warm layer of air against the house. Helping in insulating the surfaces that would normally be receiving prevailing winds.
Foundation planting also helps to insulate the home. While at the same time adding value, character, charm, and personality to your property.
Landscaping not only helps by increasing property values but also helps in the reduction of energy needs. In turnout only making you money but saving it as well.
The cost of developing windbreaks and summer shading must be compared to the value of the energy savings plus other advantages. Where planting is required, the investment is necessarily long-term. However, since most homeowners invest in some landscaping. A little time devoted to professional planning, the very best planting arrangement, design, and species can pay off handsomely.