Shade trees help control interior home temperatures.
You can avoid high energy bills, increase your environmental awareness and decrease your carbon footprint by going green in and around your home. Learn to control indoor temperatures with some simple strategies that anyone can apply in an afternoon or over a weekend. A small investment of both time and money now can create large savings on future utility bills. Changes you make to lower costs can end up benefiting those around you as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Begin with your exterior landscaping, adding deciduous trees on the south and west sides of the property to help block wind and provide shade for your home. Plant other trees, shrubs and plants around the property to maintain a cool environment. Install overhangs, awnings and trellises to create shaded areas around the house.
2. Install insulated, light-colored curtains and cellular window blinds over your interior windows to reflect heat while permitting sunlight to enter. Close the blinds when a window receives direct sunlight to lower the amount of heat entering the room.
3. Inspect and change your air conditioner filter monthly, and check the air conditioner, heater and refrigerator units for leaks. Seal any cracks or openings in windows and doorways to conserve energy.
4. Update home insulation to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Seal any cracks in the attic. Install a radiant barrier underneath the roof to reflect heat from the house's interior.
5. Put a programmable thermostat in your home. Set a warmer temperature in the summer when you are not at home and cooler temperature in the winter when everyone is in bed. Adjust the thermostat to coordinate with your family's needs on different days of the week.
Tags: your home, reflect heat, Seal cracks, with your
