Cutting cooling costs
Q: Bob, you said in one of your columns in January or February that because it was cool you would address cooling your home with help from several sources (mainly Mother Nature). Is it time? It’s the last of April.
Tim J.
A: Tim, you are persistent aren’t you? OK, this is from several articles and research from when I lived in California. It is good for today because it involves Mother Nature for the most part.
Actually you can cool your home using at least 30 percent less if done correct. To start with, a few well-placed shade trees can cut air-conditioning bills by up to 30 percent in the summer. Evergreens can save up to 10 percent of your winter heating bill everywhere but the (where we live) Deep South, just by blocking the wind. Our wind isn’t bad as up north.
These centuries-old tricks haven’t been used much in recent years – but as fuel gets more expensive, planting trees is an easy and pleasant way to save money. Bonus: Large trees can also increase the value of your home by as much as five percent.
Trees must be selected and positioned properly. A poorly placed tree actually can increase your energy bills and damage your home.
SLASH COOLING BILLS
Plant deciduous trees-which shed their leaves in the fall. Their shade will shield your home from summer sun and permit winter sunshine to pour into your windows-they allow more heat to enter your home than through the walls.
BEST TREES: Oak, maple, hickory. Trees grow at different rates. Consult a local nursery for other choices.
Position trees about 15 feet from the house. Any closer and tree roots and branches could damage the house or choke the gutters with leaves. If you live (we don’t) in a climate where the air conditioner is used less than the heater, shade trees can be a money loser. (I still have to address my readers that live here only a few months of the year) Even after trees shed leaves in the fall, bare limbs still reduce sunlight by about 30 percent. That can increase winter heating bills by up to five percent. In cooler climates, those increased heating costs will outweigh summer cooling savings.
CUT HEATING BILLS
Evergreen trees generally are more effective windbreaks than solid walls of similar size. The trees’ irregular shapes and textures prevent the wind from blowing them over.
Plant trees to block the prevailing winds, usually from the north or northwest. If you are not certain which the wind blows, monitor the wind for one winter before planting.
Select types of evergreens that will grow at least as high as your home and will have limbs that start low to the ground.
BEST: Fir, spruce, pine hem lock, cedar. A row of three to five evergreens positioned perpendicular to the wind should provide a protective and effective windbreak. More might be needed for larger homes.
Don’t block the winter sun. If the prevailing winds are from the east, west or south, plant at a distance of at least one or two times the height of the mature tree away from your home, assuming your yard size permits. That allows the low winter sun to warm your house while still acting as a wind break. If you plant closer, you risk increasing your heating bill by blocking the winter sun. On the north side of the house, plant at least 15 feet from the structure.
P.S I had three e-mails from winter people – two from Ohio and one from Michigan – one left first of April the other two are leaving last of April. This doesn’t help an awful lot for us in the far south. But, I have to be concerned with all of my readers.
Hopefully we learned something?
Back on track next week with answers about tuning-up your home for the Spring.
Have a real estate question? Write, call, fax or e-mail:
Bob Jeffries, Realtor
Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc.
4040 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904
239-540-6659 Office
239-542-7760 Fax