Whether you have a brand new home or a decades-old property, every homeowner loves to find ways to save on their utility bills and upkeep. But did you know that you can add to your home's curb appeal while also improving its energy efficiency? With some interesting landscaping tricks, you can easily cut back on energy bills and add some gorgeous elements to your outdoor space. Here’s how.
Harness the Heat from the Sun
Because of Southern Ontario’s climate, Kitchener and Guelph residents experience very cold winters and hot and humid summers. But you can use this to your advantage. During the winter, you want your home to be able to absorb as much of the sun’s heat as possible, so you should plant deciduous trees on the south and west-facing sides of your home. This way, when summer rolls around, your home will be shaded and stay cool. Trees are also a great way to protect your home from harsh winter winds that can reduce your indoor heat.
Tips for Energy Efficiency in the Summer
In addition to planting deciduous trees, try some of these tips for increasing your home’s energy efficiency during the summer months.
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Build a shade-giving structure like a pergola or awning on the west side of your home. Open structures like these are good for giving your home some shade, while still allowing cool breezes through the gaps.
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Plant easy-care groundcover plants and use organic mulch in your garden. These types of ground coverings help to absorb the heat from the sun, and require less water than a lawn or high-maintenance plants.
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Use trees to shade your windows. Plant them in the south and west-facing sides of your home to protect it from direct sunlight.
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Encourage breezes with a wind tunnel. By planting a row of trees on both sides of your house, you’ll encourage a breeze through and around your home.
Tips for Energy Efficiency in the Winter
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Create an open lawn space on the south-facing side of your home. During the winter, the snow will build up and create a radiant heating effect as it reflects the sun’s rays back to your home.
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Surround your property with a high (but not solid) fence to lessen the impact of winter winds on your home and reduce heating bills.
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Create dead air space around your home by planting plants, walls and other elements near but not against your home. This dead air space will act as a buffer and heat will leave your home less quickly.
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Install patios and other stone-surfaces next to your home. They’ll absorb heat during the day and reflect it overnight.
At HomeLife Power Realty Inc. in Guelph and Kitchener, we’re committed to providing you with the best tips for homeownership! Read our latest blog about everything you need to know about termites.