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As the temperature rises during the scorching summer months, HVAC systems work tirelessly to keep homes cool and comfortable. But did you know that your outdoor landscaping can significantly impact the efficiency of your HVAC unit?
As a matter of fact, there are several landscaping choices you can make that can create a more energy-efficient environment and even reduce the number of issues you have with your HVAC.
Strategic Shading
Strategically planting trees around your home can create natural shading, reducing the amount of direct sunlight that reaches your windows and exterior walls. This simple yet often overlooked technique can help keep your home cooler and reduce the workload on your HVAC system, leading to energy savings.
Protect the Outdoor Unit with Shrubs
Planting shrubs around your outdoor AC unit is a great way to keep it shaded from the hot sun, lowering the strain on your HVAC system. Shrubs also protect your unit from debris like grass clippings, sticks, twigs, and other items that can find their way inside the unit and cause damage. As you are planting, be sure to keep the greenery two to three feet away from your unit so that it can operate properly.
Choose Your Plants Wisely
You will have numerous plant options to choose from when you are planning the landscape design around your outdoor AC unit. Be sure to select plants and trees that don’t lose their leaves in the winter. Fallen leaves can obstruct internal AC components, so you want to choose wisely. Also, be sure to avoid planting sticker bushes around your unit – your technician will thank you.
Opt for Different Walkways
If you have ever touched the pavement during summer, you are familiar with how much it conducts heat. Instead of pouring cement through your yard for a walkway, use different materials like woodchips, bark, or mulch. These materials play a role in keeping your home’s yard and exterior walls cooler.
Your landscaping choices significantly impact your HVAC system’s efficiency more than you may think. By incorporating these strategies, you can create an environment that allows your air conditioning unit to work more efficiently to keep you and your family comfortable.
If you would like to talk to professionals about ways you can keep the HVAC system in your Birmingham, AL area home working at optimal levels, the experts at Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing are here to help! Just give us a call at (205) 386-4001.
