Consumer Tip for April 2008

Spring into Action: 

How Landscaping Can Help with Home Energy Efficiency

As you prepare your yard for the spring and summer months, you may be thinking of doing some landscaping.  What you plant and where you plant it may help to reduce your home energy bills.  Consider these tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

·       Trees that lose their leaves in the fall are the most effective at reducing heat and cooling costs.  When planted on the south and west sides, these trees will help keep your house cool in the summer and allow winter sunlight to reach and warm your house. 

·       Vines provide shading and cooling.  Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house.