BS!. While not generally considered as a part of energy efficient construction, landscaping can have a very pronounced effect on energy costs. Many of the costs we have discussed thus far are very important one time costs. Now, we discuss items that will have a small but endless effect on the overall cost of the energy that will be expended to condition the living space in your home. The sun and its relative proximity to your home can have a dramatic effect on the comfort level and the cost of keeping your home comfortable.

Energy Effective Landscaping

While not generally considered as a part of energy efficient construction, landscaping can have a very pronounced effect on energy costs. Many of the costs we have discussed thus far are very important one time costs. Now, we discuss items that will have a small but endless effect on the overall cost of the energy that will be expended to condition the living space in your home. The sun and its relative proximity to your home can have a dramatic effect on the comfort level and the cost of keeping your home comfortable.

First, long sides of your new home should face either North or South. This will minimize the solar heat gain along those longer lines and more massive roof areas.

Another idea to minimize heat gain is the use of a light colored roof material. However, these roofs are most susceptible to staining from fungi, which incidentally have little to do with the proximity of the home to large trees. These fungi are airborne and we are told that the shade from trees is not necessarily a factor.

The sun and its relative proximity to your home can have a dramatic effect on the comfort level...

Deciduous trees for shade on the East, West, Southeast, and Southwest help to block the scorching rays through summer. Then, as those same leaves are discarded in the fall, the same trees allow heat gain during the winter months when its is desirable.

Evergreen trees should be located along the Northeast of the home. These trees will retain their leaves throughout the winter months and help to block the cool breezes of winter. Strategically placed shrubs will also help minimize reflected sunlight and heat gain during summer months. Also, placing the garage on the east, west or north helps to shield the rest of the home from weather. Try to place most windows along the south side of the home for passive solar heat gain during winter. Thermal mass is maximized by the use of tile floors or even scored concrete as a floor to store heat.

To maximize Winter solar gain and minimize Summer solar gain, wider eaves or soffits can be incorporated in the home plan along the South side of the home. More about that next time.

Until then,

BUILD SMART!

Lets Read Another!