home utilities blog

 

Money may not grow on trees, but strategically planted trees can help you save energy and save money.

 

Smart landscaping considers many variables.  If you plan your landscaping with your home’s energy efficiency in mind, you can use trees to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home.

The role of trees will depend on the climate in which you live.  According to the Energy Savers website , trees can help with the following:

• provide shade in the summer
• direct summer winds toward your home
• block winter winds

Trees for Shade in Warm Climates
In warm climates, positioning trees to shade windows and rooftops can reduce undesired solar energy heating.  A tree can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 9° F. Positioning a tree to shade the air conditioner unit can also increase the unit’s efficiency by 10 percent.  For more savings, consult your local electric company to determine rates and potential savings.

Trees & Shurbs to Block Winter Winds
Windbreaks typically consist of large, dense evergreen trees planted close together some distance from the house.  A windbreak reduces winds for a distance up to 30 times the height of the trees.  This essentially reduces the wind chill factor.  Ideally a windbreak is located a distance from the house equal to two to five times the height of the trees.  Shrubs can also be used to keep snowdrifts away from the house.

Landscaping & Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that landscaping for energy efficiency provides a return on the initial investment through energy savings in approximately 8 years.  However, it isn’t as simple as planting a few trees.  Homeowners should make sure not to block the sun or wind that is helpful.  They should consider the orientation of the home as well as the characteristics of the trees.

For example, deciduous trees can block the sun in the summer but allow the sun to help heat a home in the winter.  A homeowner should consider the size, shape, and orientation of the shadow before choosing a location for the tree.

Similarly, windbreaks are typically planted to the north and northwest of a home. Windbreaks to the south of a home could block the winter sun, which is helpful for heating a home.

More helpful information can be found at these resource websites

• Landscaping for Energy Conservation (AgriLIFE Extension, Texas A&M System)

• Energy Efficient Homes: Landscaping (IFAS Extension, University of Florida)

• Landscaping for Energy Conservation (download pdf from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service)

• Energy Saving Landscapes (Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series, University of Minnesota)

 

Most children spend more time watching TV than talking to their parents. If that’s the situation in your household, then check out these five ways to use television programming to start a conversation with your kids. Timing of the conversation, using open-ended questions, developing critical viewing skills, capitalizing on awkward TV topics, and dealing with unsettling news stories are all crucial components. Read more about Using TV programming to talk to your kids.

 

For readers in Georgia, take note of this press release sent out today by Allconnect. The company is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed online!

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, March 9, 2010 – Customers who order or transfer their home services using Allconnect, Inc., are finding more than convenience, choice, and the best price.  Throughout 2010, Allconnect is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed at www.allconnect.com.

The $1 donation is made when a Georgia customer orders or transfers home services, including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, natural gas and electricity, through Allconnect’s free one-stop online resource.

This fundraising effort is in addition to Allconnect’s ongoing sponsorship of Special Olympics Georgia and volunteer efforts of employees.  Allconnect employees volunteered at the State Indoor Winter Games in January, assisting athletes at the craft tables in between athletic events.  They will also be participating at SOGA’s fundraiser, Race for Champions Annual 5K Fun Run on May 22, as well as the Duck Derby fundraiser on June 25.

“Having a donation made each time an online order is placed is an easy, free way for customers to support Special Olympics Georgia,” said Mark Miller, Allconnect CEO. “Special Olympics is one of the most respected sports organizations in the world.  It’s inspiring to watch these athletes overcome challenges and excel. We are proud to support them through donations and volunteering.”

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Keep up with Special Olympics Georgia events at www.facebook.com/allconnect.

 

The old adage sometimes you have to spend money to save money is true. If you are paying to heat or cool a poorly insulated house, then you are spending a lot of money for absolutely nothing. Invest in attic insulation and you’ll quickly see a return on the investment.

 

According to the ENERGY STAR web site, the average annual energy bill for a single-family home is $2,200 — and 46% of that (or $1,012) goes to heat or cool the house.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, proper insulation and air sealing can reduce a home’s heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent (or 10 percent of total energy costs).

Typically, the easiest, least expensive, most effective place to add insulation is in your attic. Visit the Energy Savers website for information on insulating your attic and your attic’s access door.

Insulation costs — and the amount insulation can save you — varies by climate. See the Department of Energy’s “Insulation Fact Sheet” for an explanation of R-Values, which take into account utility costs and the cost of adding insulation.

If you live in a hot climate, you should also consider a radiant barrier. If you improve your home’s insulation, you may be eligible for state or federal energy efficiency rebates or tax credits.  Find information about federal tax credits at the ENERGY STAR web site. You can also search for local rebate programs at the ENERGY STAR site.

To save the most money on your energy bill, make sure you’re getting the best electric rate. Visit Allconnect.com to see if you have a choice of electric companies servicing your home.

You may also like this post on Programmable Thermostats to help save on heating and cooling bills.