Smart landscaping can help you save energy, give your kids a nice place to play and increase the value of your St. Augustine, Florida, home. You should keep the mature plants that are already in your yard since they’re easier to maintain and better for lowering your utility bills than smaller plants. If you plant hedges or trees, they’ll probably need a few years to grow to their full size. Just make sure your outdoor HVAC unit has a few feet of free space around it for good airflow. You can save energy by adding shade, using plants as insulation and directing wind toward your home.

Adding Shade

Adding shade makes your home cooler and keeps your HVAC system from working as hard, extending its life and preventing breakdowns. Plant deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter so the sun can help you heat your home when it’s needed. You can also plant shrubs or vines on a trellis until trees grow. They look great near your outdoor unit, porches and patios.

Trees, shrubs and trellises with vines can also add privacy. An awning over your unit will add more shade and protect it from grass clippings, leaves, twigs and other debris that could cause breakdowns.

Creating Insulation

Plant shrubs and vines close to your home for insulation in winter. Many types of vines can climb straight up brick walls or walls with vinyl siding. However, vines could encourage rotting in wood siding.

Directing Wind Toward Your Home

Instead of surrounding your home and blocking the view completely with fencing or trees, leave paths or gaps so wind can reach your home in summer. You can also close wide fence doors in winter and then open them again in summer.

Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with decades of experience. We can help you install, maintain and repair a variety of HVAC equipment. Call us anytime for more help with landscaping from our skilled professionals.

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