New landscaping concerns come with each new season and year, but you may be surprised at how much your choices can affect your energy budget. Landscaping and your HVAC system share an ecology that can have surprising relationships. As you consider planning your lawn and garden for the summer, you may consider a few helpful hints about plants you can include to bring down energy costs.

Trees

Trees are often used as a way to provide shade in areas like Peachtree City or Sharpsburg, but many people would be surprised at how much a few trees can bring down energy costs. By planting trees along both west and south sides of your home, you can block much of the harshest sunlight throughout the day. Trees large enough to occlude both walls and roof can reduce cooling costs by up to 75% in some homes. However, you should plant trees that lose their leaves in autumn so that sunlight can warm the house during the colder months. Adding trees in the right locations can make the relationship between your landscaping and your HVAC system obvious. Some ideal trees to use include:

• Red maple
• Bald cypress
• Flowering dogwood
• Black walnut

Vines

The humid climate in Fayetteville and Newnan is excellent for growing vines. You can install a trellis across both your south and west walls and watch the vines spread. You should pick an annual vine so that it dies off as temperatures drop. This will ensure your walls will take heat from the sun in the colder months, but it will also reduce the likelihood that the vines will creep into your walls and cause damage. Excellent choices include:

• Morning glory
• Canary creeper
• Climbing snapdragon
• Creeping fig

With the excellent soil and moisture in Peachtree City and Senoia, Georgia, you should have no problem getting any of these plants to grow. However, if you need expert advice or any other assistance related to landscaping and your HVAC, do not hesitate to contact us at Powers Heating & Air. We have over 60 years of combined experience providing reliable and reputable service in the region.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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