Ways to Reduce Energy Use Outdoors

When most people look for ways to reduce their energy usage, they typically focus on things they can do inside their home. While that’s a good place to start, we are actually given many opportunities to improve energy efficiency outdoors as well. Cutting back on energy consumption outside can not only help bring down your utility bills, but also help foster a more sustainable landscape around your house. Here are our favorite tips on how to create an eco-friendly yard that will have a positive impact on your energy usage.

1. Plant a Shade Tree

Take advantage of the summer weather and head outside! Planting a shade tree can dramatically improve the temperature control in a home and fight climate change. According to the Department of Energy, shading from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 6° F. Moreover, air temperature directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop. By blocking sunlight from entering through the windows, shade trees can also reduce the energy needed to cool your home in the summer. Plus, you can plant it to shade your air conditioner for extra savings!

If you live in a climate with cold winters, a deciduous tree can continue to be your ally. It’ll shed leaves when the cool weather sets in and allow sunlight to hit your home and warm it up a few degrees, which reduces the load on your furnace.

2. Use Hand Tools for Yardwork

Put down the power tools and pick up your hand tools instead. Homeowners who replace weed whackers with clippers, leaf blowers with rakes and riding lawnmowers with push mowers will not only save money on fuel and create less pollution but also get some good exercise in the yard as well. If hand tools won’t get the job done, consider electric tools instead of gas to improve energy efficiency.

3. Research Lighting Options

Do you like to leave your yard lights on all evening? There are many numerous energy-saving alternatives you can use. Solar yard lights trap the sun’s power during the day and release it at night to brighten your yard while reducing your carbon footprint. Motion-sensor lights turn on only when triggered by movement, and typically reduce energy consumption by 35-45 percent. Finally, you can always replace your conventional bulbs with Energy Star models for greater efficiency.

4. Use Your Grill

Make the most of the beautiful weather by cooking on your grill. Regardless of whether you prefer charcoal or gas, cooking on the grill adds a certain flavor that can never be matched on the stove. Besides great tasting food, a grill allows you to keep the heat outside where it belongs. Ovens can heat your home, causing your air conditioning unit to work harder and use more energy.

For more information on Santanna’s energy offers or to enroll in a plan, call 866-518-6187 or go online to: www.santannaenergyservices.com

About Santanna Energy Services
Santanna Energy Services located in Austin, TX and Bolingbrook IL, is a Natural Gas and Electricity Provider for Residential, Commercial, Industrial and more. The company was founded in 1988 and has been in business for 32 years and growing!