Winter Landscaping Ideas To Reduce Fuel Costs By 40%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/14/2005


An unprotected home loses much more heat on a cold, windy day than on an equally cold, still day. Accurately selected landscaping ideas and well designed landscaping can provide an excellent wind protection during the winter. It will inevitably reduce heating costs. Furthermore, these benefits will increase as the trees and shrubs mature.

“The house protected by a windbreak used 23 percent less fuel. In 1 month, an exposed, electrically heated house in South Dakota used 443 kilowatt-hours to maintain an inside temperature of 70 degrees F. An identical house sheltered by a windbreak used only 270 kilowatt-hours. The difference in average energy requirements for the whole winter was 34 percent.” - "Landscaping to Cut Fuel Costs", by Jerome R. Smith.

Money saving landscaping ideas at a glance:

- The best windbreaks block wind close to the ground by using trees and shrubs that have low crowns. Evergreen trees and shrubs planted to the north and northwest of the
home are the most widespread type of windbreak.

- Evergreen trees combined with a wall, fence, or earth berm (natural or man-made walls or raised areas of soil) can deflect or lift the wind over the home.

- Do not plant evergreens too close to your home's south side if you are counting on warmth from the winter sun.

- For maximum protection, plant your windbreak at a distance from your home of two to five times the full-size height of the trees.

- Plant so there will be at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) of space between full-grown plants and your home's wall.

In summary, Jerome R. Smith is certain that “the amount of money saved by a windbreak will vary depending on the climate of the area, location of the home, and the construction material and quality. A well-weatherized house with adequate ventilation won't benefit from windbreaks as much as a poorly weatherized house.”

Other helpful and problem-solving information can be found at:
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