Increase Shade to Reduce Strain on Your High Efficiency AC
Now that the weather seems to have stabilized, many homeowners are getting their backyards ready for the busy summer season ahead. While you’re out in the garden this year, take a few moments to help your high efficiency AC stay cool by following some of these energy efficient landscaping tips!
Shade Your Air Conditioner Condenser
The condenser is the outdoor component of your high efficiency AC system. Ideally, the condenser should be located on the north or east side of your home to avoid being in the direct sunlight—but ideal placement isn’t always possible.
If your air conditioner condenser is in a spot that receives a lot of sunlight, help protect it by planting a shade tree (oak or ash are popular options in our region) or tall grasses that provide sun protection. Just make sure you don’t accidentally restrict airflow from the unit or create a safety hazard where a technician wouldn’t be able to reach the condenser safely.
Shading your condenser will increase its efficiency and decrease your monthly energy bills—helping the Earth and your wallet!
Shade Your Home
If you’re looking to completely revamp your backyard, strategic tree planting could increase your home’s overall efficiency and decrease how much you rely on your high efficiency AC during those hot, peak hours.
Deciduous trees—trees that lose their leaves seasonally—are excellent shade providers in the summer and allow heat from the sun to enter your home in the winter. The best place to plant shade trees is on the south and west sides of your home. During the summer, these large trees will be in full bloom and can shade a good portion of your home, keeping it cool and comfortable without straining your high efficiency AC or the power grid.
For the average Ontario home, planting three well-placed trees can significantly reduce air conditioning needs during the hottest parts of the summer!
It’s easy to incorporate energy efficient landscaping to your home—it just takes a little planning!
A1 Air Conditioning & Heating has been serving the Halton Region for 50 years. To celebrate working in the community for half-a-century, we’re excited to bring you the opportunity to win a FREE ecobee3 WiFi thermostat!
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