Reducing your home's heating load leads to greater energy efficiency and lower utility bills. One way to minimize the amount of energy your heating system must generate to keep your home comfortable that's often overlooked is to use well-designed landscaping.
Carefully placed plants and vegetation can have a significant effect on how hard your system has to work during the coldest months of the year.
Here are some strategies for creating a landscape that helps you get the most out of your energy dollars:
- Address south-facing windows — In a climate with cold winters, such as that of Norfolk MA, avoid planting trees that block south-facing windows, or those that receive the most intense sun of the day, as they'll prevent the sun's rays from helping to warm the home. However, you can plant deciduous trees on the south side of your home, which lose their leaves in winter and allow the sun's rays to extend through windows to enhance heating.
- Pay attention to entryways and windows — These two areas are a significant source of heat loss for the home. Planting small trees or shrubs in doorways or in front of a row of windows increases energy efficiency by diverting cold air away from the house, which would otherwise increase the heating load.
- Use fences — A fence can make an excellent windbreak and help mitigate the severity of harsh winter winds, as long as it's the right type. Solid fencing only increases the wind's ferocity. Use fencing with slats instead.
- Use evergreens — When planting shrubs or trees as a windbreak, use evergreens rather than a deciduous species. The bare branches of deciduous plants will offer little protection from cold winds.
- Go native — Use plant species that are native to the Norfolk MA area when selecting tress or shrubs for landscaping. They will require the least maintenance once they are established.
For more information on reducing your home's heating load and other issues concerning home comfort, contact us at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We have served the Route 495/128 area since 1928.
Nice people.
Great service.
Since 1928Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Read From Over 10000 Happy Customers
-
Both Alex and Patrick were knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. They made a change that might have solved the recent problem and have structured a more complete solution. We agreed to this...
-
Mike was thorough, thoughtful and considerate. Covered their shoes before entering, surveyed my issue and provided an explanation of the services and costs. Great Job!
-
Alex did a great job providing an explanation of the services provided and went out of his way to offer assistance/advice on other issues outside of our scheduled maintenance visit.
-
Brian did an excellent job inspecting our 18-year old boiler and replacing some of the accessory hardware that needed it, he also adjusted the outgoing hot water settings for our radiators and...
-
Rodenhiser is my one stop shop!!! They take care of my HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues & are always helpful addressing any questions I may have about the systems in my house! Everyone...
-
Chris G. and Nick V. showed up bright and early at 8am to fix my water heater issue. They were on time, polite and were able to fix an issue that has been plaguing my house for a good year. They...
Call Rodenhiser at 508-321-3089
When you are looking for plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning in the Route 495 / 128 area, you will be delighted that you called Norfolk MA' trusted choice since 1928.
With a total dedication to professional workmanship and excellent service, discover why families and businesses continue to trust Rodenhiser after generations of service
