All of you gardeners out there who are stuck in the house at this time of year listening to the furnace run, start thinking spring! This is an excellent time to list ways to help cut your energy costs for next summer and winter and turn that thermostat down.
Check libraries, book stores and internet sites for ideas that will help cut heating and cooling costs.
Talk to local nursery centers about your plans and ask for any suggestions they might have for the best collection of trees and shrubs to plant in your yard to achieve your goal.
You can visit home improvement stores and obtain tips and ideas that will serve your needs and stay within your budget.
These do not have to be expensive and complicated projects.
There are some very simple things you can do to improve conditions around your house and yard.
Let's start with trees and shrubs.
With proper landscaping, you can use the power of the sun to your advantage.
Sun shining directly on bricks, concrete, stones and wood structures increase heat on those structures and hold it longer.
So planting trees and bushes near those surfaces can lower temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees in the summer.
Choosing plants that shed their leaves in the fall will emit warmth in the cold months.
For novices, the main thing to keep in mind is simplicity.
If you do not have a lot of experience with home improvement techniques, keep plans easy to do and without a lot of designs and tools needed to complete the project.
Consider adding an awning over a deck or patio in the backyard.
Enclosing a back porch with screens and storm windows and doors will add many benefits and increase living space to your home.
Check with carpenters and construction site workers to get an estimate of the cost this will involve to implement your plans.
This may be the best way to go if it is within your budget.
Easier and less expensive methods to explore are purchasing window shades, drapery, blinds and ceiling fans inside and outside for your every day comfort.
They enhance the appearance and value of your home.
These are only a few basic steps you can take to get started.
As you continue to educate yourself on different ways to harness the power of the sun, you will be able to use new and better products to reach your goals.
Check libraries, book stores and internet sites for ideas that will help cut heating and cooling costs.
Talk to local nursery centers about your plans and ask for any suggestions they might have for the best collection of trees and shrubs to plant in your yard to achieve your goal.
You can visit home improvement stores and obtain tips and ideas that will serve your needs and stay within your budget.
These do not have to be expensive and complicated projects.
There are some very simple things you can do to improve conditions around your house and yard.
Let's start with trees and shrubs.
With proper landscaping, you can use the power of the sun to your advantage.
Sun shining directly on bricks, concrete, stones and wood structures increase heat on those structures and hold it longer.
So planting trees and bushes near those surfaces can lower temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees in the summer.
Choosing plants that shed their leaves in the fall will emit warmth in the cold months.
For novices, the main thing to keep in mind is simplicity.
If you do not have a lot of experience with home improvement techniques, keep plans easy to do and without a lot of designs and tools needed to complete the project.
Consider adding an awning over a deck or patio in the backyard.
Enclosing a back porch with screens and storm windows and doors will add many benefits and increase living space to your home.
Check with carpenters and construction site workers to get an estimate of the cost this will involve to implement your plans.
This may be the best way to go if it is within your budget.
Easier and less expensive methods to explore are purchasing window shades, drapery, blinds and ceiling fans inside and outside for your every day comfort.
They enhance the appearance and value of your home.
These are only a few basic steps you can take to get started.
As you continue to educate yourself on different ways to harness the power of the sun, you will be able to use new and better products to reach your goals.
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