How Landscaping Can Boost HVAC Efficiency

Are you looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your Sacramento, California, home? If so, you may want to look outside the house. Adding to or upgrading your landscaping can make a big difference in how efficiently your HVAC system operates.

Create Shade Near the House

Adding vegetation near your home can create more shade, which provides a cooling effect during the summer. When the sun beats down on your home and shines through the windows, it’ll raise the indoor temperature. Therefore, shade can make a big difference. You can use shrubs, trees, vines and ground cover to provide shade as part of your landscaping.

Additionally, the landscaping you add can provide benefits during the winter months by offering an extra layer of insulation. When certain types of trees lose their leaves in the winter, the sun’s rays can come through the branches to warm up your home. As a result, you won’t have to rely on your heating system for warmth during the day.

Trim Back Your Vegetation

While you’re thinking about how you’re going to add to your landscaping, make sure to keep up with some regular maintenance on the existing and new plants, trees, and shrubs, especially around your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. If your landscaping grows too close to the unit, it can clog up the housing and reduce the airflow. Since this portion of your AC system contains the compressor and other vital components, it’s important to make sure it has plenty of space around it for proper airflow. Otherwise, you risk inefficient operation and breakdowns.

It’s also helpful to remove any yard debris that may have blown into the housing of the outdoor unit as well. When you cut your grass or trim back the landscaping, the clippings or leaves may blow into the unit. As a result, they can reduce operational efficiency. Clear out the housing of the unit often to make sure it has sufficient airflow and can maintain efficient cooling throughout the warm season.

Is your HVAC system still struggling with efficiency? The service technicians at Jaguar Heating & Air can help by providing routine maintenance or repair services. Contact us at 916-256-4447.

Image provided by Shutterstock