Christopher Robin Baker
As spring temperatures begin to raise, I thought I would pass along a tip that combines spring planting with energy savings.
As air conditioning systems often use exterior condensing units to transfer heat, it can be beneficial to shade these units by planting a tree or set of shrubs. Most estimates suggest that a shaded condenser uses 10% less energy to cool your house or facility, and better yet, it helps to hide an eye sore and reduces carbon dioxide.
Here are a few notes to help:
- Make sure you leave 2 feet of clearance around the sides of all equipment
- Make sure to leave at least 5 feet of clearance above the unit
- Find ways to redirect water that condensates on the unit to help water the plants
- Remember that Sun is most direct in the South and West sides of a building
- Be sure to regularly trim plants to keep the equipment clear from debris
- Plant trees and shrubs that are native and that limit growth to suit your landscaping and the area around the unit (for examples, this is not a great place to put vines).
For more information, check out this article at Green Your.com
