If you think making energy-efficient changes inside your home is the only way to lower your utility bills, think again! Improving your home's outdoor spaces will help the environment and lower your energy costs.
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Cut your pool's energy usage
Pool filter pumps are among the largest users of electrical energy in a home, so reduce your pump's operating hours to the minimum necessary to keep the water clean. Also, keep heated pools covered, since 70% of heat loss is caused by evaporation.
Click here for more tips.
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Bright ideas for outdoor lighting
Because outdoor lights are usually left on for a long time, using CFL or LED bulbs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures designed for outdoor use and that come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors. Remember that security utility lighting does not need to be bright to be effective. For more recommendations, click here.
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Count on awnings
To save money on high air conditioning bills and make rooms more comfortable, install awnings over your windows. They block incoming solar rays and decrease cooling loads, which are among the biggest expenses for buildings.
Click here for more information on how shading windows can help reduce energy bills.
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Plant some trees! Trees and other natural shading help reduce heating or cooling needs. Carefully positioned trees can lower a typical household's energy use by as much as 25% while increasing comfort and privacy.
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