Alternate Home Cooling Methods

Running a central air-conditioning system drives electric bills right through the roof. With the rising costs of electricity, people are turning off their central air-conditioning systems and are turning to alternative methods of cooling their homes.

Alternate methods of cooling the home help the environment as well as the wallet. Each year literally millions of tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the air we breathe. It’s in everyone’s best interest to implement alternate cooling methods, not only to save money, but also to save the environment.

There are many steps homeowners can take to help greatly reduce home air conditioning usage or even eliminate the need for high energy home cooling systems. These home cooling techniques are low-cost and can significantly decrease home cooling bills.

Shade Trees

Trees can naturally lower home temperatures significantly by providing valuable shade. People often assume trees take too long to grow large enough to provide adequate shade, so they don’t make an effort to plant them right away. There are many fast-growing trees that can greatly help reduce the need for home air conditioning systems within just a few years. The sooner you plant shade trees the sooner you can start reaping the benefits of the cooling shade they provide.

For shade trees to be the most beneficial, they should be planted on the southern and western sides of your home. The average homeowner can save hundreds of dollars annually by strategically planting trees around their home.

The following list provides names and information on several fast-growing trees that provide beneficial shade. Check with your local cooperative extension or garden center to find out which shade trees are best suited for your particular location.

Sycamore