You can still control your cooling costs on days when you have to use your air conditioner. The leaks, drafts, and moisture added by humidifiers and evaporative coolers force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Consider your landscaping. In the summer, leafy trees provide cool shade. In the winter, bare branches allow the sun to warm your home.
Small shrubs can block heat reflected from patios and pavement.
And planting vines over southern windows can reduce the effect of the sun's heat. Online Privacy Policy Copyright 2000 Southern California Edison. All Rights Reserved.