How to Enjoy Your Yard This Summer While Saving Energy and Staying Cool
Summer is all about sunshine, longer days, and spending outside especially in your yard. But with rising temperatures comes higher energy usage, especially if you’re running your air conditioning around the clock. The good news? You can still enjoy everything summer has to offer while reducing your energy use and it starts just outside your door!
1. Cook Outside and Keep the Heat Out
Grilling is a summer staple, and it’s also a great way to keep your kitchen cool. Using the oven or stovetop can heat up your home, making your A/C work overtime. Instead, fire up the grill, try a smoker, or experiment with outdoor pizza ovens.
2. Create Shade to Keep Cool Naturally
The more shade your house and yard have, the cooler things stay naturally. Planting trees or adding pergolas, umbrellas, or shade sails can block direct sunlight and reduce the heat that seeps into your home. This can make a big difference if you have south- or west-facing windows.
Energy-saving benefit: Shade lowers the temperature around your home, easing the load on your cooling system.
3. Use Outdoor Solar Lighting
Give your backyard ambiance a boost while cutting electricity use with solar-powered lights. They charge during the day and provide gentle illumination all night long — perfect for evening hangouts, walkways, or highlighting landscaping.
Look for motion-sensor options for security lighting, too, they only activate when needed, saving even more power.
6. Use Water Wisely
Backyard fun often includes sprinklers, pools, or lush gardens. Keep it sustainable by using drip irrigation, collecting rainwater in barrels, and watering during cooler hours (early morning or dusk) to reduce evaporation.
Pro Tip: Pool owner? Keep it covered when not in use to reduce heat and water loss — and ease the load on your pool pump and heater.
7. Unplug Indoors and Head Outside
Spending more time outdoors means you can turn off lights, fans, TVs, and electronics inside. Consider it a mini energy vacation. Read a book in a hammock, enjoy outdoor games, or watch the sunset — all in your own yard, where you can truly unwind and relax!
