• Overview

  • In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips for saving energy.

    Steps:
    1. Plant deciduous trees to block sun and keep house cooler in summer.
    2. Build a pergola or shade arbor to shield home from sun. Or, install awnings.
    3. Install window air-conditioning units on north side of house.
    4. Shade central air-conditioning units with shrubs.
    5. Close doors leading to room with fireplace, and crack a window in the room.
    6. Install a damper to top of chimney.
    Close damper when not using the fireplace to prevent warm room air from escaping.
    • Varies widely, depending on the energy-saving strategy followed
    • Varies widely, depending on the energy-saving strategy followed
    • Shopping List
    • Difficulty: Easy
      for most energy-saving strategies
Ask TOH users about Money Saving Ideas
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    Video Directory

    Selected Topic/Section

      Shopping List

      Close
      1. Chimney-mounted damper, uused to seal in warm room air

      2. Shrubs, used to shield central air-conditioning unit from sun