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Stop Overpaying: 5 Backyard Habits That Are Spiking Your Energy Bill
Unbeknownst to you, your backyard may be subtly lowering your energy costs. I’ve witnessed this more times than I can remember: someone invests in energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and improved insulation, yet they fail to consider what’s going on right outside the back door.
Little errors in your outdoor area, such improper lighting or improper lawn care, can build up to significant monthly expenses. What’s the worst? Most people aren’t even aware that they’re producing them.
I’ll outline five of the most frequent garden errors that increase energy use in this post and demonstrate how to avoid breaking the bank. While some of these modifications may take five minutes, others require careful planning. In any case, they will assist you in regaining control over your utility account. Check out these five inside behaviors that subtly increase your summer utility bills if you want to save even more money indoors. They go well with the outside solutions in this guide.
Let’s begin where most people would never consider looking.
1. You Don t Have Enough Shade and It s Heating Up Your Home
Heat isn’t just remaining outside if your backyard receives direct sunlight all day, particularly if it faces west or south. Your air conditioner is having to work twice as hard since it is seeping into your windows and walls.
The majority of people believe that landscaping is only for show. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly positioned trees, pergolas, or even cloth awnings can reduce indoor temperatures and cooling expenses by up to 25%. I’ve witnessed homeowners save hundreds of dollars every summer by simply planting one tree in the right spot.
You’re probably missing out on this passive cooling opportunity if your backyard is mostly grass and a terrace. Even placing a canopy over a deck or growing vines on a trellis can have a significant impact.
Quick Fix: Start with shade trees that develop quickly, such as hybrid poplar or red maple, or simply a basic shade sail made of fabric. Bonus: You’ll also improve the livability of your outside area.
Shade helps reduce the amount of direct heat that enters your house and isn’t just for comfort. Your energy efficiency can be subtly destroyed if you ignore this, particularly during the summer.
2. Your Outdoor Lighting Is Bleeding Power All Night
It’s simple to overlook the path lights along your lawn or the string lights hanging over your patio. They appear innocent, are compact, and are comfortable. However, you’re wasting energy without even realizing it if they’re not LEDs or, worse, if they’re left on all night.
I have witnessed backyards with a dozen halogen floodlights that remain on till dawn. Depending on your rates, the amount of wasted electricity could reach $20 to $30 per month. Take that and multiply it by the year? You’re forfeiting a weekend vacation.
It makes perfect sense to switch to motion-activated or solar-powered LEDs. They look fantastic, are reasonably priced to operate, and are sufficiently bright. Bonus: security is also enhanced by motion lighting.
Real tip: Use a smart plug or timer to control all of your outside lights. That way, you won’t have to rely on memory and your backyard won’t be a football field all night.
One of those unseen expenses that is simple to overlook but ultimately costly is outdoor lighting. You can save money right away and with little effort by fixing it.
3. You re Leaving Grills and Appliances Plugged In (Even When You re Not Using Them)
This is something that many people overlook: an outdoor refrigerator, bug zapper, electric grill, or even a water feature that runs continuously. Even when not in use, it continues to draw power if it is plugged in and in idle mode.
I’ve seen backyards where the grills are still plugged in and humming even though the owners haven’t used them in days. The same is true for patio heaters that are left on standby or outdoor sound systems. These are typical phantom loads that accumulate rapidly.
If left on standby, even gas grills with electric starters or rotisserie kits can use up electricity. Experts at Ace Hardware say that if you want to prevent unexpected fees, you must completely shut everything off rather than merely flipping the lid down.
Use smart plugs that are rated for outdoor use. In this manner, even if you forget, you can use your phone to set a timer or switch off gadgets.
These appliances aren’t expensive, but they’re cunning. If left unchecked, they might subtly raise your energy costs without providing any meaningful advantages.
4. Your HVAC Unit Can t Breathe Because of Backyard Clutter
Go outside and inspect your air conditioner. It’s an issue if there is mulch, weeds, garden equipment, or even ornamental pebbles all around it. For optimal operation, your HVAC system requires a minimum of two to three feet of unobstructed room on all sides. It operates hotter and longer without that ventilation, increasing your energy costs.
Unaware that they are strangling the system, I have witnessed homeowners grow plants up against the unit to conceal the eyesore. The same is true of storage boxes, piled firewood, and accumulated leaves. This eventually reduces the system’s lifespan in addition to using more energy.
Pro tip: Perform a brief check once a month. Carefully hose clean the fins, trim plants, and remove any trash. Now is the moment to replace the internal filter if you haven’t done so in the last ninety days.
One of your home’s largest energy consumers is your air conditioner. You’re paying for it month after month if it’s working harder than it should due to basic garden clutter.
5. You re Overwatering Your Lawn and Wasting Energy You Didn t Know Was Connected
It may not appear like energy is a problem when you water your grass. However, it really is if you’re utilizing outdated irrigation systems, turning on sprinklers during busy times, or just watering far more than is necessary.
Here’s how: Electric pumps are the foundation of the majority of municipal water systems. You put greater strain on the system and, yes, you pay more for energy when you use more water, especially during peak demand hours. If you include pump-powered devices or electric timers, your yard is subtly increasing your monthly utility bills.
Additionally, overwatering is likely to promote grass growth, which calls for additional fertilizer, mowing, and energy. There are cascading effects.
Installing a weather-sensing smart irrigation controller or switching to drip systems is a smarter choice. You won’t have to give up a lush lawn to save money, energy, or water.
In addition to wasting water, overwatering wastes electricity, cash, and even your weekend. Tightening this up makes your backyard work for you, not against you. Do you want to further reduce your time and effort? Theselow-maintenance home upgrades for busy homeownerscan take your efficiency to the next level indoors and out.
Solar Solutions for Outdoor Spaces That Actually Save You Money
If you ve already tightened up your watering habits and appliance use, there s one more upgrade that can give you long-term savings without much effort:solar power.Not just panels on your roof but small, smart solar products made for your backyard.
You ve probably seen solar garden lights, but modern options go way beyond that. I m talking aboutsolar-powered string lights, motion-sensor floodlights, fountains, security cameras, even USB charging stationsfor outdoor workspaces. These run entirely off the sun, no wiring needed.
And they re not just eco-friendly they actuallycut down real costs.
Real tip:Install motion-sensor solar floodlights near doors or driveways, and switch to solar path lights in garden areas. They last longer than you d expect and require zero maintenance.
Solar upgrades don t just save electricity they eliminate wiring costs, reduce long-term maintenance, and make your outdoor space more future-ready. Most importantly, they keep your energy bill from creeping up month after month.
Bonus: You re Missing a Seasonal Strategy And Paying for It Year-Round
Most people only think about backyard efficiency in summer. But your outdoor space impacts yourwinter energy billtoo and ignoring it means missing out on big savings.
If your backyard has nowindbreakslike evergreen trees or tall shrubs on the north or northwest side your home is taking the full brunt of cold winter winds. That forces your heater to work harder, especially in open yards or corner lots.
On the flip side, if you don t havedeciduous treesnear your south-facing windows, you re missing free winter sun that could warm your home naturally once the leaves fall. Smart landscaping works with the seasons not against them.
According to theVirginia Cooperative Extension, evergreen windbreaks can cut heating costs byup to 50%in colder climates.
TheU.S. Department of Energyalso states that well-placed trees can reduce total heating and cooling energy by up to25% annually.
Quick win:Plant dense evergreens like arborvitae or spruce on the north side. On the south, go for leafy trees like oak or maple that block sun in summer but let light through in winter.
Quick Backyard Energy-Saving Checklist
Use this to spot and fix the most common backyard mistakes in minutes.
Shade Check
- South/west-facing windows exposed all day?
- No trees, awnings, or pergolas nearby?
Lighting Audit
- Are any lights non-LED or left on overnight?
- Using solar, timers, or motion sensors?
Appliances & Grills
- Anything plugged in 24/7 (grill, mini fridge, bug zapper)?
- Using outdoor-rated smart plugs or power strips?
HVAC Area
- Is your outdoor AC unit blocked by plants or clutter?
- Last time you cleaned it or checked airflow?
Watering Routine
- Sprinklers running daily, even during rain?
- Using a smart controller or drip system?
Seasonal Prep
- Got wind-blocking shrubs/trees on the north side?
- Deciduous trees planted near sunny windows?
Pro tip:Take 15 minutes this weekend to walk your backyard with this list. You ll probably spot 2 3 easy fixes that could save you money all year.
Final Thought: Your Backyard Should Help You Save, Not Spend
We usually think of energy savings as something that happens inside the house smart thermostats, better windows, efficient appliances. But the outside matters just as much. In fact, it might be the part quietly undoing all your hard work.
The good news? Every one of these backyard mistakes has a fix. Most of them are low-cost, and some are as simple as trimming a bush or switching a lightbulb. You don t need to redesign your entire landscape you just need to be a little more strategic. And while you re planning upgrades, don t miss these11 home improvements that waste money without adding real valuethey might be undoing your energy-saving efforts.
So, take a look out your back door. What s one thing you can change this week that ll make your backyard work for your energy bill, not against it?
Have you already fixed any of these in your own yard? What worked or didn t?Drop your experience or questions in the comments. You never know who you might help.
Want more smart home and backyard tips?VisitBuild Like Newfor practical guides that save energy and money.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only. Actual energy savings may vary based on climate, home design, and utility rates. Always consult a licensed professional for personalized advice.
Table of Contents
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1. You Don t Have Enough Shade and It s Heating Up Your Home
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2. Your Outdoor Lighting Is Bleeding Power All Night
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3. You re Leaving Grills and Appliances Plugged In (Even When You re Not Using Them)
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4. Your HVAC Unit Can t Breathe Because of Backyard Clutter
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5. You re Overwatering Your Lawn and Wasting Energy You Didn t Know Was Connected
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Solar Solutions for Outdoor Spaces That Actually Save You Money
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Bonus: You re Missing a Seasonal Strategy And Paying for It Year-Round
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Quick Backyard Energy-Saving Checklist
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Final Thought: Your Backyard Should Help You Save, Not Spend
