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Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors

Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors

Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors

Energy Saving Tips | Outdoors

25 outdoor energy saving tips: Reduce electricity usage and save money

Enjoying your outdoor spaces shouldn’t mean higher energy bills. With these practical energy conservation methods, you can reduce electricity usage, save money and make your home more efficient—all while enjoying the great outdoors.

Take a look at our 25 outdoor energy-saving tips to make the most of your outdoor setup without wasting energy. From pools and sprinklers to landscaping and smart devices, these ideas will help you lower costs and live more sustainably.

Illustration of a swimming pool in the color violet
Illustration of a swimming pool in the color violet
Illustration of a swimming pool in the color violet

Swimming pool energy-saving tips

These swimming pool maintenance tips will help you reduce the amount of energy your pool consumes:

 

  1. Clean your pool filter regularly. Clogged filters make your pool pump work harder and consume more energy.
  2. Use a pool cover. This is the single most effective way to reduce heating costs, saving 50%–70% per year.1
  3. Avoid running your pool pump all day. Use an automatic timer on your pool pump to control electricity usage.
  4. Turn off the heater or heat pump when on vacation.
  5. Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® certified pool pump, which can help you save 10%-20% in energy usage each year.2
Illustration of a ground sprinkler in the color blue
Illustration of a ground sprinkler in the color blue
Illustration of a ground sprinkler in the color blue

Sprinkler efficiency: Ways to conserve electricity

Programming your sprinklers to turn on and off as needed can be a convenient way to get your lawn the irrigation it needs. Follow these tips to make your sprinkler system more efficient:

 

  1. Water your lawn in the morning or late evening to avoid evaporation.
  2. Set up your sprinklers carefully so they don't spray the sidewalk or street to avoid wasting water.
  3. Take a break from the sprinklers. Watering plants and grass by hose can significantly reduce water use.
Illustration of an outdoor lamp post in the color orange
Illustration of an outdoor lamp post in the color orange
Illustration of an outdoor lamp post in the color orange

Energy-saving landscape lighting ideas

Lighting can transform your outdoor space, but it doesn’t have to increase your energy bill. Consider these types of features when selecting lighting for your yard:

 

  1. Switch to low-voltage lighting fixtures to help use 60%-70% less energy, and pair this with energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce usage by up to 75%.3
  2. Consider solar-powered lights which convert the sunlight into usable energy.
  3. Install timers or sensors instead of leaving your lights on throughout the day.
Illustration of a lawnmower in the color green
Illustration of a lawnmower in the color green
Illustration of a lawnmower in the color green

Smart landscaping for energy savings

 

Smart landscaping not only adds to the overall appeal of your home, but can also lower your energy bill:

 

  1. Shade your AC unit to improve efficiency by up to 10%. It's important to maintain at least 2-3 feet on all sides and 5 feet about of clearance to prevent obstructions from plants or debris.4
  2. Group plants with similar watering needs near each other to conserve water.
  3. Raise your lawn mowing height in the summer. Taller grass retains more water and reduces water loss through evaporation.
  4. Use manual tools when possible to avoid electricity use.
  5. Plant trees strategically around your home to help provide shade and reduce home cooling costs as air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler.5
  6. Start a compost pile to recycle household waste into fertilizer.
  7. Install a rain barrel to collect and store water from your gutters for watering plants.
  8. Choose native plants that require less maintenance and irrigation.
Illustration of a roof in the color magenta
Illustration of a roof in the color magenta
Illustration of a roof in the color magenta

Roofing tips for energy efficiency

 

  1. Properly seal and insulate your attic to improve your homes energy efficiency, which can help save you and average of 15% annually on heating and cooling costs.6
  2. Choose reflective coating when you re-roof to decrease heat buildup.
  3. Inspect your roof regularly to check for leaks.
Illustration of a home door in the color violet
Illustration of a home door in the color violet
Illustration of a home door in the color violet

Outdoor Spaces

Here are tips for reducing energy usage in your outdoor spaces:

 

  1. Energy-efficient outdoor appliances are a great way to save energy in your outdoor kitchen.
  2. Unplug outdoor appliances and electronics when they are not in use to help reduce standby power, which accounts for 5%-10% of residential energy use and can cost the average U.S. home up to $183/year.7
  3. Consider purchasing solar water pumps for any outdoor water features in your yard.

How to improve energy efficiency outdoors with smart devices

Smart outdoor technology offers an effective way to manage and reduce energy consumption in your outdoor spaces. Devices like smart sprinkler systems and outdoor smart plugs provide automated control over outdoor electronics, which can be managed remotely through a mobile app. This allows for precise scheduling and power management, helping to eliminate unnecessary energy waste and lower electricity costs. For example, smart sprinklers can adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts, while smart plugs can automatically turn off landscape lighting at predetermined times.

For those interested in a more comprehensive smart home setup, check out our exclusive offers from Vivint and start upgrading your smart home. Additionally, you can find more information on other smart home devices you can use in your home to help improve your energy efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

Show all answers

A medium-sized pool uses 2,000–3,000 kWh annually, mainly to run the pool pump. (SS8)

Install a variable-speed pump to reduce energy use by up to 90% and use a solar pool cover to minimize heat loss, saving 50–70% on heating costs.

Use smart sensors to avoid unnecessary watering, switch to high-efficiency nozzles and water early mornings to reduce evaporation.

Water your lawn before 10 a.m. to minimize evaporation and ensure roots absorb more moisture, reducing waste and conserving energy.

Plant shade trees to cool your home, use native plants to reduce irrigation and create windbreaks with evergreens to lower heating costs.

Seal and insulate your attic, add ventilation and choose reflective “cool roof” materials to reduce heat absorption and cut cooling costs.

1 Department of Energy https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/swimming-pool-covers

2 ENERGY STAR https://www.energystar.gov/products/pool_pumps

3 https://oclights.com/the-environmental-benefits-of-low-voltage-landscape-lighting/

4 https://thursd.com/articles/landscaping-around-your-hvac-unit-7-things-to-know

5 Department of Energy https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/landscaping-shade

6 ENERGY STAR https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/rule_your_attic

7 https://www.energysage.com/energy-management/phantom-loads-overview/

8 https://repositpower.com/blog/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-a-pool-per-month