COOL IT DOWN WITH GREENERY.

Byline: Ken Sheinkopf Orlando Sentinel 

Q: We want to do some planting in our yard this year to help keep the walls cooler. What do you recommend?

A: You have plenty of choices when it comes to plantings that will shade your home. Shrubs, trees and vines all have their uses. If your home is on a small lot, consider using climbing or self-supporting vines. Homeowners often build a trellis or a lattice support for the vines.

Before planting trees, which can produce a great deal of shade to cool the walls and keep the inside of the home more comfortable, consider how big the trees will grow, the shape of the tree canopy and whether the leaves will stay on the tree all year. Many people prefer trees that lose their leaves in winter - they get the shade they want in the hot weather, and the sun gets through in winter to help warm the house.

If you can't use trees or vines, the next best alternative is shrubbery around the house. If you have good roof overhangs, your home will be shaded on the upper part of the walls, and the shrubs will take care of the lower part. Don't plant the shrubs too close to the home or you could have moisture and mildew problems. Air should be able to circulate between the home and the trees and the shrubs.

Consider using native plants because watering, maintenance and pest control needs will be minimal. Check with your county cooperative extension office for advice on suitable varieties.

Finally, keep in mind that foliage will affect the wind flow around the home. Proper placement will help create good ventilation.

Q: I have asked for information about the new super-energy-efficient refrigerators for our apartment, but no one seems to know anything about them. What's the story?

A: The recent industry effort to develop highly efficient refrigerators resulted in successful models of 20 cubic feet and larger. While this size is great for use in a large house, it is usually too big for a smaller house or apartment. The good news is that an effort is under way to promote the design and construction of smaller, energy-efficient refrigerators.

The goal of the project, sponsored by the New York Power Authority, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, is to produce two-door, frost-free units with the features of the super-energy-efficient models but at a 14-cubic-foot size.

What's been holding up the development of these smaller units is the uncertainty of the market for manufacturers, who say they need sales of at least 50,000 units per year before they can change their equipment to produce the new designs. Mass purchases from utilities, developers, public housing authorities and others appear to meet the required number. So it is expected that these smaller units may be developed by the end of the year.

The actual energy-use goals for the units are less than 500 kilowatt-hours this year and 400 kwh by 1998. By putting these models in public housing facilities and other government-owned buildings, taxpayers could save millions of dollars per year in electricity bills.