Mobile homes tend to be small, yet are often not energy-efficient.
Many mobile homes built before 1976 had little or no insulation, as stated by the Montana State University website. After that time, a federal housing code required them to be built with energy-efficiency in mind. Making your mobile home energy-efficient lowers your utility bills and provides a more comfortable home for you and your family. Some energy-savings tips require the expertise of weatherization specialists, but there are steps homeowners can do themselves. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check to ensure the mobile home is on a level foundation with adequate drainage. If not, too much moisture exists and further steps won't be as effective.
2. Seal any drafty windows or doors for possible air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. These are inexpensive products and take little time to accomplish. Seal the area around furnace ducts as well. During the winter, caulk the moving parts of your window with a non-permanent caulk available at home supply or hardware stores. Simply pull the strips off during the summer when you want to open your windows.
3. Call a professional to inspect and tune up your heating system. This ensures that it is operating efficiently and he can make any repairs if necessary.
4. Add insulation to the underside of your mobile home and the roof. Although the initial cost may seem pricey, it saves you money over time on the utilities. Use an insulation that is rated with a R-19 value or higher for the most energy savings.
5. Install storm windows to the interior of your mobile home. This keeps you and your family cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by preventing air leaks through cheap window units.
6. Invest in a insulation blanket for your water heater and keep the appliance set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to clean properly, yet does not waste energy.
7. Wash your laundry in cold water and use a cold water detergent. Little steps like these may only save pennies a day, but it adds up to a big savings over a year's time. Use the washer and dryer only when you have full loads. Do laundry one load after another to utilize the already-hot dryer.
8. Set the heat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and lower it at night or when you are away from home to reduce your utility bill. Using extra blankets or sweaters to keep warm is not difficult when you make it a habit.
9. Vacuum or dust the heat registers regularly to keep them free of dust and other debris. Avoid placing furniture over heating ducts, this blocks the air flow and makes the appliance work harder.
10. Clean or replace your air conditioners filters once a month or as the directions state. This helps your air conditioner to work efficiently, thus reducing energy costs.
11. Invest in energy-efficient appliances to replace old ones. If you replace each appliance as it stops working with the most energy-efficient model you can find, the energy savings will add up quickly.
Tags: mobile home, your mobile, your mobile home, cold water, degrees Fahrenheit, energy savings
