Mobile home owners can lower the cost of heating with natural gas.
Mobile homes are the most likely of all types of home to heat with natural gas, according to the Energy Kids website. Because they are not as air-tight as many single-dwelling homes, this can be a drain on the family budget. Mobile-home occupants often rent and do not want to spend a lot of money on expensive improvements that help lower the gas bill. Many ways exist to help trailer-park occupants use less natural gas in keeping the home warm and cozy, thus reducing this expense. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn down your thermostat at night and during the day as well if all the occupants are at work or school. Don't set it above 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime. Use extra blankets on your beds at night and use cozy throws to snuggle under while watching TV.
2. Open the drapes on your south-facing windows during the daytime. This allows sunlight to warm the mobile home, and because the the homes are generally not large, it does an effective job. Trim shrubs that block the southern exposures to allow the sunlight to enter the home.
3. Check the weather stripping around all your windows and doors. If it is non-existent or worn, replace it with new weather stripping. This simple method is inexpensive, only takes a few minutes of time and effectively lowers your heating bill by keeping warm air inside the home and preventing cold-air drafts.
4. Seal your windows and any glass on your doors with heavy, clear plastic sheeting. You can find this at hardware, discount or home supply stores. Tape it snugly to the inside of your window frames to prevent cool drafts from entering your mobile home.
5. Check the water temperature of your water heater in your mobile home. It only needs to be at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to do an effective cleaning job in your washing machine or dishwasher. Hold your hand under the hot water running from the faucet. If you are unable to keep it there, the water is too hot.
6. Insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket. These are inexpensive and save you money on your gas bill.
7. Use the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen only when you see condensation forming on your windows. They remove excess moisture in the air from cooking and showering, but they also remove warm air from the room.
Tags: mobile home, water heater, your windows, degrees Fahrenheit, home Check, weather stripping
