If you live in a manufactured home, your family may have a disproportionately higher energy bill than a family living in a traditional home.
But there are ways to bridge that gap. Whether your home is 5 years old or more than 50, most homes can benefit from energy efficiency measures that make up for simple wear and tear. Sunlight, seasonal temperature changes and wind can cause air leakage. Doors and windows may not close tightly, and ductwork can spring leaks, wasting cooling and heating energy.
If your home was built before 1976, the Department of Energy recommends the following tips for retrofitting your manufactured home for improved energy efficiency:
- Install energy-efficient windows and doors.
- Replace insulation in the belly
- Make general repairs (seal bottom board and caulk windows, doors and ducts).
- Add insulation to walls.
- Install or seal belly wrap.
- Add insulation to roof or install a roof cap.
In addition to these measures, consider properly sealing any openings around ducts and plumbing fixtures. Replace any incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs—both indoors and out. And reduce “phantom” loads by unplugging electronic devices such as computers, cellphone chargers and gaming systems when not in use. If you are planning to move to a new manufactured home, look for an Energy Star-rated model.
