Maximize Manufactured Home Efficiency

Posted: May 1, 2018 at 7:00 am
Manufactured Home
Make sure your home is not losing warmed or cooled air.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency is important, regardless of the type of home you own. For manufactured homeowners, tackling efficiency measures will improve your comfort and could save money on your energy bills.

  • Invest in a high-efficiency heat pump. Of all energy-efficiency upgrades, replacing an electric furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump will give you the greatest return on your investment.
  • Caulk around windows and/or replace window weatherstripping. Replace any weatherstripping in poor condition to reduce airflow around windows and caulk any place air can escape. This helps keep Mother Nature out and conditioned air in.
  • Replace door weatherstripping and install a door sweep. This sounds simple, and it is. Poor-fitting weatherstripping allows for significant air leakage. Add a door sweep (or draft snake) at the bottom of exterior doors to stop drafts.
  • Add skirting.
  • Inspect the underbelly. Remove a section of skirting from underneath your manufactured home, and check to see if insulation is damaged or missing. This insulation protects your ductwork and helps seal your home. Replace or repair any damaged insulation.
  • Check your ductwork. Your ductwork carries heated and cooled air from the unit to the vents. Cracks in seams cause this air to leak out, costing you money. If your ducts are exposed, use duct mastic—available at home supply stores—to seal ductwork and keep conditioned air where it belongs.
  • Remove window air conditioners in the winter. Air leakage occurs through and around the unit. An alternative is to cover the interior and exterior of the window unit with specially designed covers, available at many stores.
  • Add cool roof coating. It can reflect up to 85 percent of sunlight, lower the indoor temperature and reduce air-conditioning costs. These white or light-colored coatings can be applied by roller or brush.
  • Install LED bulbs, which use less energy and last eight to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. Remember to turn off even LED bulbs when not needed to save money.