How to Make Your Mobile Home More Energy Efficient
Mobile homes are less expensive than standard homes, yet they tend to be drafty and less energy efficient. You can, however, take several steps depending on your budget to make your mobile home more energy efficient and save you money on utility costs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Caulking
- Weather stripping
- Awning
- Storm windows
- Insulation
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Deciduous trees (optional)
Instructions
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1
Fill in cracks, holes and crevices around windows and doorways with caulking to prevent drafts inside your mobile home.
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2
Inspect the weather stripping around sliding glass doors and other doorways. Replace it if it is worn or cracked. Adequate weather stripping prevents outside air from entering your mobile home and stops air-conditioned or heated interior air from leaking outdoors.
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3
Position your window air conditioner or the compressor of your central air-conditioning unit on the north side of your mobile home. If that is not possible, install an awning over the unit to shade it.
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4
Open curtains or blinds on cold winter days to allow sunshine to warm your home. On summer days, close curtains or blinds to hold cool air inside your home.
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5
Cook with your microwave oven or a slow cooker instead of the oven. These small appliances heat up your home less on warm days and don't use as much energy.
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6
Install plastic or permanent storm windows on your mobile home. Storm windows, like caulking and weather stripping, help to hold in interior air and block outside air from entering your home.
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7
Add insulation underneath your flooring to prevent cold air from seeping into your home from below during the winter. Check the insulation in the walls and ceiling as well and, if appropriate, add wall and ceiling insulation. Improved insulation will save you money in the long run and keep your home more energy efficient all year round.
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Lower the thermostat on your water heater. According to the Flex Your Power website, water heaters account for approximately 13 percent of home energy costs. Set the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Set it even lower if you are going out of town for a few days.
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Replace your appliances with ones that have the Energy Star label. These appliances are up to 40 percent more efficient than appliances that don't have the label.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant deciduous trees around your mobile home if it is in a permanent location. These trees shade your home in the summer. During the winter they lose their leaves and allow sunshine to warm your home.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
