Saving on your energy bill can have its challenges — especially if it's an older model. If your home was built before 1976, chances are it's not exactly energy efficient. This is due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code not taking effect until then, and because insulation and energy-efficient products may not have been the best quality during that time.1 However, this doesn't mean you can't have a more energy-efficient mobile home now! Foremost® put together a list of projects that will update your home and may save you money in the long run.
Note: If you choose to pursue any of these projects, Foremost® recommends that you consult with a professional to help.
Use Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Switching to more efficient lighting, such as LED lightbulbs, saves the average household around $225 a year.2 Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) are another great option to use over the traditional incandescent lightbulbs. In layman's terms, these types of lightbulbs will light up your house the same way as a fluorescent lightbulb, but for less money. In addition to making updates to your interior lighting, adding timers to your exterior lights and switching to LED bulbs can also improve your energy usage overall.
Install Insulation to Your Walls
This is a great way to keep the heat inside of your home during the harsh cold winters. Experts say doing this this can reduce your heat loss by up to 13%.3
Replace Windows and Doors
Increased insulation with energy efficient windows and doors helps prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping your house, which reduces your home's energy usage and can make your home more comfortable.4 If you're unsure if your windows are energy efficient, you can contact a professional to inspect them.
Add a Cool Roof Coating
A cool roof coating reflects a vast amount of sunlight and can significantly cool down your mobile home's temperature. This will be very beneficial during those hot summer months!
Maintain Your Belly Board
This is located underneath your mobile home and is a black wrap made of polyethylene sheeting. The wrap keeps the insulation up in the floor of your home.5 Regularly checking the belly board and replacing it when needed will improve your insulation and could also reveal other unknown issues — such as a water leak from your plumbing.
Install Exterior Awnings
Awnings are extremely helpful to shield your windows from the hot sun and create more shady areas in your home. It can help keep your home cooler, allowing you to use your air conditioning less during the summer!
Inspect and Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
It is a good practice to inspect your furnace filter every month, and most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 60 to 90 days (you can also check the manufacturer's recommendation on the product).
In addition to all these options, it's a good idea to look for general repairs around your home, such as sealing gaps or cracks in the walls, floor, ceiling and plumbing fixtures. You'll be surprised at what you might find!