When you live in a mobile home, saving energy is different from that of a traditional house, primarily because of the different types of construction materials used. Depending on the age
of your mobile home, you could face a number of issues that cause your utility bills to be higher; the older a mobile home is, the more inefficient it’s likely to be.
While you may not be able to change the structure of your mobile home, you can make small changes to help you save a little money.
Step 1: Prevent air leaks around the home.
- Install efficient windows and doors or add weatherstripping around the edges so your heated or cooled air does not escape through cracks in the sides.
- Use caulk to close up any air leaks around pipes, plumbing fixtures, air ducts, window-mounted air conditioners and other openings.
- Check for leaks in the walls.
Step 2: Ensure your mobile home is properly insulated to prevent heat loss—particularly in older models.
- If your home design allows it, add insulation to the walls and to the bottom of the mobile home. You can also add insulated, energy-efficient skirting around the base of the home.
- To keep heat from getting out through the ceiling, add a roof cap, which is easier than taking off the roof to add insulation.
Step 3: Take steps to save money on lighting.
- Switch to sheer curtains to take advantage of the sunlight in cooler months, particularly if you have smaller windows.
- Replace your existing lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last longer.
- You can also install lighting timers to automatically turn off lights and use motion sensors or solar lights for outdoor illumination.
Step 4: Manage the amount of water you use.
- Fix leaks around faucets and in pipes, especially those in uninsulated spaces in your home.
- To check for leaks, pour food coloring in the toilet tank but don’t flush. If there’s a problem, the water in the bowl will turn that color in less than an hour.
- Install aerators in faucets to reduce water use by up to 30%.
- Replace the showerhead with a low-flow model.
Step 5: Reduce the energy you use for heating water.
- Insulate your water pipes to prevent energy loss, particularly where they run outdoors or through an unheated crawl space.
- Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket. Kits make installation quick and easy.
- Use cold water for laundry whenever possible. Not only will you save on hot water use, your clothes will last longer.
- Switch to a more efficient water heater, particularly if you have an older model that came with the mobile home, and turn it down to 120 degrees.