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Winter can be challenging, especially when you want to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. If you own a mobile home, you must make some much-needed seasonal updates to keep your family comfortable. When the temperature drops, a well-insulated mobile home becomes a literal hot commodity!
If you’re a mobile homeowner wondering how to cut down on those chilly heating bills, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll check out various ways to cut down on heating costs for mobile homes, from easy fixes to substantial upgrades that can make a big difference in your monthly expenses.
1. Install Mobile Home Skirting
One of the most effective ways to reduce mobile home heating costs is by upgrading your skirting. By blocking the cold winds and keeping the warmth from escaping through vents, it helps maintain a cozy temperature inside. Since heat naturally goes up, this is a great way to protect your home from the cold. This upgrade not only enhances energy efficiency but also protects your plumbing and insulation from harsh weather conditions.
2. Add Insulation
Maintaining your mobile home at a comfortable temperature is crucial, and insulation is the key. When your home is well-insulated, it resists the flow of heat, keeping you warm and saving money on heating and cooling. Many older mobile homes don’t have good insulation, so adding some can make a big difference in your heating costs over time. There are different types of insulation, like foam, fiberglass, denim, etc.
Over the last three decades, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has partnered with the US Department of Energy to test various energy-efficient methods for mobile homes. They found that adding better insulation to the underbelly, under the subfloor, but above the belly wrap reduced heat and air loss by 11%. You can also add insulation to the walls and ceiling, focusing on areas where drafts might sneak in.
However, when installing insulation, it’s best to leave it to professionals, like a contractor. Doing it yourself could cause structural damage or even personal injury. You can get recommendations for a reliable contractor from the Weatherization Department of your local Community Action Agency.
Protect the Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a costly headache. Prevent this issue by wrapping exposed pipes with heat tape and insulating them. Adding insulation to your pipes is not expensive. Still, insulation is your mobile home’s first defense against potentially significant problems.
While adding insulation to your mobile home, don’t forget about your pipes! This simple yet effective measure ensures your plumbing remains functional even in the coldest temperatures, saving you from potential repair expenses.
Want to learn more about what mobile home heat tape is or how it works? Read more in our article, Mobile Home Heat Tape.
3. Install a Belly Wrap
A belly wrap is another insulation layer for the underbelly of your mobile home. This additional barrier shields against cold drafts, further enhancing the overall insulation of your home. Easy to install and cost-effective, a belly wrap is a smart investment for mobile homeowners seeking comprehensive solutions to reduce heating costs. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for older mobile homes with minimal insulation.
4. Put Down Layers
Adding layers is an easy and affordable way to keep your mobile home warmer. Invest in thick, quality rugs to insulate the floors and trap heat. Layering your windows with heavy curtains or thermal blinds also helps retain warmth. These simple additions create an extra barrier against the cold, making your home cozier without relying solely on your heating system.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows are notorious for heat loss. Old windows are thinner and less insulated, so it’s a good idea to replace them, especially if you want to make your home cozier in the winter.
Changing a window is pretty easy if you’re comfortable with doing home improvement projects. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows that provide better insulation. Double-pane or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings are excellent choices. They help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your heating system.
6. Inspect Your HVAC System
Another great way to reduce mobile home heating costs is to have the HVAC system serviced every year. Regular check-ups, changing filters, and getting professional tune-ups can improve your system. If there are any problems, fixing them right away helps save energy wastage and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Some companies offer a service where a licensed professional checks your system two to four times a year. This way, you’ll know that your system is working correctly.
Having a system that doesn’t work correctly can cost a great deal of money. Air conditioners that leak Freon or heaters that don’t heat well can end up costing thousands of dollars over time if you don’t fix the problem. So, remember, a well-functioning HVAC system not only keeps you warm but also saves you money.
Unsure if it’s time for a new furnace? Check out our article, Do I Need a New Mobile Home Furnace? to learn more
7. Make General Repairs
Don’t overlook the impact of small repairs on your mobile home’s energy efficiency. Caulking gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and walls prevents heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in. If you can’t get more energy-efficient windows or doors, using caulk and weatherstrips on the ones you have can really help.
Also, check for any leaks in the pipes that carry warm air around your home. Fixing these small issues might not seem like a big deal, but they all add up to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective mobile home.
Conclusion
As winter approaches and the chill sets in, ensuring the warmth and comfort of your mobile home becomes a top priority. The key to a cozy home lies in strategic upgrades and proactive measures, and at Mobile Home Parts Store, we’ve got everything you need to make your space energy-efficient without breaking the bank.
At Mobile Home Parts Store, we understand the importance of cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your mobile home skirting, energy-efficient windows, or make general repairs, our extensive range of products caters to every aspect of your mobile home’s needs.
As you prepare your mobile home for the winter months, trust Mobile Home Parts Store to be your partner in creating a warm and energy-efficient living space. Your cozy, cost-effective winter awaits!
Tags: mobile home maintenance, mobile home parts, Mobile Home Parts Store, mobile home repair, mobile home skirting, Winterize a mobile home
