Just a few ways to make your Mobile Home more engery-efficient
1. ADD INSULATION
As more than half of the energy we use in our homes goes toward heating and cooling, insulation plays a critical role in making a mobile home more energy-efficient. If you intend to purchase or already own an older home, there are 3 effective ways to insulate your home according to EERE. (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
+ Install rigid foam boards. Rigid foam insulation boards, like expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded Polystyrene (XPS) & polyisocyanurate (ISO), have R-values that range from R-3.6 to R-8.0 inch of thickness. They come in batts or rolls and can easily cut to fit the inside walls, "belly" & roof system.
WHOA!! Ok Ok...even MY eyes glazed over just typing that! Basically what I'm saying is this:
The R-value is a measure of how well a two-dimensional barrier, such as a layer of insulation, a window or a complete wall or ceiling, resists the conductive flow of heat. So depending on which insulation you choose, that is the rating of what will keep heat in your home.
+ Apply injection or foam insulation. Now that we understand what R-values are, spray foams have an R-value between R-3.7 & R-6.5 per inch of thickness and it will expand and harden to create an air barrier. Spray foams are great for enclosed spaces and small cavities where its difficult to install other types of insulation.
+ Opt for blown-in or loose-fill insulation: Blown in or loose-fill is composed of small particles of fiberglass, cellulose or mineral will, which can fit into virtually any inaccessible space, including odd shaped spaces or spaces with obstruction. This type of insulation is best to insulate areas like under the floor and space between ceiling/attic and the roof.
2. REPLACE OLD WINDOWS:
+ Replacing old windows with new, high performance products is always a wise decision that won't only affect your homes interior and exterior appearance, but it also helps prevent air leaks.
3. REPLACE OLD EXTERIOR DOORS:
+ You should also replace exterior doors with new doors that insulate better. Nobody likes a drafty door. Am I right?! For greater efficiency, it's essential to consider the energy performance ratings of the doors you plan on purchasing. According to Energy Star, multiple glass panes, magnetic strips to crate that tighter seal and improved core materials are the elements that can make your door more efficient.
These are just a few tips that can help you save those pennies for that vacation you want to go on! Me personally, I'm saving those $$ for a trip to watch my New York Yankees play in Yankee Stadium!
Go YANKS!!