Buying a mobile home can be one of the most affordable and energy efficient housing options available. Like any other type of home, however, there are a few steps you can take at home to reduce your energy costs even further. Here are three steps you can take to help your mobile home hold heat better and reduce your heating bill.
Keep the Skirting in Good Condition
The skirting on your mobile home is important for more than improving its appearance. If you have tears and holes in your mobile home's skirting, it can allow heat to escape from under your home. This wastes energy that could be used to heat your home.
You should repair holes in skirting as soon as you notice them to avoid wasting energy. For small holes, you can tape the inside and use a paint scraper to apply caulk to the outside. Look for caulk that is colored to match your skirting to maintain its appearance. Larger holes will typically require that you replace the torn panel.
Seal Windows and Doors With Caulk
Small cracks around your windows and doors can be letting heat out of your home without you even realizing it. These cracks may not always be apparent, so the best way to find them is to hold a lighter next to your windows and doors. If the flame wavers, there is a draft that is allowing heat to escape outside.
Typically, a half-cartridge of water-based foaming caulk is enough to seal a window or door from the inside. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle and push the caulking gun away from your body along the gap. Move at an even pace, and use your finger or a finishing tool to smooth out the caulk and form an airtight seal.
Add Insulation to the Roof and Floor
Often times, the insulation in the floor and roof of your mobile home will only be partly filled. Taking full advantage of all the unfilled cavities in your roof and floor is one of the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your mobile home. Paying a professional insulator now to blow fiberglass insulation into the unused areas of your roof and floor can save you hundreds on your heating bill each year.
Mobile homes are one of the best options around for energy efficient living. Take advantage of these tips now to enjoy a lower heating bill next winter. Talk to a professional like AAA Homes, Inc for more information.
Share9 January 2015
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