Energy bills can get expensive, especially during the hot summer months or the cold winter months. Manufactured home makers know this and strive to use the most modern energy-efficient products for their homes. Features like advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and state-of-the-art HVAC systems not only reduce energy consumption but also translate to significant cost savings for homeowners. This comprehensive guide explores energy efficiency in modern manufactured homes and how you can enhance yours.
Adding insulation to your home helps keep it cool when it's hot outside and vice versa, keeping you comfortable year-round. Insulation is typically installed in walls and floors to prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home. Poorly insulated homes can result in higher energy bills since your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
If you have to insulate your home, look for high-performance insulation such as spray foam, rigid foam boards, or blown-in cellulose. These materials help minimize energy loss, ensuring that your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, proper insulation reduces drafts and cold spots, enhancing overall comfort.
It's best to hire a professional to install insulation in your home as they have the knowledge and tools to access those hard-to-reach spots behind walls. Likewise, a professional will ensure the insulation gets installed evenly and without gaps to maximize its effectiveness.
You should have your blinds up during the day to let in natural light, as this reduces the need to turn on lighting fixtures, lowering some energy bills. However, as the sunlight shines through your windows, it also lets in infrared light, which can heat the space. Air can also flow through the gaps around doors and windows if they have an improper seal.
To enhance the energy efficiency of your manufactured home, look for windows with Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings. These coatings reflect infrared light while allowing natural light to pass through, maintaining bright interiors while minimizing heat transfer. Additionally, double-pane and triple-pane glass systems feature insulating air pockets that significantly improve thermal performance.
Weather stripping creates a tight seal that blocks air leaks, keeping your home comfortable year-round. There are various types of weather stripping available, such as adhesive foam tape, V-strip, and door sweeps, each suited for different areas of your home.
Modern manufactured homes incorporate high-efficiency heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling with exceptional energy performance. These systems use refrigerant technology to transfer heat rather than generate it, resulting in energy efficiency ratings significantly higher than traditional furnaces. Heat pumps can achieve efficiency ratings of 300-400%, meaning they produce three to four times more energy than they consume.
To further optimize your home's HVAC systems, look for options that come with programmable or smart thermostats so you can adjust temperatures as needed.
With a programmable thermostat, you can set the air to remain at a specific temperature throughout the day. This means you can set it to 72 degrees Fahrenheit when the family is home, and allow it to decrease a bit at night. Your thermostat will follow this routine every day, so you don't have to worry about manually adjusting things.
Smart thermostats, on the other hand, take it to the next level by using advanced technology to learn your behavior and preferences. You can adjust the temperature in your home from a cellphone or tablet, even if you're away from home.
Energy Star-certified appliances consume 10-50% less energy than standard models while providing identical or superior performance. Most modern energy-efficient appliances include advanced features like load sensing in washing machines and adaptive defrost in refrigerators. Likewise, smart connectivity allows homeowners to monitor and control appliance usage remotely, further optimizing their energy consumption.
The long-term savings from Energy Star appliances often exceed their initial cost premium within the first few years of operation. Reduced utility bills, combined with potential rebates and tax incentives, make energy-efficient appliances financially attractive investments. These appliances also tend to have longer lifespans due to their advanced engineering and quality construction.
The light fixtures in your home could also be to blame for higher energy bills, especially if you have traditional incandescent bulbs. Most builders use LED lights in modern manufactured homes since they consume less energy and last longer than conventional options.
Smart home technology can also help reduce energy bills related to lighting. You can remotely control all fixtures through a smartphone or a voice assistant, and some even have motion sensors to turn off when no one is in the room.
Another way to improve energy efficiency in modern manufactured homes is by finding ways to utilize renewable energy. Solar panels are one of the most common options for renewable energy since they're easy to install on the roof and accessible no matter where you live. These systems have a battery storage unit that stores the energy collected throughout the day and provides electricity at night.
Moreover, installing solar panels on your home comes with federal tax credits, and most states also provide incentives. This means you not only have lower energy bills but can also get payback for your investment in the long run.
While wind turbines are another option for renewable energy, they're less popular for homes due to the amount of space they take up. Additionally, they're not mobile, so unlike the solar panels that'll move with your home, you can't take your wind turbine with you if you were to move.
Low-flow fixtures in manufactured homes reduce water consumption without compromising performance or comfort. Modern faucets, showerheads, and toilets use advanced engineering to maintain water pressure while using significantly less water. These fixtures can reduce water usage by 20-40% compared to standard models.
If you have modern water fixtures but notice high water bills, there may be something wrong with your plumbing system. Leaks and other problems can cause water waste without you even realizing it. Likewise, your water heater or another appliance may be using more water than necessary due to damage. Contact a professional to diagnose and fix the issue before wasting more water.
Capitol Supply and Service is a manufactured home supplier that sells essentials that will help you save water and energy. We offer a wide range of supplies, and our expert technicians can help you find exactly what you need for your home. You can also contact our team to help maintain or repair your appliances as needed. By embracing energy-efficient features and making thoughtful upgrades, you can make your home more comfortable and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.