When you live in the Midwest, you know how important it is to have a well-heated home, especially once winter hits. Bitter winds and below-freezing temperatures become the norm, making every crack in your home a potential pathway for cold air to seep in. If you live in a manufactured home, keeping the heat inside can be extra challenging, but you can keep your home toasty with the right upgrades.
Delve into the top tips for improving the heating in your manufactured home.
Skirting ventilation allows fresh air to enter the space under your manufactured home, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew. This airflow also regulates the temperature inside your home. Without ventilation, cold air can stagnate and seep into your living space, making it harder to maintain a warm interior.
When adding skirting ventilation to your manufactured home, consider the skirting’s material since it affects durability and effectiveness. These are a few popular options:
If you’re unsure which material you’d prefer for your home, talk with a professional skirting installer to discuss the pros and cons of each option. They can also provide recommendations based on your specific needs and budget.
Air leaks around doors, windows, and utility openings are major contributors to heat loss in manufactured homes. Sealing these entry points prevents warm air from escaping and stops cold air from creeping in.
Walk through your home to look and feel for gaps. Pay close attention to common problem areas, like the edges of doors and windows, baseboards, and any areas where utilities (like pipes or wiring) enter your home.
Once you’ve located the problem spots, address them using the appropriate materials. For smaller gaps and cracks around windows and doors, apply a high-quality silicone or latex caulk, as these materials are flexible and can withstand temperature fluctuations. For larger gaps or irregular spaces, consider expanding foam sealant to fill in and effectively block out cold air. Be sure to trim off any excess foam after it hardens for a neat finish.
You can’t add caulk to every gap since some air entry points are also functional. For example, there may be a space under your door where warm air slips through, and applying caulk or foam to this gap will stop your door from working. Instead, buy a draft stopper or make one with a rolled-up towel to block out cold air when the door isn’t in use.
All homes have insulation to trap as much warm or cool air inside as possible. Insulation prevents air from escaping through walls, ceilings, and floors. Insulation is essentially a barrier within the home, so when you turn on your HVAC system, it maintains your set temperature without straining itself. The harder your HVAC system has to work, the higher your energy bills will be since the system will probably be on longer or cycle more frequently.
If you add insulation to your manufactured home, keep in mind that there are different types. Spray foam works well in tight, hard-to-reach areas and provides excellent sealing properties. Fiberglass insulation is another cost-effective option that offers reliable thermal resistance.
Buying a quality HVAC system is one of the best ways to improve the heating in your manufactured home. Older systems often consume high amounts of power but struggle to keep up with modern systems’ heating capabilities. If you’re in the market for a manufactured home or have lived in one for several years, it may be time to buy a new HVAC system.
Consider the following as you look for the right HVAC system for your manufactured home.
The size of your HVAC system matters just as much as its quality. A unit that’s too small will struggle to heat your home efficiently, and an oversized one could lead to wasted energy and frequent cycling.
Most manufacturers list the square footage their systems can handle for heating and cooling, so accurately measure your home before shopping for an HVAC system. If you cannot find the information in the HVAC’s product description, contact the company for more information.
Energy-efficient HVAC systems can save you money on utility bills, making them a smart long-term investment. Look for models with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating or an ENERGY STAR certification. These systems provide optimal heating with lower energy usage, helping you keep a warm house without breaking the bank.
Each type of HVAC system has benefits depending on your home’s layout and needs. It’s important to evaluate which option makes the most sense, from heat pumps and mini-split systems to furnaces. Keep in mind that many mobile homes do not support traditional ductwork, so traditional HVAC systems aren’t usually an option.
Instead, ductless mini-splits are great for smaller spaces, while heat pumps work well in moderate climates. Since the Midwest has both hot and cold seasons, a combination of a heat pump and furnace might be the best choice for efficient year-round heating.
Mobile home HVAC systems are a significant investment, so choosing one with a solid warranty is wise. A good warranty offers peace of mind and protection in case of malfunctions or defects. Additionally, inquire about maintenance plans to ensure your system runs efficiently and lasts a long while with regular servicing.
You can keep your manufactured home cozy throughout the year with solutions like sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, and maintaining proper ventilation. At Capitol Supply & Service, we sell, install, and maintain top-quality HVAC products that are perfect for manufactured homes. Whether you need a new furnace, ductwork repairs, or advice on how to keep your home warmer this winter, we’re here to help. We can ensure your home stays comfortable, efficient, and worry-free all season.