How To Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs in a Modular Home

Do you dread opening your energy bills every month? You’re not alone. As energy costs continue climbing, many homeowners are experiencing the strain of monthly utilities. Modular homes sometimes struggle to maintain consistent temperatures year-round. The unique construction methods that make these homes affordable can also create opportunities for energy loss.

That’s why it’s essential for modular homeowners to find practical solutions that address energy usage. Luckily, learning how to reduce heating and cooling costs in a modular home is simple. From quick DIY fixes you can tackle this weekend to larger investments that pay dividends for years, you'll discover actionable steps that work specifically for modular home construction.

Upgrade Interior Insulation

Proper insulation serves as your home's thermal barrier, keeping conditioned air inside and weather outside. Modular homes typically come with high-quality insulation, but there’s always an opportunity for upgrades.

Focus your insulation efforts on the following key areas.

Wall Insulation

Check the R-value of your existing wall insulation by referring to your house plans or contacting the manufacturer. The R-value measures the heat transfer of insulation. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be. Most modular home walls feature insulation that’s rated R-15 or higher.

Roof Cavity Insulation

Your attic or roof cavity represents one of the biggest opportunities for energy savings. Heat rises, making this area critical for maintaining comfortable temperatures. Aim for R-30 to R-49 insulation levels, depending on your climate zone.

Consider hiring professionals for major insulation upgrades. They have the tools and expertise to ensure proper installation and can identify problem areas you might miss.

Install Insulated Skirting

The area beneath your modular home creates a unique challenge that site-built homes don't face. This exposed crawl space allows outside air to circulate under your floors, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Insulated skirting closes off this space and provides thermal protection. Choose skirting materials with built-in insulation, or add rigid foam insulation to the interior side of your skirting panels. This improvement is an effective way to reduce energy usage in many modular homes.

Insulated skirting requires ventilation, so make sure to install foundation vents. This step prevents moisture buildup while still providing the thermal barrier you need.

Apply a Reflective Roof Coating

Your roof absorbs tremendous amounts of heat during summer months, turning your modular home into an oven. Reflective roof coatings bounce sunlight away from your home instead of absorbing it, reducing cooling costs significantly.

These specialized coatings reflect more solar radiation, compared to traditional roofing materials. Your roof surface stays cooler, reducing heat transfer into your living spaces. Many homeowners see cooling cost reductions after applying reflective coatings.

Different coating types work best for different roofing materials. Acrylic coatings work well for metal roofs common on modular homes, while elastomeric coatings suit membrane or built-up roofs. You may need to invest in professional application to ensure proper coverage.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Air leaks sabotage your energy efficiency efforts by allowing conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter. Modular homes have specific areas where air leaks commonly occur, so focus on these key areas first:

• Window and door frames
• Seams where home sections connect
• Around electrical outlets and switch plates
• Plumbing penetrations
• HVAC duct connections

Use caulk for stationary gaps and weatherstripping for movable joints like doors and windows. Expanding foam works well for larger gaps, while painter's caulk handles smaller cracks. Check these seals annually and refresh them as needed.

A simple way to find air leaks involves walking around your home on a windy day with a lit incense stick. The smoke will move toward air leaks, helping you identify problem spots that need attention.

Improve Window and Door Efficiency

Windows and doors represent significant opportunities for energy loss in modular homes. Upgrading to double-pane windows with low-E coatings can reduce energy transfer more than single-pane units. If replacement windows aren't in your budget, consider adding storm windows, applying window film, or installing blinds to improve insulation values.

Exterior doors should fit tightly in their frames with proper weatherstripping around all edges. Replace hollow-core exterior doors with insulated steel or fiberglass units. Also, don't forget about the door between your home and any attached garage or storage areas.

Regular maintenance keeps windows and doors operating efficiently. Clean tracks, adjust hinges, and replace worn weatherstripping promptly to maintain proper seals.

Optimize Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system works hardest when other energy efficiency measures fall short. Optimizing HVAC performance reduces energy consumption while improving comfort throughout your home. Following a maintenance routine and sticking to thermostat settings can help.

Key Maintenance Tasks

• Change air filters monthly during peak seasons
• Clean supply and return vents regularly
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups
• Seal ductwork joints and connections

Thermostat Settings

A great way to improve energy efficiency is to set your thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer. You can also use programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures when you're away or sleeping.

If your current HVAC system is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency mobile home HVAC unit. Modern systems use less energy than older models, which makes them a smart investment.

Consider Your Landscaping

Strategic landscaping creates natural climate control around your modular home. Trees, shrubs, and other plantings can reduce energy costs while enhancing your property's appearance.

For example, you could plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to provide summer shade while allowing winter sun to reach your windows after leaves fall. Evergreen trees work well as windbreaks on the north side.

Planting shrubs near your home's foundation creates insulating air pockets that reduce temperature extremes. Just avoid planting too close to your skirting or foundation, which could create moisture problems or pest issues.

Explore Smart Home Technology

Smart home devices help you monitor and control energy usage more effectively than traditional systems. These technologies provide data and automation that optimize your home's energy performance.

• Smart thermostats: These devices learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures for maximum efficiency. Many models provide energy usage reports that help you identify additional saving opportunities.
• Smart home monitoring: Whole-home energy monitors show real-time usage and identify energy-wasting appliances or systems. This information helps you make decisions about when to use high-energy devices.
• Smart sensors: Window and door sensors can trigger HVAC adjustments to prevent energy waste from forgotten open windows or doors.

Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today

Learning how to reduce heating and cooling costs in a modular home requires a systematic approach that addresses your home's unique characteristics. Start with simple improvements like sealing air leaks and adjusting your thermostat settings. These changes provide immediate benefits while you plan larger investments like insulation upgrades or HVAC system improvements.

Capitol Supply & Service specializes in maintaining HVAC systems in modular homes and beyond. Contact us today to learn how we can improve your home’s energy efficiency!