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Improving your home’s energy efficiency is important, regardless of what type of home you own. For manufactured homeowners, tackling these efficiency measures will improve your comfort and could save money on your energy bills.

1. Invest in a high-efficiency heat pump. Of all energy-efficiency upgrades, replacing an electric furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump will give you the greatest return on your investment. (See article on page 10 about rebates & incentives).

2. Caulk around windows and/or replace window weather stripping. Replace any window stripping in poor condition to reduce airflow around windows and add caulk any place air can escape. This helps keep Mother Nature out and conditioned air in.

3. Replace door weather stripping and install a door sweep. This sounds simple, and it is. Poor fitting weather stripping allows for significant air leakage. Add a door sweep (or draft snake) at the bottom of exterior doors to help stop drafts.

4. Add skirting.

5. Inspect the underbelly. Remove a section of skirting from underneath your manufactured home, and check to see if insulation is damaged or missing. This insulation protects your ductwork and helps seal your home, so replace or repair damage. 28700003

6. Check your ductwork. Your ductwork carries heated and cooled air from the unit to the vents. Cracks in seams causes this air to leak out – costing you money. If your ducts are exposed, use duct mastic (available at home supply stores) to seal ductwork and keep conditioned air where it belongs.

7. Remove window air conditioners in the winter. Air leakage will occur through and around the unit. An alternative is to cover the interior and exterior of the window unit with specially designed covers, which can be found at many stores.

8. Add cool roof coating. A cool roof coating can reflect up to 85 percent of sunlight, lower the indoor temperature and reduce air conditioning costs. These white or light colored coatings can be applied by roller or brush.

9. Install LED bulbs. LED bulbs use dramatically less energy and last eight to ten times longer than traditional bulbs. But remember, even though LED bulbs use less energy, turn them off when not needed to save money. 99224001

How can you tell if your manufactured home needs energy efficiency improvements? It may be a good candidate if:
• It was built before 1994 (and especially 1976 when there were no construction standards)
• You feel drafts on a windy day
• The air near the floor is noticeably cooler than the air closer to the ceiling
• You have trouble keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Ask the energy experts at West Florida Electric Cooperative for more money-saving efficiency tips. We value your membership. We value you.