Top 5 Energy Efficient Upgrades for a Manufactured Home

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Ian Golightly

As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, homeowners are increasingly focused on making energy-efficient upgrades. For manufactured homes, which have distinct construction characteristics compared to site-built homes, enhancing energy efficiency can significantly reduce utility bills, increase comfort, and lower carbon footprints. In this article, we explore the top 5 energy-efficient upgrades for manufactured homes and discuss the potential savings associated with each one.

Here  are the top energy efficient upgrades for a manufactured home that can potentially bring more value to your home and save money in the long term:

1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is one of the most impactful improvements for manufactured homes. Standard windows in older manufactured homes often leak air and let heat escape, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient windows, such as those certified by ENERGY STAR, are designed with double or triple panes and filled with inert gases like argon, which significantly improves insulation. They often have low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to minimize heat transfer.

Potential Annual Cost Savings:

By upgrading to energy-efficient windows, homeowners can save up to 12-30% on heating and cooling costs, depending on the climate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this can translate to around $125 to $340 annually in energy savings for a typical home.

Other Benefits:

• Improved indoor comfort.
• Reduction in condensation and moisture.
• Protection of interior furnishings from UV damage.

Source: Energy Star Windows Savings

2. Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat allows homeowners to control the heating and cooling systems more efficiently. These thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature automatically based on the time of day or occupancy, ensuring energy isn’t wasted when the home is empty or when everyone is asleep.

Smart thermostats take this a step further by learning your behavior patterns and optimizing energy use accordingly. Many models can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, giving homeowners full control no matter where they are.

Potential Annual Cost Savings:

According to Energy Star, using a programmable thermostat can save about 10% annually on heating and cooling bills, which can equate to approximately $180 in savings for an average household.

Other Benefits:

• Increased comfort and convenience.
• Can extend the life of HVAC systems by reducing overuse.
• Some models provide energy usage reports to help optimize savings further.

Source: Smart Thermostat Savings

3. Upgrade to LED Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest energy-efficient upgrades, yet it can have a significant impact on your energy bill. Replacing traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs with LED lighting is a simple way to cut energy costs. LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.

While the upfront cost of LED bulbs is higher than traditional options, the long-term savings are undeniable. Since lighting can account for about 10-15% of a home’s energy use, this upgrade can make a noticeable difference.

Potential Annual Cost Savings:

Swapping out the light bulbs in a home can lead to savings of around $75 to $200 annually, depending on the number of bulbs replaced and usage patterns.

Other Benefits:

• Reduced heat emission from lights, easing the load on HVAC systems.
• Longer lifespan of bulbs (around 15,000 to 25,000 hours).
• Environmentally friendly as they contain no hazardous materials.

Source: LED Lighting Energy Savings

4. Seal and Insulate Ductwork

Many manufactured homes have ductwork that is poorly insulated or leaky, resulting in significant energy loss. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as much as 30% of heated or cooled air is lost through leaks in the duct system. By sealing and insulating your ductwork, you can prevent energy waste and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Sealing ducts can be done with a combination of mastic sealant and foil-backed tape, while insulating ducts can be accomplished with rigid foam board or fiberglass insulation. Professional services may be required for older homes or those with difficult-to-access ductwork.

Potential Annual Cost Savings:

Sealing and insulating ducts can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20%, translating into annual savings of approximately $120 to $450, depending on the size of the home and the local climate.

Other Benefits:

• Improved indoor air quality by preventing dust and debris from entering the ducts.
• More consistent temperatures throughout the home.
• Reduced strain on HVAC systems, extending their lifespan.

Source: EPA Duct Sealing

5. Add Insulation to the Walls, Roof, and Floors

Many older manufactured homes were constructed with minimal insulation, leading to poor energy efficiency. Adding insulation to walls, roofs, and floors can greatly improve the thermal envelope of the home, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The R-value of insulation, which measures its ability to resist heat flow, is critical in determining its effectiveness. For manufactured homes, fiberglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam boards are common materials used to insulate various parts of the home. Upgrading insulation can especially benefit homes located in extreme climates, where temperature regulation is more challenging.

Potential Annual Cost Savings:

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that adding insulation can save homeowners 10-50% on heating and cooling costs, depending on the home’s existing insulation levels and climate zone. This could mean savings ranging from $150 to $500 annually.

Other Benefits:

• Improved comfort and reduced drafts.
• Noise reduction from outside sources.
• Increased home resale value.

Source: DOE Insulation Savings

Conclusion

Energy efficient upgrades for a manufactured home not only cuts down on utility bills but also enhances comfort and extends the lifespan of essential systems. The energy-efficient upgrades discussed—installing energy-efficient windows, upgrading to a programmable thermostat, switching to LED lighting, sealing and insulating ductwork, and adding insulation—are all investments that pay off over time, both in cost savings and in contributing to a greener, more sustainable environment.

To maximize the benefits, homeowners should assess their current energy consumption and consider professional energy audits. Combining these upgrades can lead to compounded savings, making manufactured homes more efficient than ever.

Lastly, energy efficient upgrades for a manufactured home can be done on a budget and can be done over time to reduce major upfront costs.

Source List:

1. Energy Star Windows Savings – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/energy-efficient-windows
2. Smart Thermostat Savings – https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/smart_thermostats
3. LED Lighting Energy Savings – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/led-lighting
4. EPA Duct Sealing – https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/methodology/duct_sealing
5. DOE Insulation Savings – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation