Although the details may vary slightly from home to home, the average mobile home built up until the mid-1980s is built with 2 x 4-in. exterior walls and RSI 2.1 (R-12) fiber insulation. Mid 80’s to present day: Exterior walls are 2 x 6 inches. walls with R-20 wadding insulation. The ceiling insulation is R-24 to R-34.

Mobile homes built before the mid-1970s are less airtight than newer homes. Leakage areas are generally distributed throughout the unit, but in double-width homes, the seam between the two halves can be a significant source of air leakage. In fact, if you combine all the fonts, there’s an average of 12 x 13 inches. air gap.

Homes with forced air systems often do not have cold air ducts that prevent ventilation of the entire unit. Homes typically sit on stilt foundations with an uninsulated and unheated crawl space.

The following are improvements you can make that will help save energy in your mobile home. Savings potential varies by year and the condition of your unit and your location. They are designed to reduce:

– energy used
– drafts
– summer overheating
– humidity and condensation problems
– outside noise
– Emissions of greenhouse gases
– improve humidity levels
– improve indoor air quality
– increase the overall comfort level

1. Heating:

Replace the furnace with a high-efficiency model based on the size of your mobile home. In some cases, the furnace can be combined with the water heater so that only one unit is required. Seal any conduit where you can easily access it. Install programmable thermostats to automatically lower temperatures at night or when you’re not around.

2. Drafts:

Seal air leaks around light fixtures, wiring, where utilities enter through walls or floors, and in double-width homes, the joint where the two halves meet. Better air sealing will also keep humidity levels from dropping, but if levels drop below 30 percent, consider adding a humidifier.

3. Insulation:

Increase ceiling insulation to a minimum of R-28. If your unit has a vaulted ceiling, the change can be made from the inside with little impact on ceiling height. Rigid board insulation (with taped seams), can also be attached to the ceiling and covered with gypsum board. Insulate hot water pipes with pipe insulation and insulate the hot water tank.

4. Windows:

Replace windows with an array of low-e, energy-efficient, argon gas double-glazed windows. Make sure the seam around the window frame is well sealed and the weatherstripping is in good condition.

5. Exterior doors:

If your unit has the older wooden exterior doors, consider replacing them with the insulated metal version. They are durable, easy to maintain, and look great. Repair any damaged weather stripping. You may want to consider adding a small vestibule to trap cold air before entering the house in areas with bad weather.

6. Bases and crawl spaces:

For houses on pile foundations, make sure the gable is fully insulated and the roadway barrier is in good condition.

Reduce moisture by covering dirt or concrete floors by placing a continuous layer of polyethylene on top, running 6 inches up the wall.