Keep the Warmth In: Energy-Saving Tips for Manufactured Homes

When temperatures drop, keeping your home comfortable can take extra energy – especially in a manufactured home. But with a few low-cost updates and maintenance habits, you can reduce heat loss, improve comfort and help keep your energy costs in check.

1. Seal Out the Cold

Warm air escapes easily through cracks around doors, windows, plumbing and ducts. Use weatherstripping, caulk and insulated skirting to stop leaks and keep your heat where it belongs – inside. If your home has a flexible “belly” or bottom board underneath, patch any torn areas and make sure it’s sealed tightly to reduce air loss and moisture problems.

2. Check Your Ducts

Leaky ducts are one of the biggest sources of wasted heat in manufactured homes – sometimes up to 20%. Inspect accessible ducts for holes or loose connections and use mastic or foil tape (not standard duct tape) to seal them. If you notice uneven heating between rooms, you may need a professional to check and repair the crossover duct beneath your home.

3. Insulate for Comfort

Adding insulation to the belly, roof cavity and walls can dramatically reduce heat loss, especially in pre-1976 homes. Roof “caps” or new insulation layers can also keep warm air from escaping through the ceiling. These jobs are best left to professionals, but they can pay off quickly through lower heating costs.

4. Tune Up Your Heating System

A clean, well-maintained furnace or heat pump runs more efficiently. Replace or clean air filters monthly during heating season and schedule a tune-up with a licensed technician each year. If your furnace is more than 25 years old – or you rely on electric resistance heat – ask about upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump.

5. Warm Water Efficiently

Lower your water heater temperature to about 120°F, wrap the tank (for electric heaters only) with an insulating blanket, and install low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators to cut hot-water use. Fix any drips – they waste both water and the energy that heats it.

6. Bright Ideas That Save

Switching to LED bulbs, closing blinds at night and opening curtains during the day to let in sunlight can help naturally warm and brighten your space.

Small fixes can add up to meaningful savings. By tightening your home and maintaining your systems, you can stay cozy all winter long – while keeping more control over your energy use.

For more tips and resources that can help you save, visit alabamapower.com/winter.