Nearly 40% of the contractors surveyed said that prefab and modular construction is a growing part of their companies as well as part of their future strategic construction initiatives. That being said, knowing how to improve your home’s efficiency based on upgrades that best match your home’s type can help you to maximize overall sustainability. And with the fall and winter seasons right around the corner, now’s a better time than ever to invest in some long-lasting upgrades for your mobile or prefab home. Here are just a few ideas for sustainable upgrades based on your budget.
Low Budget: Window Tints
Not many people realize just how much sunlight affects your home’s temperature — especially mobile homes. If you can’t afford to invest in new windows altogether, window tints are an ideal and budget-friendly alternative. You could save up to 40% on your utility bill by tinting your windows and keep your home more secure at the same time. Many companies provide free estimates, so don’t hesitate to explore this budget-friendly option.
Mid-Budget: Add Insulation
Many older mobile and modular homes are constructed with VOGs, or vinyl gypsum walls. For increased sustainability, it’s relatively easy to add some extra insulation of your own. Sheetrock is a popular option that won’t break your budget. But if you’re willing to make a bit of a larger investment, you may want to consider ICFs (insulated concrete forms), which can save homeowners 20% to 25% on annual heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Similarly, you can also improve insulation efficiency by taking a look at your home’s roof — more specifically, its covering. Coating your mobile home’s roof with a cool roof coating can help to reflect even more sunlight and keep the temperature balanced. This is a relatively simple project that most people with DIY project experience should have no problem tackling. For a more advanced project, consider adding an extra layer of insulation:
“It takes a little more work, but you can save up to 15% of heating and insulation costs simply by insulating your mobile home or manufactured home roof cavity. Installing a sloped roof allows extra room for insulation in the ceiling of your home,” says Saturn.
Cost-Free Options
If you have a particularly budget, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to improve your mobile home’s sustainability without spending a dime. You can start, for example, by saving power and turning off all lights and electronics when not in use, or even unplugging them completely. Similarly, cleaning out your HVAC system’s filter is an important maintenance step that can improve efficiency throughout the season and cut your utility bills.
Ultimately, there are countless ways to improve your mobile home’s efficiency, even on a limited budget. Don’t underestimate the impact that you can make by making these small yet sustainable changes.
