A whopping 85 percent of people say they have changed their habits and behaviors to be more environmentally friendly. Are you interested in doing the same?
The good news is that mobile homes are already, in many ways, more sustainable than other types of housing. For example, they produce less waste during the construction process and require less energy to heat, run water, etc.
Despite these benefits, you might want to do a little extra to have a positive impact on the environment. If so, this guide is for you.
Here are some practical and affordable strategies you can implement today!
A white or light-colored roof coating can significantly lower your home’s temperature because it reflects sunlight.
By lowering your home’s temperature, especially during the summer, you can reduce your energy bills since you won’t have to run the air conditioner as often. Running the air conditioner less often helps to reduce your overall energy usage and, by default, your carbon footprint.
Another option is to relocate your garden to your roof. This suggestion might sound strange at first, but stick with us.
A rooftop garden (also known as a green roof) can lower your house’s temperature and reduce electricity demand. It’s also a fun way to distinguish your home from others in the park.
Along with adding insulation to your roof, consider adding more insulation to your home’s walls and underbelly.
Insulating these areas will prevent heated or cooled air loss, which helps you to reduce energy usage and avoid expensive heating or cooling bills.
Keep in mind that some utility companies also offer rebates and other types of financial incentives for homeowners (including mobile homeowners) who add extra insulation.
If you still use incandescent lighting, it’s time to switch to LED (light-emitting diodes) lights or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). LEDs and CFLs use at least 75 percent less energy than other types of lights and last up to 25 times longer!
Remember that you don’t have to replace all your lightbulbs at once. Instead, gradually replace them with more energy-efficient options as they burn out.
If there are gaps between your windows and doors, or if they’re made with older materials, they might be causing your HVAC unit to work harder — meaning more energy usage and higher utility bills.
Consider updating your windows and doors with more energy-efficient styles. You can also replace the weather stripping or cover the windows with film if you’re looking for a more affordable option.
To insulate your home further, add insulated skirting around the bottom.
Insulated skirting adds an extra barrier around the lower portion of your house, preventing air loss and protecting the plumbing lines from freezing during the winter.
In addition to reducing air loss, insulated skirting can also add extra style to your mobile home. You can find many types of skirting in different patterns and textures, such as stone or wood.
Many guides to green living suggest replacing your appliances with more energy-efficient models. While this is a good tip, it’s not affordable for everyone.
Instead of buying all new appliances, focus on maintaining the ones you have. Keep up with general repairs and arrange to have larger devices, such as your HVAC unit, serviced regularly.
As soon as you notice a potential issue with your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, or heater/air conditioner, reach out to a professional.
Don’t forget that it’s generally more cost-effective to pay for regular maintenance than it is to wait until an appliance breaks. Malfunctioning appliances also use more energy and can raise your utility bills, costing you more money in the long run.
As you can see, there are lots of low-price, effective ways to redesign and revamp your space to support the planet. Even making just one of the changes discussed above can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Are you looking for more ways to enhance your mobile home? If so, we have lots of helpful posts available on our blog. Check out this one on storage solutions to maximize space next.