Most mobile homes are built with sufficient insulation in their walls to conform to cold climate states. Unfortunately, these same mobile homes are sitting up on axles and wheels when they are delivered. This allows the cold north wind to blow under them. The mobile home's duct work is under the floors and also gets a blast of cold air, even though it is hidden in insulation. This can make your furnace less than efficient and your floors very cold. You'll need to take immediate action to save money on your heating bill and to save your cold feet.
Instructions
On the Outside
1. Put skirting around the mobile home. A new mobile home may come with skirting, but if it didn't or you purchased a used one, skirting needs to be put up to block the wind. Invest in a good quality insulated skirting, instead of the cheap plastic kind.
2. Cut sections of insulation board and glue it to the back side of the original skirting. This will add extra stability and insulation to thinner skirting. Insulation board is a type of Styrofoam and can be bought cheaply. It comes in several sizes and can be easily cut to size.
3. Build a wooden frame under the outer edge of the mobile home. Use 2 x 4's and space the uprights every 16 inches just like wall studs. Enclose the frame by attaching concrete boards. These concrete boards are painted in several different colors and look like stucco. It is an attractive and sturdy way to insulate your mobile home floors.
4. Add more insulation. If the mobile home is older, chances are the insulation has gotten torn away, or was not very efficient to begin with. Buy some good quality rolls of insulation and attach it to the entire underneath of the mobile home.
On the Inside
5. Check for cold air around all of the floor and wall seams. Double wide mobile homes often let in cold air between the two halves. Caulk any air leaks you find. Check the windows and doors to make sure they are tight. If air leaks under the doors, use a throw rug to block it.
6. Make sure all of the duct work is tight and securely attached to the vents in the floor. Take the top of the heat vents off and check for any drafts around the edges. The duct work might have slipped off or not been sealed properly. Attaching plastic directional pieces over the vents will allow the air to blow across the floor instead of straight up.
7. Consider installing new carpet. Older mobile homes may have a worn carpet that is not a good insulator anymore. New carpeting and a thicker carpet pad will act as an insulator against the cold. Use large foam backed throw rugs in areas that do not have carpeting, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Place runners around beds so that you are walking on them instead of the cold floor.
Tips Warnings
Check the skirting periodically to make sure it is tight and free of holes.
Improper skirting and insulation can lead to higher heating bills and make your furnace work harder.
Tags: insulate, cold, floors, mobile, home, mobile home, mobile homes, duct work, concrete boards, good quality, make your, make your furnace, your furnace