Keeping Warm in Older Mobile Home

Living in an older mobile home in winter can be a real challenge. Originally, mobile homes were built for mobility before strict regulations enforced sturdier and more energy-efficient rules. And flimsy and lightweight materials holding up a home can lead to devastating results during a natural disaster and difficulty regulating temperature, especially during the winter. Fortunately, homes built after 1976 and beyond are built with much sturdier stuff, thanks to HUD-enforced regulations, but if you live in a mobile home built before 1976, here are some tips to stay warm when the temps get low.

1. Sealing Drafts and Insulating Windows

Older mobile homes are notorious for having drafts. Drafty windows are primarily to blame; here are a few tricks to prevent cold air from getting through your windows:

• Bubble Wrap: This may sound odd, but bubble wrap on your windows adds an extra layer of insulation. It’s easy to apply, and the air pockets in the wrap can significantly reduce heat loss.
• Weatherstripping: If you haven’t already, check for gaps in your doors and windows. Adding weatherstripping around the edges of doors and windows is a quick, low-cost way to keep the cold out.
• Tin Foil: If your bathroom fan or kitchen vent lets cold air in, you can cover it with tightly packed tin foil to prevent drafts. You can still remove it for ventilation when needed.

2. Skirting and Underbelly Insulation

Under your mobile home, skirting (or lack thereof) is often the reason for cold floors and frozen pipes. Here’s what you can do:

• Skirting: Insulate the underside of your home with foam board or plastic sheeting. This creates an air pocket that helps retain heat under the house, keeping your floors warmer.
• Insulation: If you can, adding insulation to the underbelly of your mobile home is a solid investment. It can prevent freezing pipes and reduce heat loss.
• Snow Trick: If you live in a particularly snowy region, piling snow around the base of your mobile home can act as an additional insulating barrier.

3. Space Heaters and Radiators

While space heaters are great for spot heating, be cautious about running them all night. Some models can be dangerous if not monitored. If you have the budget, consider:

• Oil-Filled Radiators: These heaters are more efficient than conventional space heaters and provide steady, even heat. They don’t dry out the air and stay warm long after you turn them off.
• Parabolic Heaters: These are great for warming up your space without heating the entire room. They direct heat toward you rather than warming the air, so you can stay cozy without wasting energy.

4. Maximizing Your Furnace

If you have a central furnace, make sure it is running efficiently. Check the following:

• Furnace Maintenance: Clean or replace filters regularly and check that the vents aren’t blocked. A well-maintained furnace will heat your home more effectively.
• Temperature Settings: If your furnace is running nonstop and still not warming up the house, it might be time to check it. You might need an energy audit or professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
• Space Optimization: Close any rooms you don’t need to heat, especially if you have extra bedrooms you’re not using. This will help concentrate the warmth in the living areas.

5. Get Creative with Heat Sources

Here are a few more creative ways to keep cozy:

• Rugs and Carpet: A large rug can act as insulation in rooms where the floor is cold. If you have any cold floor areas, putting down an area rug will make a huge difference.
• Portable Bed Tents: If you’re desperate, a portable bed tent is a quick and easy way to trap heat around your bed while you sleep. This is perfect for colder nights when you want to create a warm little “bubble” of space.
• Electric Blanket: Invest in an electric blanket or mattress pad. These heated blankets help you sleep through the night without cranking up the thermostat.

6. Call in the Experts: Winterization Help

If winter is unbearable, look into local programs to help winterize your home, especially if you meet income guidelines. Many states offer free or low-cost energy audits to help identify areas where you’re losing heat and improve energy efficiency.

Surviving a cold winter in a mobile home isn’t easy, but with a little effort, creativity, and thoughtful investments, you can stay warm without breaking the bank. Remember, winter is just a season, and with patience and preparation, you’ll be enjoying your cozy home again before you know it.