Energy Savings Tips for Summer

When summer arrives, it is time to deal with the warm outside temperatures. Often, this means running the air conditioner to stay cool indoors. When living in a mobile home, this can cause a great increase in electric bill costs. To avoid the expense and be friendlier to the environment, it will be helpful to learn some tips to save energy.

Seal Doors and Windows

As summer approaches, it will be important to stay cool. When the air conditioner is on, it is imperative for the cool air to remain inside. Often, mobile homes have poorly sealed doors and windows. This allows warm air to enter and cold air to escape. In the end, the air conditioner will have to run harder to maintain the same temperature.

To make sure these leaks do not occur, it is wise to inspect the spaces surrounding the mobile home's doors and windows. If it is not possible to block the leaks, it may be time to select new windows or doors. Besides being energy efficient, the numerous style choices will update the look of a home as well.

Maintain the Air Conditioning Unit

The best way to make sure an air conditioner is ready for summer is to perform regular maintenance on the unit. The most common chore that assures few problems is cleaning the filter. Every few months, it may be wise to invest in a new filter. Not only will the unit function better, it will also save energy as well.

Replace the Light Bulbs

Although summer is a season filled with sunlight, it will still be necessary to turn on the lamps from time to time. To make things more energy efficient, it is possible to replace old light bulbs with newer energy saving fluorescent models. These bulbs use up to a quarter less energy than traditional bulbs. Lowering the energy usage will create a nice savings at the end of each month.

Cover the Windows

A smart way to keep the heat from the sun out of a mobile home is to keep the windows covered. Window blinds are easy to hang and do not interfere with existing curtains. They will increase privacy and help keep interior temperatures lower. This means that an air conditioner will not need to work as hard. These blinds are available in various sizes to accommodate all windows as well.

Coat the Roof

Something most people forget about is the roof of a home. However, this is one of the first places to consider taking measures to save energy. Many products on the market are made to coat the roof of a mobile home and reflect the warmth of the sun. This will keep interior temperature much lower. A white roof coating will reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's rays. This type of product is simple to apply, especially with a quality roof coating brush and handle.

Use Appliances Wisely

To save energy during the summertime, it is vital to understand how to use appliances wisely. For instance, to keep indoor temperatures down, it is wise to run the dishwasher or dryer at night. It is also better to cook dinner on the barbecue instead of baking in the oven. Lastly, it is important to unplug appliances or other electronics when they are not in use.

Setting the Thermostat Correctly

When your air conditioner is connected to your thermostat, remember to set the temperature to the highest level possible that maintains comfort. It is recommended to set the dial at 78 degrees or higher when at home and 85 degrees while away. This will prevent the A/C unit from running when it is not necessary. It may also be helpful to turn the hot water heater to 120 degrees. Both of these measures will help save energy during summer months.

Insulate

The best way to make a mobile home energy efficient is to add insulation under the roof and underneath the base. This will protect the home from the elements and help maintain the interior temperatures. In other words, it will remain warm in winter and cool in the summer.

The above tips should help a person save energy in a mobile home during the warm months of summer. They require simple effort but will bring many positive benefits. In the end, using less energy will lower monthly utility bills and help the environment as well.

8 Items to Keep Your Mobile Home Safe

Safety is one of the top concerns for mobile-home owners as well as for conventional-home owners. A thorough inspection of your mobile home may reveal some features you can upgrade and some features you can add that will increase the safety of your family and guests.

Smoke and Carbon-Monoxide Alarms

Early warning systems are important features that help save lives and property, and we have a good selection of alarms that will give you peace of mind concerning fire, smoke and carbon monoxide. Keep a smoke alarm near every sleeping room and living area and select electric or battery-powered detectors. Protect your family from carbon-monoxide poisoning by purchasing a carbon-monoxide detector as well. Our carbon-monoxide detectors powered by lithium batteries have sensor-life monitors, electrochemical sensors and are resistant to tampering. Additionally, a combo alarm combines a smoke detector and a carbon-monoxide detector in one unit for economy and efficiency.

Fire Extinguishers

Made especially for kitchen fires, our kitchen fire extinguishers are effective for electrical, oil and flammable-liquid fires. The fire-fighting contents of the extinguishers are not corrosive and surfaces with which they come in contact are easy to clean.

Our heavy-duty, multipurpose fire extinguishers are rechargeable and valuable tools for controlling fires fueled by electricity, liquids, paper, wood and trash. Keep them in convenient locations where you can reach them quickly if necessary.

Lighting

Well-lit spaces provide extra measures of safety both inside and outside your mobile home. Exterior lighting discourages intruders by making your home more visible and less attractive to anyone with criminal intentions. Further, you can walk around outside without stumbling on objects left in your driveway or on the sidewalk when you have adequate outdoor lighting, and our lighted assist handles help you locate doors easily. Sufficient indoor lighting helps prevent tripping or stumbling in your home after the sun goes down. We have a wide range of light fixtures, bulbs and shades, including dome lights, ceiling lights, the popular Europa lights, appliance bulbs, chandelier bulbs, a variety of outdoor and indoor shades and even skylights.

Railings and Steps

Guarding against falls at the entries to your home is easy and inexpensive when you install railings along the steps. Our rail mounts have pre-drilled holes for faster installation, and prices start at less than $30. If your steps are cracked or broken, replace them with our fiberglass steps that have textured, slip-resistant surfaces to give a better foothold in any weather. Receding risers allow the steps to offer 12 inches of space for feet and provide a contemporary appearance as well.

Doors, Guards and Viewers

In addition to our standard, manufactured-home doors, we offer doors made of thick, high-quality, vinyl-laminated, galvanized steel to provide greater protection. Comparable to those on site-built homes, the doors have additional value because they feature insulation of energy-efficient polyurethane, and you can add one of our decorative door lights to enhance the appearance of the doors.

Our doorknockers include viewers that let you see who is on the other side of your doors before you open them, and chain guards allow you to open doors enough to speak to people without admitting them into your home.

Locks

Locks provide security for your family and your possessions. We have an array of locks, including single and double-cylinder, stainless or brass dead bolts, storm-door closers and latches and patio-door locks, and we offer the kits that make installation simple.

Anchors

Mobile homes constructed in factories and delivered to their home sites do not have as much structural support as do standard homes built on site. Because mobile homes are lighter, which makes them easy to transport, they may not be sturdy enough to withstand the winds of a strong tornado. Although it is best to get out of mobile homes if threatened by a tornado, it may not always be possible to leave before a storm hits the area. There are ways to make your home safer during extremely windy conditions, including anchoring it down securely. In addition, you can prevent outdoor sheds and other heavy objects like swing sets from becoming flying missiles if you anchor them into the ground as well.

We have the supplies you need to secure your home, like anchor machines and adapters, anchor/stabilizers, patio anchors, J-rod concrete anchors, eye anchors, rock anchors and rods, double-helix anchors, double-head anchors and stabilizer plates.

Warning Signs

Because mobile homes are relatively easy to transport, you may want to literally move your home when you transfer to another location, and our moving and setup equipment will help you make the move safely and efficiently. Tarp straps, longitudinal struts and beam clamps are some of the supplies you will need. If you plan to transport the home yourself, you will also want items to promote safety on the road, like red flags, light bars or strobe beacons and signs warning other motorists about your large load.

Five Upgrades for Your Mobile Home Kitchen

Some people decide to upgrade a mobile home and add personalized touches to the space. This eliminates the factory-made appearance. Since most budgets are tight, a great room to consider renovating is the kitchen. This is the area that is used the most and tends to become a gathering point during parties or family get togethers. Here are five upgrades that will create a unique look in a mobile home's kitchen without breaking the bank.

Change the Faucets

For an instant upgrade to a mobile home's kitchen, it is wise to replace the sink faucet. This is one of the most affordable upgrades as well. Few people realize the big impact that results from replacing such a small fixture. It is possible to choose from a wide variety of fancy faucet options. For instance, choosing a brushed metal or chrome finish will bring shine and class to the room. Selecting a gooseneck design with teapot handles will add elegance to any kitchen.

When changing a faucet in a mobile home, it is wise to replace the stiff water lines as well. The ends of the lines often crack and cause leaks. Replacement will prevent problems down the road.

Replace the Ceiling

One of the first places a mobile home's kitchen begins to show its age is the ceiling. There are numerous ways to upgrade this item. If no leaks are present, it is easy to apply a coat of paint over the area. Many mobile homes have unflattering "popcorn" designs as well. This can be easily removed with some sanding. If it is necessary to replace the ceiling due to water damage, there are some great panel options available. For example, many designs include attractive texturing and code-approved moisture retarder that will not sag.

Consider New Cabinets or Refacing

Many cabinets found in mobile homes are commonly made from pressed boards instead of strong plywood. This can become an eyesore that must be replaced. However, solid wood can be expensive and heavy. To cut the cost, there are numerous discount retailers that provide a wide variety of options. It is essential to hang them correctly and with the right tools, so the cabinets remain on the wall without falling.

If a person is buying new cabinets, it may be smart to purchase a few extra. These will make a wonderful base for a kitchen island. To complete the look, a piece of laminate countertop or wood can be applied to the top.

If the cabinet frames are solid, it may be possible to resurface the existing doors and save a great deal of money. Painting or using a wood laminate covering will definitely boost the appeal in the kitchen. A nice touch would be adding a few glass inserts into the existing cabinet doors as well.

Install New Appliances

Besides improving the overall aesthetics of a mobile home's kitchen, installing new appliances will make it function better as well. There are a wide variety of colors and materials available. Stainless steel is extremely modern and will add a very space-aged feel to the kitchen. Matching the stove and refrigerator will give a great uniform look. It may be wise to install a new sink as well. Sinks are usually inexpensive. A shiny new sink will provide extra appeal to the room. However, it is important to make sure the unit is made for use in a mobile home.

Replace the Floor and Backsplash

Most original mobile home flooring is made of particle board. This breaks down easily and absorbs water, which makes it a poor choice in a kitchen. Often, this material soaks up wetness and begins to rot. Many times, the floor begins to feel like a sponge.

Even if the floor seems like it is in good condition, cheap linoleum is usually used as the floor covering. To update the look, it will be necessary to get rid of the old flooring. This includes the sub-flooring as well. After the particle board is removed, a layer of plywood should be nailed into place. Vinyl tile will be the cheapest and most durable covering choice. It is possible to select a tile for both the floor and a new backsplash. This will tie the design into the whole decor of the room. A great way to finish the room is with a decorative crown molding.

When a person is upgrading a mobile home's kitchen, the above tips should provide some creative ideas. Although space is commonly limited, it is possible to make the most out of every inch and create a functional and modern room.