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Show i 1 Currently Speaking by Peggy Deller, Manager-Member Manager-Member Relations Moon Lake Electric Assn., Inc. Mobile homes may present special problems when it comes to retrofitting them for greater energy efficiency. Don't be discouraged though, mobile home owners can reduce energy costs in many ways. If possible, situate your mobile home along an east-west axis. This position alone can reduce your energy use by 10 percent or more. The windows on your long south side will serve as passive solar collections during the winter, and during summer you can shade them to prevent unwanted heat gain. Since mobile homes have proportionally proportional-ly more window area than conventional homes, you can save energy by installing install-ing storm windows. They will reduce air infiltration by as much as 30 percent. You can make them yourself by taping polyethylene plastic to the inside of each window frame. Skirting attached around your mobile home will save energy by reducing air movement under the flooring. Be sure the skirted space is vented so that moisture can escape. Clever landscaping will also cut your utility bills. Vines planted on a trellis will shade a patio or wall and reduce heat gain. Trees that shed their leaves in winter will be especially effective on the west and south sides of your home. Reflective roof coating can keep your roof many degrees cooler. And you can apply these paint-like coatings yourself. |