Keeping Your Mobile Home Comfortable During the Summer
Summer brings sunshine and longer days, but it also brings heat that can turn a mobile home into an oven. Because mobile homes often have less insulation and different construction than site-built houses, they heat up quickly. You need a solid strategy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. These ten tips will help you keep your mobile home comfortable during the summer.
Optimize Your Air Conditioning
Start the season by giving your AC unit some attention. Clean or replace the filters to maintain strong airflow and reduce strain on the motor. If you have a central system, schedule a professional tune-up. A clean, efficient unit cools your space faster and uses less electricity.
Utilize Fans Strategically
Cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind-chill effect. Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to push air straight down. If you lack a central system, consider alternatives to window ACs, such as high-velocity floor fans or portable evaporative coolers. These devices keep air moving and help sweat evaporate, cooling you down.
Insulate Windows and Walls
Glass lets in a significant amount of solar heat. Apply reflective window film to bounce the sun’s rays away from your interior. For a more permanent solution, adding high-quality insulation to your walls and roof is one of the best home upgrades to consider. Better insulation keeps heat out in summer and retains warmth in winter.
Cook Smartly
Using the stove or oven adds unnecessary heat to your kitchen. During a heatwave, use a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer instead. Better yet, fire up the outdoor grill. Keeping the heat outside helps your air conditioner maintain a steady indoor temperature.
Landscape for Shade
Nature provides excellent protection against the sun. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home. In summer, their leaves block the sun, and in winter, they lose their leaves to let light in. Even tall shrubs planted near windows can reduce heat absorption.
Reflect Heat
Dark roofs absorb heat and transfer it into your living space. Applying a white, reflective coating to your roof helps reflect UV rays back into the atmosphere. This simple maintenance task can significantly lower your roof’s surface temperature.
Check and Seal Air Leaks
Cool air escapes through tiny gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these leaks. Keeping the cool air inside means your AC runs less often, which saves money.
Stay Hydrated
Your body regulates temperature better when it has enough water. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks or excessive caffeine, as these can dehydrate you.
Utilize Awnings and Overhangs
Window awnings serve as a first line of defense against solar heat gain. They shade the window glass, preventing the sun from heating up your rooms. You can install permanent aluminum awnings or retractable fabric ones, depending on your budget and aesthetic preference.
Keeping your mobile home comfortable requires a mix of maintenance and smart habits. Contact our team today to schedule an AC inspection or to discuss insulation options that fit your budget.