Mobile Home Repairman

Where can I find a mobile home repairman or mobile home repair contractor is a question I get a lot. Here are the steps that I often give to answer the question of how to find a mobile home repair service near me. I don't understand why most home repair companies don't also work on mobile homes. They are easy to work on and use a lot of the same materials as a site built home.
 1. Ask your neighbors if you live in a mobile home community who that might know of or could recommend. You can also ask the manager of the mobile home community the same question.
 2. Look in the phone book for any listings of a qualified mobile home repair service. If there are none listed you could look up mobile home parts dealer and ask them for any suggestions. They probably could give you a lot of recommendations based on the repairmen who shop at their store.
 3. Mobile home dealers are an excellent source for finding a manufactured home repair person. They use them all the time to correct factory defects and flaws of newly delivered homes. A lot of these mobile home repair contractors are independent contractors so they could take on your job without any objection from the mobile home dealership.
 4. A lot of general home repair handyman businesses have people who could adequately and professionally make repairs to your manufactured home.
 5. Look in the phone book for specific contractors to get in touch with for the type of problem you are having such as plumbing or electrical. If they work on standard site built homes they may also perform repairs on mobile homes.
 6. You could always try to DIY with tips and suggestions from me or your local hardware or mobile home supply store. If you go this route exercise caution and all safety practices to keep you safe. Think ahead and plan each step of the repair in a systematic order.
 7. Last ditch effort is to look around your neighborhood and see who does repairs to their own mobile home that appears to be doing good quality work and ask them if they would be interested.
 As a final thought always check any references and the background of anyone you allow in or near your home or family if any way possible. Use safety precautions and common sense. Don't hesitate to ask questions, if they don't seem to want to give you answers or seem to dodge your concerns this might be a red flag. If they are in the business they should be licensed, bonded or insured. If you feel it necessary don't hesitate to ask for references and any information to make sure you have the right contractor. Get everything in writing and know what the bottom line costs and time element will be before the work begins to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Hope that helps.

Enery Star-Ways to Save Tips

Here are a lot of energy savings tips from Energy Star.

Site Map

http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2019/03/enery-star-ways-to-save-tips.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/05/diy-mobile-home-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/mobile-home-supplies.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-trailer_11.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/frequently-asked-mobile-home-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/aluminum-wiring.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-anchors-and-tie-downs_13.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/any-questions-contact-me-for-answers-to.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-electrical-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-circuit-breaker-panel-box.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-buyers-guide_12.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-ceiling-repair_12.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/circuit-breaker-tripping-how-to-test.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-wire-combination-receptacle.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/double-wide-mobile-home-crossover-wiring.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-duct-work.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-electric-furnace.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/energy-saving-ideas.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/indoor-air-quality.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-floor-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/ground-fault-receptacles-how-to-install.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/home-safety.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-insulation.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/light-switch-wiring-diagram_64.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/low-water-pressure-problem.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/home-and-mobile-home-maintenance.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/hud-guidelines-for-mobile-homes_13.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/3-way-switch-wiring-diagram.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/plumbing-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-exterior-siding-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-skirting_12.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/muriatic-acid-hydrochloric-acid.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/open-circuit-testing.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/pigtail-electrical-wiring.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-power-pole-diagram.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-receptacle-wiring.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-replace-kitchen-sink.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-resource-guide.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-rewiring.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-roof-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-test-circuit-breaker-main.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-toilet-repair.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/tub-surround-wall-panel-installation.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-wall-repair-for-gypsum.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/whole-house-water-filter_11.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/water-heater-repair_11.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-water-leaks.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/04/mobile-home-wiring-diagrams.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/me-and-diy-mobile-home-repair-related.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/mobile-home-repair-terms-of-use.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/p/mobile-home-repair-privacy-policy_15.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/05/double-wide-mobile-homes.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/05/fire-concerns-prompt-york-international.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2012/02/do-mobile-homes-attract-tornadoes-wsav.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/05/guide-for-repairing-of-your-rv-and.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2015/05/when-storm-is-forecast.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2011/09/energy-savers-manufactured-home-energy.html
http://mobile-home-repair.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-install-metal-roof-on-mobile.html

DIY Mobile Home Repair

Manufactured Mobile Home Repair

Any mobile home repair you do yourself can be a great help with your household budget by performing various maintenance service, repairs, remodeling or renovations.

 Please use my experience in working on and living in manufactured mobile homes for more than 35 years to help guide you towards saving money, by doing your own maintenance and mobile home repair.
As someone who has been repairing, remodeling, renovating and servicing manufactured mobile homes like a pro for many years my intention is to provide the best and most commonly needed repair information.

Typically electrical and plumbing are the two most frequent problems encountered when it comes to taking care of a manufactured home. Many hours were devoted to answering those repair questions.

  Doing home repairs just takes a little common sense. Renovating or making improvements to manufactured mobile homes can be a money saver. Anyone with basic plumbing or electrical knowledge can perform a mobile home repair.

 Always follow the recommendations and instructions found on any packaging. Select all building materials and parts for your manufactured home repair and renovations wisely.

It doesn't matter if you own a Palm Harbor, Fleetwood, Clayton Homes, Horton, Oakwood, Champion, Redman, Schult or any other brand, the repairing guidelines supplied apply toward all single wide, double wide or triple wide manufactured homes.

Don't cut corners. Do it right the first time, a poorly done repair costs you twice.

If more specific information is needed or a better explanation on any repairs or if you need step by step How To DIY instructions on repairing problems, remodeling, renovation, improvement or maintenance, and service subjects let me know.

Safety should always be the utmost priority. If you are not sure of your abilities, I advise you to select and hire a licensed handyman, electrician or plumber. Ask your friends, neighbors and local dealerships for any repair services they use. Always ask for recommendations, certifications, and references before allowing anyone to do any service repair work.

Adhere to local zoning and planning department regulations before taking on any manufactured housing repairs, therefore, avoiding a citation for unauthorized repair work.

I invite everyone to look at the DIY Repair Blog Page
 I have posted questions that were emailed to me along with the answers I gave. Most people find this helpful with a manufactured home repair problem they are having.

Mobile Home Repair
DIY Mobile Home Repair on Facebook
Mobile Home Repair Pinterest Page
Mobile Home Repair DIY Linkedin Page
GooglePlus Page
Twitter Page

Website Authored by Don Morgan


May YAHWEH continue to Bless The United States of America
2nd Timothy 1:3

Double Wide Mobile Homes

Mobile homes have long been a common site throughout the United States. They were preceded by travel trailers, which began coming into vogue in the mid-twentieth century as people began to live more transiently. These homes were called mobile because they first came with wheels attached for easy transportation. Originally, mobile homes were small enough and narrow enough to be pulled by a truck. Eventually they increased in width to ten feet, then to twelve feet or more and are now typically hauled commercially by trucking companies. One of the most popular widths is the double wide mobile home, which is transported to the site in two halves.

Manufacture of Double Wide Mobile Homes

These homes are typically pre-fabricated and then hauled to the site. They generally use outer materials that are pre-painted. Single wides are eighteen feet or less wide while double wides are twenty or more feet wide. After being manufactured, they are transported to the site and are either placed on the ground or kept on wheels. Most of these homes are now permanently affixed to the ground with a permanent foundation. Most mobile homes that are moved are single wide homes while only five percent of double wide mobile homes are ever moved again.

Benefits of Purchasing Double Wide Mobile Homes

These homes are very budget-friendly with price ranges for almost any family. Some of the most basic options require only small monthly payments. However, other double wides can be updated and decorated to look quite elegant. Homes that are placed upon a foundation are taxed as real estate while those that are left on tires, an option that is not often found these days, are taxed as personal property.
In addition, mobile home manufacturers are not often limited by state and city jurisdiction and are allowed to transport their homes throughout the country. This creates excellent competition and demand, which often lowers the price of the home. However, some states do have a few regulations such as Florida, which requires the homes to be built to withstand strong winds from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Communities for Double Wide Mobile Homes

Mobile homes are often found grouped together in parks. In fact, there are over 38,000 of these types of communities across the United States. Occupants generally rent the land on which they place their mobile homes. The community may also supply basic needs such as water, sewer and electrical services as well as amenities such as playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools and basketball courts. However, some communities may now sell land to the mobile home owner or will operate the community similar to a condominium association that charges fees for the use of its swimming pools, community centers and other amenities.
Double wide mobile homes are becoming increasingly popular as they gain mass appeal. They are actually quite spacious and are no longer associated with a negative stigmatization. They are well loved for fitting into the majority of families’ budgets.

Guide for Repairing of your RV and Mobile Home Roofs

As with all normal roofs, RV trailer and mobile home roofs will from time to time need to be repaired and maintained. Your RV Trailer’s roof is just as vital as the roof on any regular brick and mortar house. The roof offers protection to you and your family home from the most destructive forces that the elements will throw at you. Therefore, whether you use your mobile home only occasionally, for outings and such, or if you are living in a trailer home full time, it is important that regular maintenance for your RV top is planned. Regular RV roof maintenance will guarantee the longest possible life for your mobile home, keeping it safe from the elements and forces of nature. Rubber Roofs Many newer mobile homes have roofs that are made from liquid rubber. This is because rubber is cheaper and often lasts much longer than the traditional metal roofing materials that are used with older trailers and mobile homes. Manufacturers of mobile homes use a special kind of material named Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM, a substance that has been especially developed for roofing purposes. EPDM is designed to last for a long time, up to 20 years or even longer, and will usually come with a 10 year guarantee. EPDM roofs are actually ideal, and very easy to protect. Use of treatments that protect roofs is really not required, as the EPDM is already self protecting. In fact, all you need to do to make it last as long as possible is to clean it regularly. It’s recommended that you clean an EPDM roof four or five times each year. If your rubber trailer roof is more than a few years old, you may well notice a chalky build up on the surface of it. Don’t worry about this; it’s just normal deterioration due to aging that is unavoidable. If you clean your roof often, you will minimize this chalky build up anyway, and it will visibly reduce the white streaks that can be seen on the sides and roof of your RV. The one thing that is very important when it comes to cleaning your EPDM roof is using the right products to do the job. Cleaning products that contain harsh abrasives, petroleum solvents or acidic based agents should never be used, as these will cause irreparable damage to the roof and cut its lifespan by many years. The best thing that you can use is some form of very mild, soap-based cleaner or a laundry detergent, and make sure it’s mixed with plenty of water. Once the roof has been cleaned, before you climb down off of it, carry out a few inspections to make sure of its condition. Check there are no cracks anywhere and that the seals and caulking are still good. Also check any other areas that could see leakages, such as vent covers etc. It pays and will safe you an awful lot of money if you can spot any signs of deterioration early on. Metal Roofs Most of the older mobile homes and RV’s around usually have metal roofs, most often aluminum. In order to keep this type of roof in good condition, again it is usually only required that you inspect it regularly and keep it clean. For most metal roofs, it’s okay to clean it twice a year using an automotive wash and wax cleaner. You may notice that many older RV’s with metal roofs have unsightly black marks or streaks running down the sides. This is caused by dirt that runs off the roof when it gets wet. If you clean your roof often, and especially if for whatever reason it gets particularly dirty, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor with regard to getting rid of these dirty black streaks. It might be advisable to clean your roof repair more than twice a year if you are often parked underneath trees or other places where a lot of debris falls onto your roof. Debris such as this can cause unsightly and permanent stains if it is left too long.

When a storm is forecast

• Learn the evacuation route from your location and the amount of time needed to evacuate. Think about where you will go. If you need to go to a shelter. Most shelters do not allow pets, so decide how you will care for them.

• If you live in a mobile home, plan to evacuate to a safer structure. No mobile or manufactured home is safe in hurricane-force winds.

• Map out your evacuation route. Determine how long it will take to pick up everyone in your family, and notify other family members where you plan to be. Bring a three-day survival kit with you.

• Make sure your insurance coverage represents the value of your property. Separate policies are needed for wind and flood damage. Call your city or county planning department to find out if you live in a flood-prone area.

• Take a full inventory of your personal property to help in filling out insurance claims. List descriptions and take pictures and video of everything that will cost you money to replace. Store a copy of your inventory away from your home for safekeeping.

Fire Concerns Prompt York International to Reannounce Recall of Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes

Name of Product: Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes
Units: About 223,600 in the U.S. and 2,400 in Canada (previously recalled in November 2004)
Manufacturer: Unitary Products Group (UPG), a division of York International Corp., of York, Pa.
Hazard: The furnace can overheat and cause the heat-exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. When this happens, drywall and other nearby combustibles are exposed to the flames, posing a fire and smoke hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received reports of 393 incidents, including some involving extensive property damage that could be related to these hazards, 366 of those reports were received after the November 2004 recall announcement. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall involves Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T brand furnaces. The furnaces are silver with white access panels. Coleman," "Coleman Evcon" and "Red T" brand names are located on the middle of the front access panel. The model number is written on a faceplate, found by removing both front access panels. The faceplate is found mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel. Models included in the recall are:

DGAM075BDD DGAM075BDE DGAM075BDF

DGAT070BDD DGAT070BDE DGAT070BDF

DGAT075BDD DGAT075BDE DGAT075BDF

DLAS075BDD DLAS075BDE DLAS075BDF

Sold by: Nationwide between 1995 and 2000 as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes.
Manufactured in: U.S.A. between 1995 and 2000
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the furnace until it has been inspected and repaired. Consumers should contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.
Consumer Contact: For more information, including information about installation issues that may lead to the hazard, contact UPG toll-free at (888) 665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is also conducting a comprehensive notification and communications program and working with its distributors to locate owners.

Mobile Home Rewiring

How To Rewire Mobile Home or House

  How to rewire electrical DIY sites may explain rewiring your mobile home or house. However they fail to ask an important question. Why? A question I often get is " how much does it cost to rewire my mobile home ?"  Well, I'll tell you that a do yourself home rewire project is a daunting task that can cost thousands. As an electrician I can tell you that lots of times I have found that just upgrading the homes old switches, receptacle outlets and light fixtures makes all the difference without having to rewire anything. During any home remodeling or demolition is the best time to do any house rewire because you are going to have to tear up some sheet rock and paneling to do it.

Inspect and Evaluate Before Rewiring

If your home was wired after 1976 then the wire itself is probably in good condition and does not need to be rewired. If wired in the early 60's or before and used varnished cambric (silver outer insulation) wire or if the home was wired with aluminum wire then you will probably want to rewire. If the home has only two wire receptacle outlet, no ground, then a rewiring is recommended. The first thing you will want to do is to look at the wire to see if there is any breakdown of the outer insulating sheath. Look under the home and if it isn't a mobile home or manufactured home and you have access to the attic inspect the wire in there too. Pull some of the receptacle outlets and switches (After you make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel) to see if there is outer insulation breakdown. Be sure to check any switches or outlets that you have either had problems with or carry heavy loads such as toasters and electric heaters. The inspection of the homes appliance wiring is basically the same except, aluminum wire was used a lot for stoves. Most all other appliances like the dryer, water heater and a/c-heater is usually copper wire. I wouldn't bother with the appliances if the rest of the lighting and outlet circuits looks OK. As a suggestion you might want to get some free estimates and inspections from as many different sources as you can. You will be amazed at how much they vary and who missed what! After all that is done now you have an informed idea on which way to go. Also be advised that if, God forbid, there was ever any problems such as a fire your homeowners insurance may not cover your home if not done by a licensed electrician and inspected. If you are having problems such as flickering lights, intermittent or total loss of power to all or part of circuit look at some of the other pages on this site that deal with those problems without a rewire.

Planning for House or Mobile Home Rewire

It is best to sit down and draw a wiring plan for homes before you rewire. Remember that all the wiring must meet local and national codes. It will also probably require an inspection. If you live in the home and you don't want to live without power for however long it takes to rewire and get the inspection you may want to consider just doing one circuit at a time. When and if you do decide to rewire whether it is one circuit or the entire home remember to plan for future demands. When I was born there were no microwaves among other things, who knows what is coming next. Dedicated circuits for computers and entertainment centers is also a good idea.

Required Mobile Home and House Circuits

As of the time of writing this webpage there are certain minimum requirements that you must observe. Bathrooms, kitchens and all outside wiring must have ground fault protection. Bedrooms must be arc fault protected. Your kitchen must have a minimum of two circuits. My kitchen is 12'x14' and I have four circuits not to mention a separate lighting circuit. Smoke detectors and more are also required to pass inspection. There are many other requirements that are outlined in the National Electric Code and probably some by your local ordinances that you need to be aware of before you can draw a circuit rewire blueprint. You will also need to determine what size wire for each of the homes circuits you intend to rewire. See the chart below for Romex copper wire. I used a #12 for all my lighting and outlet circuits on a 20 amp circuit breaker to keep from having to use #14 15 amp for the lighting. I also did it this way because I have ceiling fans in every room and did not want to start overloading from the get go.

Romex Wire Size Current Chart

Tools

Tools required are going to be wide and varied as you begin to rewire. Just for the electrical portion of the job you will need a good drill with some different sizes of wood bits. You will need screw drivers and electrical pliers/cutters also known as side cutters and a few other hand tools.You will also need a fish tape to pull the wire through the homes tight places. Next you're going to need the necessary tools to repair the sheet rock and wood and trim damage that is going to occur. In some cases you can place your drill through the homes existing outlet hole in the wall and with an extended bit drill through the floor to underneath the home to pull the wire for the receptacles, this however can't be done for the switch circuits as you begin rewiring.

Final Rewiring Advice

Doesn't the upgrade of devices sound a lot better than rewiring the home after all that?
Test your outlets with this

Mobile Home Power Pole Diagram

 Mobile Home Power Pole Diagram

 Overhead Underground Electrical Service Wiring Grounding Main Circuit Breaker Panel Meter Box Manufactured Mobile Homes Electrical Service Wiring Diagrams

Mobile Home Power Pole Overview

Mobile home manufactured homes 200 amp electrical service power pole diagrams shown below are for an overhead and underground configurations. The first diagram is an above ground or overhead electrical service power pole, using a utility pole or what is often called a telephone pole. The second diagram is an underground electrical service. These wiring diagrams are in accordance with the National Electric Code. Most localities are requiring now that you have a 200 Amp four wire service with 2 ground rods at least 6 feet apart for grounding mobile home electric services. The service should consist of two hot legs a neutral and a redundant ground wire (4 wires). The redundant ground is for added safety on mobile homes. The electrical services schematic diagrams can be used for reference and may differ from your local codes. These diagrams typically meet the mobile homes electric service pole requirements in many locations. Check with your local building inspections department for local mobile home power service pole requirements. Most locations allow use of a treated 6"x6"x20' pole for use as the service pole. After you have the power connected take a look at this page to test for the proper voltage levels at the main service disconnect panel.


Mobile Home Power Pole Electrical Service Wire Sizes

What size wire do I need for a 200 amp mobile home electric service power pole? I get this question a lot. It will depend on whether you use copper or aluminum conductor wires.  Most all mobile homes and manufactured homes now have a minimum 200 amp requirement for electrical service wiring. All wiring shall comply with Article 550 of the National Electric Code. Use (4) separate insulated conductors approved for ampacity of main service disconnect. See wire size below.

Copper Wire                                                                   Aluminum Wire

NOTE: Hot/Neutral wiring must be all copper or all aluminum, no mixing types of wire. The homes electrical service wiring if done with aluminum conductors can still use a copper ground wire that connects to the grounding rod

Over Head Electrical Service Wiring Diagram Mobile Home Power Pole

Under Ground Electrical Service Wiring Diagram Mobile Home Power Pole

Miscellaneous Mobile Home Power Pole Requirements

Here are some typical requirements in many locations for a mobile home power pole. Check with your local authority for any superseded or additional zoning codes and regulations.

Meter can be mounted on the home only if HUD approved by the homes manufacturer.
Note: Some locations will allow the electric meter to be attached to manufactured homes if it is on a permanent foundation.

Service equipment and meter must be within 30’ of the home.

Any outside receptacles must be on G.F.C.I. protection with wet location covers.

Ground Rod Installation: Install two 8-foot grounding rods a minimum of 6 feet apart. Some locations may require a grounding grid instead of ground rods, but that is rare.

Top of the ground rods must be flush or below grade ( ground level ).

Bonding at the homes main panel goes to the neutral bus bar; bonding at the sub-panel goes to the grounding bus bar. Remove the jumpers in the sub-panel so the neutral and grounding bus bars are isolated. Bond the panel enclosure.

Mobile home power pole and service entrance frequently asked questions

Q. How far should the power pole be from the mobile home or what is the distance between the mobile home and the power pole?
A. Most inspection authorities set the distance at no less than 8 feet to and no more than 30 feet from the home. Be sure to check with your local inspector for local requirements.


If you use aluminum wire be sure to use an anti-oxidant compound on the wires at the connection points.

Mobile Home Duct Work

Mobile Home Duct Work
Crossover Duct Single Wide Double Wide Heating Air Conditioning System Duct Work Repair Diagrams and Pictures

Mobile Home Duct Work and Double Wide Crossover Duct

Manufactured homes use an integral HVAC duct work for the heating and cooling system. The problem I see with most mobile homes duct work is where the boot from the trough comes through the floor, especially if any flooring or floor repairs have been done around the duct work. Quite often there is a gap between the mobile home duct work boot and the floor causing an duct work air leak. This can usually be sealed with a good quality duct tape or silicon caulking, however mastic is the ideal way to do it. Be sure that there is not any damage to the trough that usually runs the entire length of the mobile home, in the case of double wide mobile homes there are two troughs interconnected by a crossover. The double wide mobile homes crossover duct is usually a 14" or 16" flexible insulated duct. Flex duct is rated in "R" values for the insulating properties they possess. You can easily check for trough leaks by going underneath while the air conditioner is on and if you can find a location to stick your hand up through the belly wrap or belly board. If between the insulation and the floor you feel air flowing or cold air you may have a mobile home duct work leak that will require further investigation or the calling of a expert. I completely removed the trough and installed the boots used in standard homes with flexible duct attached to a main trunk line from the heating and A/C unit as it is done in standard homes. Works great and is much more efficient. Some local codes now will only allow the black flexible and not the silver flex duct to be used on mobile homes, check your local codes. Look at these schematic diagrams and pictures below.



Double wide mobile home duct work with crossover layout diagram

Register Duct Mastic Seal

Boot Mastic Seal

Duct Work Inspect

Flex duct connection on crossover duct work

Duct work air leak locations

Mobile Home Duct work Insulation

I get lots of questions about how to insulate the duct work on a mobile home or manufactured homes. Condensation in duct work on mobile homes is usually caused by poor insulation.  I have yet to see a factory individually insulate the duct work. Think about this, let's say you have a glass of ice tea you will notice that water condensation builds up on the outside of the glass and drips onto your table. However if you place the glass in a cup koozie it stops sweating. The same idea applies to your duct work. Below I have included a picture of the ideal way to insulate the main duct work trough. The picture shows an ideal situation where you have access completely around the duct work. This is not always the case. You can however wrap all of the duct work that you can and then staple the insulation to the floor or joists in a cradling fashion. Then insulate underneath the mobile home as suggested on the mobile home insulation page.

Mobile Home Duct Work Insulation Diagram

Duct work Cleaning

Keeping your homes duct work clean can mean a huge improvement on your health. Most of the mobile homes I have worked on have had some serious issues with this problem. If you have an older home or have purchased a used manufactured home you may have a problem with contaminants in the duct system. There are many services that provide duct work cleaning. If you have a lot of moisture in the duct or notice any debris in there you might want to consider getting it professionally cleaned. I have installed a ultraviolet light in the return duct on my heating ac system that kills many airborne pollutants as they are drawn through the heating an air conditioning system and it seems to have helped. Look at the Mobile Home Indoor Air Quality page for more info about pollutants in homes.


A/C-Heating Maintenance

Be sure to keep the filters changed. Check the condensing tower to be sure that it is not clogged. Check for air leaks in the a/c heating compartment around the corners and metal framing/access doors. Incoming air should only be allowed into the compartment through the filter via the return grill. If air is squeezing in around any cracks repair them with caulking. Make sure that the blades on the squirrel cage fan have no buildup on them. This will cut down on the efficiency of the fan. Proper A/C-Heating Maintenance will keep your homes air conditioning unit running longer and help keep your power bill low. Take a look at the Electric Furnace page for more about heating systems.


Frequently Asked Duct Work Questions

Q. How do I find a water leak in the duct work or why is there so much water in my A/C ducts?

A. If you have water in your duct work there are 4 possible reasons. Since water lines are not run through any duct work there could be either 1. a water leak on a water line running on top of or near enough to the duct work to allow spraying water into the duct.  2. A water leak inside the home has run into the duct work through a register vent or 3. but this is the most probable cause, since the ducts are usually very poorly insulated condensation builds up in them a will result in quite a puddle making it look like there is a water leak if the air conditioner has been running for any length of time and 4. if the drip pan is clogged and overflows the water can get into the duct work.

Mobile Home Electric Furnace Troubleshooting and Repair

Mobile Home Electric Furnace Troubleshooting and Repair

Electric Furnace Overview

Electric furnaces are the most common heaters used in mobile homes especially in the southern US and other temperate climates around the world. Gas furnace units will be covered on a different web page. I suggest checking out the furnace well in advance of cold weather. The furnace is the number 1 mobile home repair required during the winter.The most common brands used in manufactured mobile homes are Intertherm, Coleman, Nordyne and Revolv. Understanding how they work is not really difficult. The information provided is to help you understand how an electric furnace works. I strongly recommend that if you are having problems that you seek a qualified and licensed technician to repair your heater furnace. You can look at the ductwork page to see how it all ties together.

How an Electric Furnace Works

The thermostat senses a level set by the homeowner at a predetermined level, once that threshold setting  has been gone below the thermostat sends a signal to a relay in the furnace to begin the heating sequence. Most thermostats for heating systems are set to trigger 2 degrees below what the thermostat has been set at this is called offset, for example if you have you thermostat set at 72 degrees the heater will start to come on when the ambient temprature is 70 degrees and turn off once it reaches 72 degrees. Some thermostats allow you to change the offset, such as programmable thermostats up or down in 1 degree
increments. Changing these setting can affect the operation and efficiency of the electric furnace heating system. The thermostat gets it's power from a transformer that is mounted in the heater which gets it power from the circuit breaker in the unit to provide low voltage, usually 24 volts, to operate the thermostat. Once the sequence has started a relay is engaged that passes power through a series of sequencer relay switches to turn on the different segments of the heating coils in stages. This prevents the heater from placing a sudden large load demand on your homes electric service. The heating strips are usually divided into 5000 watt sections so that only 5000 watts at a time come on until all the elements are up to full temperature at which time the blower motor comes on with the aid of a capacitor to distribute the warm air throughout the house via the duct work. As a fail safe the heater has a limit switch that will shut off the heater coils if the temperature is excessive to prevent fire danger. There is very little difference in the operation of furnaces by brand name. Component layout and wiring color codes may vary by brand. Below is a picture of the components of an electric furnace. This unit is a Nordyne. Note that this component layout diagram picture shows an air conditioning evaporating unit that is not discussed on this web page.

Mobile Home Electric Furnace Layout

Troubleshooting Electric Heater Furnace Problems

The main components of the electric furnace system are the thermostat, transformer, heating coils, sequencer relay switches, limit switch, motor start capacitor and  blower fan motor. If you have an electronic type of thermostat with a digital display and you notice that there is no display this could mean that 1. the thermostat is defective 2. the the transformer is bad or 3.the circuit breaker has tripped. If you have heat and it seems to only be blowing slightly warm air one of the sequencer switches may be bad and is not allowing all the elements to come on or a coil is defective. Sometimes this problem will also cause the heater to kick on and off more often in an attempt to maintain the homes temperature as set on by the thermostat. The heating unit kicking on and off excessively will make your power bill go up. If the sequencer relay is bad you will have no heat at all. If the blower fan motor or capacitor is defective the strips may come on but the fan will not come on and the limit switch will then turn the elements off for safety. The heater strips may break after a period of time, in which case you would have no heat or reduced heat, and can be replaced as single component. Any components that are changed need to be an exact match by part number of the defective device you are replacing. Not doing so can cause further problems and create dangerous hazards. Below is some pictures of the the heater components I spoke about. Hover your mouse over each picture for description.

Electric Heat Strip Assembly

Electric Furnace Sequencer Relay

Furnace Transformer

Electric Heater Limit Switch

Furnace Blower Fan Motor

Furnace Blower Fan Motor Capacitor

Maintaining Electric Furnace

The number one service thing to do is to always keep the filter changed to allow good air flow for maximum operating efficiency. Some fan motors have oil ports on them that need to have a drop or two of oil injected into the bearings, though now a lot of fan motors have sealed permanent lubricated bearings. Build up on the fan blades is a problem that I have seen in many cases. This cuts down on the fans ability to move the maximum amount of air through the duct system. You can clean this off by scrubbing squirrel fan blades with an old toothbrush and vacuuming the fan blades, which can be tricky to do because of the tight clearance spaces involved.

Safety

If you choose to do any work inside the unit ALWAYS turn off the power at the homes main circuit breaker panel and inside the unit itself. Once again I recommend that repair service and parts replacement be done by a professional. Most electric heaters are generally on a 60 amp double pole breaker. If they have the air conditioning option that will mean that they also usually have a 30 amp double pole breaker that needs to be turned off before doing any tasting or inspection inside the unit, turn the breakers off at the unit and inside the homes breaker panel to avoid electric shock.

Energy Saving Ideas

 Energy Saving

 Landscaping, LED Bulbs, Insulating, Turn Off or Leave Lights On, Water Heaters, Refrigerators, CFL Bulbs, Dimmer Switches


Energy Savings Ideas with Landscaping

A great way to use mother nature to reduce your homes heating costs and cooling bills is with smart landscaping ideas. Blocking cold winds and using sunlight in the winter can help significantly with your heating bill and and shading in the summer can help reduce you cooling cost. Take a look at the picture below for some landscaping techniques for energy savings ideas to reduce power bills.
Blocking Cold Winds Landscaping

LED Bulbs

I just got my first L.E.D. (light emitting diode) bulbs to test out. They consume a fraction of the power that an incandescent or even a florescent bulb would use. The one I got draws about 1.5 watts (less than half of a night light bulb) and gives off about the same amount of light as a 25 watt bulb.This bulb is great for accent lighting or a low light lamp use. In my case we use it in the lamp on baby's changing table so as not to have a harsh overly bright light in the middle of the night. The draw back of these bulbs currently are the cost and some people may not like the color of the light. The bulbs I have are about $6.00 a piece and would not be useful where a lot of light is required. The brighter bulbs comparable to 60 watts can cost about $60.00 apiece. From the data I have seen if you use these bulbs 4 hours a day they should last 63 years. WOW! More on this later.

Update...The prices have come down a lot on LED bulbs. I have now replaced several of my CFLs with the LEDs and I am very happy with them.

Keep the Cold Out

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the most common places where air escapes in homes are:
Floors, walls, ceilings …….. 31 percent
Ducts ……………………….. 15 percent
Fireplace …………………… 14 percent
Plumbing …………………… 13 percent
Doors ………………………. 11 percent
Windows …………………… 10 percent
Fans and vents ……………. 4 percent
Electric outlets …………….. 2 percent
Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10 percent from an average household’s monthly energy bill. You can take easy, inexpensive steps to reduce household energy consumption and minimize energy loss.

 Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings – such as pipes or ducts – with caulk or weather-stripping.

Household Furnishings

Household furnishings can have a lot to do with energy savings. I go into homes and mobile homes that have sofas, chairs, dressers etc. blocking a/c and heating vents. To make it worse I see homes and mobile homes that have the return register blocked and when we look at the filter they look like a wool blanket.  Please be sure to change your filters regularly. If needed there are devices called register deflectors that can help to redirect air flow around your homes obstacles (see picture below) these can solve a lot of problems and they are inexpensive.

Register Deflector

Heating and A/C Mini Split Units

One really smart idea that I have seen is in heating and a/c. There are units called "mini splits". If you get a chance check it out. It could solve a lot of problems since it requires no duct work and heats and cools with great energy savings. The system installs easily in most homes.

Common Sense Heating and Cooling Tips

I see many places that do not use common sense when it comes to heating and cooling. Use blinds and curtains to block sun light in the summer and use the sun light in the winter to help heat. This little common sense tip could help with your homes energy costs. Good weatherization practices go a long ways. Works at my home.

Insulating Outlets Switch Drafts

Insulation is a great idea to help make homes energy efficient. One thing that seems to get over-looked is the air flow through electrical outlets and switches. Try this some time when it is cold out side and windy. Put your hand in front of different outlets around your home and see if you can feel air blowing in. You can get outlet and switch insulators (see picture below of a outlet insulator) at most hardware stores to help stop this problem. Then when you have done that I highly recommend using those child safety plugs to finish it off (see picture below of a child safety plug). Ever felt a draft while sitting down and reading your favorite book or watching TV and could not figure out why? HMMM.

    Outlet Insulator





 









Child Safety Plug











Under Home Moisture

One problem I see around here is moisture under homes. When I look around I find that there is inadequate ventilation and no moisture barrier under the house.This also is a great attractor for damp wood termites and other critters.

Clothes Dryer Duct
How is your clothes dryer duct work doing? Most people don't check. If yours is the plastic type upgrade it to the newer metal flex or even "hard" pipe.The plastic type not only cracks and splits over time most of the ones I see are drooping and causing lint to build up inside. This not only reduces the efficiency of the dryer it can be a potential fire hazard.

Duct Tape and Adhesives (Glue)
No duct tape does not fix everything! Even though my father-in-law comes close. Use the proper adhesives or tape for the job. There are many out there, so read the label or ask someone with knowledge on the subject. If something is repaired wrong the first time it may stop you from fixing it right the second time. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

I found this on a "under the kitchen sink water leak" call. Surprisingly it was not the source of the leak. The cold water supply line was the culprit. This wins my DUCT TAPE ENGINEERING AWARD! (Yes, it was replaced anyway.)

Duct Tape Engineering Award

Screws or Nails

Consider using screws instead of nails on your projects. They hold better and can make for easy disassembly and repair if needed. Be sure to use the proper type of screw for the job. Multi-purpose or sheetrock screws are great for a variety of repair jobs. They are available in an "indoor" and "outdoor" types.

Refrigerator Coils

Often something that is overlooked is the cleaning of the coils on the refrigerator. Cleaning these out with a vacuum or blowing them out will help to keep the unit working better and using less power. Try using a cardboard paper towel tube on the end of the vacuum hose to squeeze between the coils.

Roof Vents

Venting out the hot attic air is important in mobile homes. Generally one square foot of vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling is adequate. 1800 square foot home would require 6 square foot of vent. If you have any less you could have heat and possibly moisture buildup. If you already have vents make sure you have enough and that they are not obstructed. Vents can be purchased at any D.I.Y. store.

Water Pipe Insulation

A good energy saving idea tip is to wrap your homes hot water pipes to cut down on radiation cooling. Ideally this should be done from the water heater throughout the home to all points.

Turn Off or Leave On Lights Energy Saving Tip

Turn it off or leave it on? I sometimes get asked the question if it is less expense on your power bill to leave a light on rather than turn it on and off as you enter or exit rooms. Recent tests results I have seen say turn it off. This makes sense in a two ways. 1. The light is not consuming power while it is not needed and 2.The life of the bulb and fixture is extended. This applies to incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Yes, it takes more power to cause a light to light up than it does to leave it on... However you would have to exit and re-enter the room in microseconds to have an issue with this. Save power and turn it off!

Water Heaters and Refrigerators Energy Saving Ideas

When considering ways to cut energy cost a lot of people overlook the two things that consume power 24/7. They would be your homes refrigerator and the water heater. Look for the rated power consumption sticker for comparison (the yellow one) and pick out the lowest. Now if your not about to buy any new ones maybe you could adjust the fridge with the use of a thermometer designed for this purposes and get the settings for the fridge and freezer to their proper levels. These levels are indicated on the thermometer. Remember that any adjustment that you make could take a lot of time before the temperature may actually change in the unit. Read the instructions that comes with your thermometer. Don't forget to keep the coils cleaned and make sure that there is adequate space for the unit to breath. Now, for the water heater turn down the thermostat to about 120 degrees or less and install a timer switch. When going off for a while, like a vacation, turn off the breaker. These two things help keep my homes power bill down.

Compact Florescent Bulbs

I highly recommend compact fluorescent bulbs as an alternative to incandescent lights if your not going to use LED bulbs. I have been using them with great results for years. My power bill was reduced by 30%. They last far longer than regular bulbs and they produce very little heat. They come in many varieties such as dimmable, three way and flood type bulbs that are great for recessed lights. Recessed lights can get very hot and anytime you can reduce heat you can prolong the life of the fixture. Outdoors is a great place to use CFL too! Be sure to use the types suitable for outdoor use.

Surge Protectors

Did you know that surge protectors wear out and loose their ability to protect those precious electronics. They should be changed out every few years or in the case of a big surge that may have occurred, such as a nearby lightning strike. Some models come with a light that will alert you when they have lost their ability to protect. They are rated in joules, which is a current or amperage measurement, the higher the joule rating the better the protection.

Extension Cords

I dislike is extension cords. They are potential problems. Extension cords are really meant for temporary use. If you have to plug something in with a extension cord long term because there is not an outlet nearby I recommend that you have a licensed electrician add an outlet. Extension cords are responsible for many fires.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches DO NOT save energy. They simply dissipate the energy that would be used at the light bulb across an internal resister and end up using the same amount of power anyway. They also tend to fail more often that a regular switch.

Power Usage Time

Did you know that power companies generally vary their rates at different times of the day. Power companies charge more during peak usage hours. Typically this is 9 to 5 or so. The later at night you wait to use your homes major appliances such as clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers the cheaper they will be to use. Some power companies can provide you with the rate breakdown by time. Over time this adds up to big savings.

Indoor Air Quality

Formaldehyde, Mold, Radon Gas and Chemical Fumes in Homes


 Any home can have indoor air quality pollution problems that can cause serious health problems. Here is some Testing Information for those problems.

I suggest that you test for Mold and Radon Gas at least once while living in your home, if not on a regular basis. The cleanest of homes can have indoor air quality problems without you knowing it. Mobile homes are very air tight and need to have testing and good air ventilation to help reduce the problems with construction and environmental air pollution contaminants.

Formaldehyde Fumes

There have been a lot of concerns about chemical fumes and indoor air quality pollutants in mobile homes. When you first get a new mobile home it is a good idea to allow as much air exchange with outside air as possible until the fumes are gone. This may take several days. Here is a government website about formaldehyde that addresses that question. When I got my first new single wide mobile home there was a warning sheet that came with it, I don't know if they still give that warning sheet out anymore. Formaldehyde is also present in lots of building materials used in site built and modular homes. Pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use in homes include: particleboard used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture; hardwood plywood paneling used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture; and medium density fiberboard (MDF) used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops.

Mold

Mold is a big indoor air quality pollution problem in homes. To me there are two types of mold, the mold you see and the mold you don't see. Did you know that mold can grow in places like the back of wallpaper? The EPA has a good site with lots of information on mold detection and cleanup. If there has been any water leaks problems, such as in the roof or window areas, mold will shortly develop. This is a health problem for people without allergies and can be especially dangerous for people with allergy problems. If you have any mold the first thing you need to do is clean up the mold. A mild bleach and water solution is a great way to clean mold. Once the mold is cleaned up it can be painted over with an anti-microbial primer paint and then painted with whatever color paint you desire. Don't forget to repair the water leak problem. If you think you have a mold problem there are mold test kits available at most home improvement stores.


Radon Gas

Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste it. The Surgeon General said that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some studies indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon than adults. Test kits are available also for Radon testing. The EPA has lots of information on Radon. The site includes a state map of radon hot spots and information on how to get test kits, either free or get coupons for radon test kits.

Mobile Home Floor Repair

Most mobile home floor repair jobs are in the bathroom or kitchen. Sometimes only a spot repair is needed. Simply cut out the bad area then frame it in, so that you have something to attach the new section of subfloor to on all edges. I like to use screws instead of nails. Screws will be less likely to back out like nails and squeak. In order to prep for a finished job remove all the all the shoe molding and then re-install after the new flooring is in place. Use the subfloor of your choice either plywood or OSB will work. Be sure to get the same thickness or as close as you can. The thickness can be compensated for later. If your are going to use carpet, which I do not recommend in kitchens or bathroom you just need to make sure that you have matched the surrounding floor height by installing the new floor joist at the proper height to bring the homes sub-floor flush with the existing floor and then install the carpet. If you are going to use sheet vinyl or tiles then I recommend placing luan over the homes subfloor to give a good surface for the vinyl to adhere to, and remember to figure the combined thickness of the subflooring and the luan in order to flush up to the existing floor. Be sure to use floor putty, such as Durhams Rock Hard to fill in any cracks and the screw heads that need to be screwed down just below floor level. Floor putty is especially important if you are going to cover the floor with sheet vinyl. If you need to remove and replace a toilet, there are flange extenders available if needed so that the toilet can be remounted properly, however this is usually not necessary. Always replace the wax seal and flange bolts. I will sit on the toilet to press down the wax seal before I tighten the flange bolts. Don't over tighten and snug them down evenly. Flush the toilet to check for water leaks. If no there are leaks and the toilet does not rock caulk around the toilet for a better looking job and water tight seal, the same around a bathtub. Replace the shoe and your mobile home floor repair is done.

Here is a picture of what you will see when the bad spot in the floor has been cut out.

Once the new floor joists are installed you can proceed with flooring.

Mobile Home Insulation

Mobile Home Insulation

Replacing Mobile Home Insulation Mobile Home Belly Wrap Long-Term Savings Tips Recommended Zip Code Insulation Calculator Applies to Site Built Homes Also


Recommended Mobile Home Insulation

First, check the insulation in your homes attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. Insulation is measured in R-values—the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. The map and chart below show the DOE recommendations for your area. State and local code minimum insulation requirements may be less than the DOE recommendations, which are based on cost effectiveness. For more customized insulation recommendations, check out the Zip Code Insulation Calculator. This tool provides insulation levels for your new or existing homes based on your zip code and other basic information about your home. Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in four types; each type has different characteristics.

Rolls and batts—or blankets—are flexible products made from mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool.
They are available in widths suited to standard spacings of wall studs and attic or floor joists: 2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.

Loose-fill insulation—usually made of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose in the form of loose fibers or fiber pellets, it should be blown into spaces using special pneumatic equipment. The blown-in material conforms readily to the homes cavities and attics. Therefore, loose-fill insulation is well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation.
Rigid foam insulation—foam insulation typically is more expensive than fiber insulation. But it's very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness.

Foam-in-place insulation—this type can be blown into walls and reduces air leakage, if blown into cracks, such as around window and door frames.

Insulation Tips

Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-values for homes.
Use higher density insulation on exterior walls, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.
Ventilation helps with moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic to make homes more comfortable and energy efficient. Do not ventilate your attic if you have insulation on the underside of the roof. Check with a qualified contractor.
Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC—designed for direct insulation contact. Check your local building codes for recommendations. See Lighting for more about recessed cans.
As specified on the product packaging, follow the product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation.

Long-Term Savings Tip

One of the most cost-effective ways to make homes more comfortable year-round is to add insulation to your attic.
Adding insulation to the attic is relatively easy and very cost effective. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of the insulation. If it is less than R-30 (11 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose), you could probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should have between R-30 and R-60 insulation in the attic. Don't forget the attic trap or access door.
If your attic has enough insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate. If you replace the exterior siding on any homes, you should consider adding insulation at the same time.
You may also need to add insulation to your crawl space or basement. Check with a professional contractor.

New Construction

For new homes in most climates, you will save money and energy if you install a combination of cavity insulation and insulative sheathing. Cavity insulation can be installed at levels up to R-15 in a 2 in. x 4 in. wall and up to R-21 in a 2 in. x 6 in. wall. The insulative sheathing, used in addition to this cavity insulation, helps to reduce the energy that would otherwise be lost through the homes wood frame. The table below shows the recommended combinations. For example, in Zone 5, you could use either a 2x4 wall with R-13 or a 2x6 wall with R-21. For either of those two walls, you should also use an inch of insulative sheathing that has an R-value of R-5 or R-6.

Today, new products are on the market that provide both insulation and structural support and should be considered for new homes construction or additions. Structural insulated panels, known as SIPs, and masonry products like insulating concrete forms are among these. Some home builders are even using an old technique borrowed from the pioneers: building walls using straw bales. Check online at www.energysavers.gov for more information on structural insulation.

Radiant barriers (in hot climates), reflective insulation, and foundation insulation should all be considered for new homes construction. Check with your contractor for more information about these options. Look at Insulation R value zone map below.

All of Alaska in Zone 7 except for the following boroughs in Zone 8:

Bethel
Northwest Arctic
Dellingham
Southeast Fairbanks
Fairbanks N. Star
Wade Hampton
Nome
Yukon-Koyukuk
North Slope

Zone 1 includes:

Hawaii
Guam
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands

*These recommendations are cost-effective levels of insulation based on the best available information on local fuel and materials costs and weather conditions. Consequently, the levels may differ from current local building codes for homes.

Cost Effective Insulaton Values

Mobile Home Insulation and Belly Wrap

Any gaps or damage in the under floor mobile home insulation can be repaired as you would any homes, with minor exceptions. Simply install roll type insulation of sufficient "R" value in between the floor joists and affix in place with insulation support wires. Use the insulation that has the facing on it. The fabric on the underside of manufactured homes is generally called "belly wrap", some homes have a hard fiber board called "belly board" You need to either then pull the belly wrap cover over the new insulation or if that is not possible you can leave the new insulation exposed as it would be in site built homes. I do recommend repairing the belly wrap. Belly wrap to fix any damaged areas can be purchased from a mobile home supply. Belly wrap is available in lots of sizes and is not expensive. Here is a great place to get Belly Board Wrap. They have all the supplies you need to repair the belly wrap and board. I have also seen the underside of the home closed off with foam board after insulating. This may be over kill, unless you are in live in extreme conditions. This is also a good time to insulate pipes or duct work. Be sure to correct the reason for damage before doing the repair, such as water leaks or critters. The belly wrap is used to prevent moisture under homes from getting up into the under side of the floor and cause rot and mildew. I suggest putting down a vapor barrier under the home, such as sheet plastic. Be sure to check with local regulations.

Replacing Mobile Home Insulation

I removed all the belly wrap and blown in insulation under my double wide and replaced it with batt insulation, I also used insulated flex duct work with no problems. That was 5 years ago and still no problems. If you live in a climate with very cold winters I would recommend that you insulate the homes water pipes with pipe insulation that can be found at your local home improvement store and cover all your pipes before installing the batt insulation. These are the long foam sleeves you place over your pipes. For over kill you can wrap the pipes in aluminum foil before you put the foam sleeves in place. Be sure to cover everything with the sleeves and leave no gaps using quality duct tape to make the foam sleeves stay in place. Select the highest R value for the insulation batts that you can afford. There is a data sheet in your mobile home somewhere that has these R values, usually found in the laundry area cabinets and it has a zone map, also called a data plate, (see below for picture of mobile home data plate) with other info on it like the serial number. It will tell you the homes wall, floor and ceiling insulation values. Match or exceed these values. I left no dead air space when I did mine. The batt insulation tells you on the paper side whether to place the paper side towards the living space or not follow those instruction. Be sure to cover the homes pipes with the insulation where you can, if there is any dead air space because of that it should be fine. Determine how much square feet you have and buy the insulation accordingly. The belly wrap can be replaced, if you so desire after re-insulating and is available through some of the mobile home supply vendors advertising on my site and is cheaper than you might think. However that is a lot of work. Don't forget the wire hangers to hold the insulation in place. You also may want to consider using a heat tape to further prevent problems in the area the pipes cannot be adequately insulated, like where the water line come up into the homes interior, follow the package instructions on the heat tape. Lastly airtight underpinning is important. There are even insulated skirting underpinning panels you can use.

Here is anatomy view of a single wide mobile home showing the placement of insulation. Double wide homes are very similar.

Mobile Home Data Plate