Energy Efficiency Manufactured Homes
Energy efficiency for manufactured homes is essential. That’s because manufactured homes are a vital source of affordable housing in the United States. Thereby providing shelter for low-income individuals and families. However, these homes often suffer from poor energy standards and construction quality. That’s also leading to higher energy costs. Moreover health hazards and safety risks. In this article, we will explore how states and utilities can help upgrade manufactured homes to improve energy efficiency. As well as lower energy bills and enhance the health and well-being of residents. We will provide an overview of the challenges faced by manufactured housing residents. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of retrofit and replacement programs. Finally and highlight key federal funding opportunities. Let’s dive in!
The Challenges for non energy efficiency Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes represent a significant portion of unsubsidized affordable housing in the United States. Approximately half of the residents in these homes are low-income individuals and families. However, due to weak energy standards and poor construction quality, these homes often lack proper insulation and sealing, leading to wasted energy and various health and safety hazards. One of the major consequences of inefficient manufactured homes is higher energy costs per square foot. Residents end up paying more for their energy bills, putting a strain on their already limited resources. Additionally, these homes are prone to temperature extremes, with rooms that can be uncomfortably hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Moreover, inadequate insulation and poor sealing can contribute to the growth of mold, posing significant health risks to residents.
Need for Energy Efficiency in Manufactured Homes: Role of States and Utilities in Upgrading
States and utilities have a crucial role to play in improving the quality of life for residents of manufactured homes through energy efficiency upgrades. By leveraging federal, state, and ratepayer funds, they can implement retrofit and replacement programs that address energy, health, and safety concerns. To provide guidance to states and utilities, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has developed three topic briefs. These briefs offer valuable information on manufactured housing, including its residents, common structural issues, health concerns, and opportunities for retrofits. They also highlight lessons learned from successful state and utility retrofit and replacement programs. Additionally, the briefs outline key federal funding opportunities that can support the upgrade of manufactured homes.
Assisting Residents of Inefficient Manufactured Homes
Residents of manufactured homes often face financial barriers to making necessary improvements or upgrades. With a median household income of $35,280, significantly lower than that of residents in detached single-family homes or multifamily buildings, they lack the resources to invest in home improvements or undertake home replacements. Financing options for manufactured homes are also limited, often accompanied by higher interest rates and shorter terms than traditional mortgages. The consequences of living in inefficient manufactured homes can be severe. Residents are six to eight times more likely to die from heat-related deaths compared to residents of other homes. In colder climates, inadequate insulation and drafty doors and windows can result in excessive cold, moisture, and mold, leading to respiratory issues like asthma. However, there is hope for improvement.
Retrofit and Replacement Programs: Transforming Manufactured Homes
Well-designed retrofit and replacement programs offer viable solutions to the challenges faced by residents of inefficient manufactured homes. Retrofit programs specifically tailored for these homes have proven to be more effective than including them in programs designed for site-built homes.
Retrofit measures such as air sealing, duct sealing, insulation, lighting replacement, and HVAC upgrades can significantly lower energy use, increase affordability, and improve health and comfort for residents. Several successful retrofit programs serve as models for states and utilities. Louisiana’s Entergy developed a retrofit program targeting manufactured housing parks, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for customers. In South Carolina, the Help My House program, hosted by a group of electric utility cooperatives, uses low-cost federal loans to provide energy efficiency retrofits for manufactured homes.
Energy Efficiency Program Details
Participants in the program pay for the retrofits through on-bill financing, with the energy bill savings more than offsetting the monthly costs. However, in some cases, the cost of energy retrofits or repairs may exceed the value of the home. In such situations, well-funded home replacement programs become necessary.
These programs require coordination to provide residents with technical assistance and reasonable financing options. Oregon, for example, has implemented a new law that offers low-cost financing and grant assistance for manufactured home replacements. Energy Trust of Oregon, in partnership with state funding, provides customer incentives for new homes that exceed minimum energy requirements. These efforts have resulted in life-changing outcomes for residents, including improved indoor air quality and enhanced academic performance for children.
Tapping into Federal Funding for Manufactured Housing Energy Efficiency Upgrades
States and utilities can leverage federal funding to establish or expand manufactured housing efficiency programs. Various federal programs provide financial support for both retrofit and replacement projects. The Rural Energy Savings Program, the Community Development Block Grants. In addition, the newly introduced Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement program. For they specifically target manufactured housing upgrades.
Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act allocates substantial funding for household energy efficiency investments, including those for manufactured housing. With unprecedented federal funding available for home energy upgrades, states and utilities have a unique opportunity to collaborate. Moreover and significantly improve the quality of life for residents of manufactured homes. By utilizing the information provided in ACEEE’s briefs, they can design and implement effective manufactured housing programs that enhance energy efficiency, address health and safety concerns, and promote housing affordability.
Conclusion
Manufactured homes are a critical source of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. However, the energy inefficiency and poor construction quality of these homes pose significant challenges, including higher energy costs, health risks, and safety hazards. States and utilities have the power to improve the lives of manufactured housing residents by implementing energy efficiency retrofit and replacement programs. By utilizing federal funding opportunities and learning from successful initiatives, they can enhance energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and create healthier and safer living conditions for residents. Through these efforts, we can ensure that manufactured homes become a sustainable and affordable housing solution for all.
Source: ACEEE
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