Building or renovating a site-built home can be costly—both to your wallet and to the environment. That’s why more Florida homeowners are turning to modular and manufactured homes, saving them lots of money while protecting Florida’s valuable natural resources. But just how energy efficient are manufactured homes?
A Less Wasteful Manufacturing Process
Did you know that nearly 40% of landfills are made up of renovation and construction waste? Because manufactured homes are built in a factory based on specific models, far less waste is produced in the process—roughly half as much, in fact. That’s because the manufacturer knows the exact size, shape, and details of the home, so there’s no wasting extra materials. Indoor, controlled factory environments also ensure none of the materials used to build a manufactured or modular home fall victim to moisture and heat, unlike at a traditional outdoor construction site.
Less Waste at the Home Site
The assembly of manufactured homes on your chosen site also produces less waste. Wherever possible, materials like lumber scraps, copper wiring, aluminum, styrofoam and cardboard packaging can be recycled to save energy and reduce waste disposal. This allows them to be repurposed for new products instead of adding to Florida’s landfills.
Energy-Efficient Manufactured Home Features
Incorporating energy-saving features in a new manufactured home, or retrofitting an older mobile home, can significantly reduce the cost of ownership by lowering energy bills as well as increase the property’s resale value. This is especially important to Florida residents, who endure hotter temperatures and, as a result, higher energy bills. When you own and live in a Jacobsen manufactured home, you can feel good knowing we miss no opportunity to save you money and make the most of your investment. Here are some of the standard features that will benefit Jacobsen homeowners:
- A whole-house positive ventilation system that reduces humidity indoors
- ENERGY STARⓇ shingles to reduce heat from the roof
- Insulated floors to increase longevity
- Faucet aerators and ultra low-flow toilets to reduce water usage
- ENERGY STARⓇ-certified appliances
- Light-colored walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce heat indoors
- Oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing for moisture protection
- Non-powered roof vents to let in outside air
All manufactured homes are subject to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which account for energy efficiency and set performance standards for heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. The Office of Manufactured Housing Programs (OMHP) at HUD also cooperates with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Jacobsen Homes exceeds many of the “HUD Code” regulations, which means our efficient wall systems maximize insulation, while the sheathing helps your home withstand strong storms and hurricanes.
Other Ways to Save Money and Reduce Waste in Your Manufactured Home
Once you move into your manufactured home, there are all kinds of little ways that you can reduce waste, saving money and your impact on the environment:
- Check with your city or municipality about getting a recycling bin for your home
- Get a compost bin and start turning your produce scraps into gardening material
- Install a water filter on your kitchen sink instead of buying bottled water
- Plant native plant species in your garden and landscaping
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs
- Turn off or unplug electronics when you’re not using them
- Plant trees to increase the shade around your home
Certain exterior home upgrades not only boost curb appeal but also add ways to live more efficiently. Custom porches, for example, provide breezy spaces to relax with no air conditioning needed, while window awnings block direct sunlight to keep the inside cooler.
Choose Jacobsen Homes for Energy Efficiency
Buying or building a home doesn’t have to be a wasteful process. When you choose Jacobsen Homes, you can feel good knowing you’re investing in a manufactured or modular home that combines quality and energy efficiency. Our homes can be tailored to any lifestyle, allowing you to live comfortably and have a hand in keeping Florida beautiful for your children and grandchildren. Explore our manufactured floor plans, then schedule a tour to see the quality of our homes in person! Here, we offer insight into the building process, energy-saving features, and how you can save money by living in a manufactured home.