Heating & insulation for older mobile home

[Michael T Wing CPA]

I have recently purchased a 1975 singlewide mobile home (2x4 construction with aluminum panel siding). The unit has a Coleman electric furnace (no heat pump), storm windows and rather minimal insulation throughout. I am trying to decide what improvements (if any) would be justified. The trailer is located in the Seattle area where temperatures rarely get below the high 20's and air conditioning is considered to be a (rarely necessary) luxury.

A heat pump is probably out of the question due to cost.

I am considering re-insulating the floor, removing the original "rodent barrier" and R-7 (more/less) insulation, replacing same with R-19 stuffed between joists plus duct insulation, etc. I've figured the cost of materials at around $400.

I've also been told (but haven't confirmed) that it would be possible to add "blown in" insulation to the ceiling for around $300. I haven't determined the current insulation up there, but it is probably R-13 or R-19.

I'm planning to replace both doors (hollow core) with current R-5 (or better) models.

I have also thought about looking at a NEW electric furnace/air handler. However, I've received mixed reviews as to whether newer units are really any more efficient than the originals. (However, a new one would likely be QUIETER.)

I would greatly appreciate comments on these issues or any other suggestions that might yield improvement. Do-it-yourself approaches are most likely to be implemented.

Thanks!

MTW

[Joseph Meehan]

In the long run it may be the cheapest solution, especially in your area. You also gain a very effiecent air conditioner.

Seems a little high for materials, but it may be right. If done right it is a good idea.

If you are up to 19 now I would not bother, I doubt if you can get it up far from there.

No help here. Any direct electirc (not a heat pump) will be exactly the same efficency, 100% Heat pumps can go over 100% and in your area they will operate over 100% almost all the time, often far over.

[m Ransley]

Where a greatest percentage of heat is lost is up, If possible look into foam roofing, R 35 is minimum R 50 best for your area. You will have to figure an extension for the sides , but look into it , see if trailers do it. I take it you have cheap hydro elec. .05 kwh . If not consider gas. im 0.125 kwh , double the cost of gas. For most US elec is double that of gas. Whatever your upgrades you will will benefit and yes more insulation is better, as standards in place are obsolete and far from optimum. The US is cheap energy compared to most of the world, But its going up.

[Michael T Wing CPA]

Yes, the electric rate here is a little over .06/kwh. Gas is a ~little~ cheaper, but not enough so to justify the cost of converting.

Thanks for the comments,

MTW

[Michael T Wing CPA]

You are probably correct. The local electric company claims that a heat pump can cut the cost of straight electric heating by about half. Not bad, but since this savings is only in the winter months (summer might actually REVERSE the trend if you start relying heavily on air conditioning), the payback period is rather long. By the same token, major insulation projects, such as those I mentioned, might have equally lengthy paybacks.

Thanks for the comments,

MTW

[m Ransley]

Payback ? Utilitie rates will go up, and so will the value of your property. And a mental payback is not paying as much, it feels good to not pay high utilities

[George E. Cawthon]

Glad you said "local" as the overall efficiency depends on where you live. The milder the winter, the higher the efficiency. If you live where it is really cold, the efficiency will approach 1:1 compared to straight resistance heating.