The Top 5 Ways to Keep a Modular Home Cool

Shading

• Mobile homes can be shaded by using awnings over windows or doors. This keeps the sunlight from directly filtering into the house or heating up the glass. These should be installed on the side where the sun rises because the sun has time to heat the windows as it moves through the horizon.

  Other methods include using natural flora such as vines, bushes and trees. Vines can be allowed to grow up the sides of the home although they can start to force their way underneath the moulding and siding; an alternative is to set up trellises in front of windows allowing the vines to grow up the trellis. Deciduous trees that drop their leaves in autumn are optimal for cooling in summer. Use trees with growth ranges between 25 and 50 feet high. Plant the trees at least 10 feet from the house. Maple, oak and aspen are good examples of useful trees.

Sunblocks

• Heavy shades and window treatments can be used inside the home to block direct sunlight and heat. Sunscreens and heat-reflecting film applied to the windows will reduce the amount of heat entering because these redirect the sun's rays. Curtains can also impact the cooling of your home. Use darker colors and thicker material to keep the heat out. Blinds work similarly to curtains.

Airflow

• Cross ventilation in the right direction can cool down a mobile home. Airflow from the shaded side should flow in and then exit on the opposite side. Open windows at both ends of the home, keeping the middle windows shut. Fans placed in the direction you want the air to flow will help cool down the home interior faster. When the sun shifts to the opposite side of the home, turn the fans around to direct air in the opposite direction. Exhaust fans and roof vents are used to allow hot air to escape because heat rises.

Maintenance

• Maintenance of both cooling appliances and the exterior of your home help cool the home. Air filters in air conditioning units must be maintained and clean to function effectively. Dehumidifiers reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Humidity raises air temperature. Using white as an exterior color on both the siding and roofing also redirects heat away from the house.

Work Flow

• Using appliances that heat up during the hottest portion of the day will increase the temperature in the house. Appliances such as ovens and dryers can quickly raise indoor temperatures as they throw off heat. Using these appliances after the sun sets will keep the heat low in the mobile home.