Energy-efficient manufactured homes can save consumers $4.6 billion in energy costs over the next 20 years, according to a new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
The study, titled ‘Mobilizing Energy Efficiency in the Manufactured Housing Sector,’ highlights the economic benefits of energy savings for the 17 million people living in manufactured homes across the country. It is being presented as the first analysis to evaluate the national potential for energy efficiency improvements to both new and existing manufactured homes.
According to the report, energy efficiency in manufactured homes can also dramatically improve residents' economic stability. Average household incomes in manufactured homes are 36% lower than the national household average, and 22% of manufactured home residents have incomes below the federal poverty line. For these families, energy efficiency can alleviate onerous utility bills, particularly among those living in extreme climates and aging homes.
‘We found that energy costs are particularly salient for residents of manufactured homes,’ says Jennifer Amann, ACEEE's buildings program director. ‘For example, many are retirees living on fixed incomes. For these residents, energy savings yield  immediately tangible benefits by freeing up cash for other uses.’
The full report is available online.
