Manufactured Home Summer Cooling Tips That Actually Work

I didn’t realize how much my old thermostat was working against me until I finally swapped it out for a programmable one. Now, I can set the temperature to rise a bit while I’m out during the day and cool down right before I get home. This one change shaved a decent amount off my electric bill last July.

Even better? A smart thermostat lets me control everything from my phone. If I’m stuck at the store longer than expected, I can delay the cooling and save energy. It's the little things that add up.

2. Seal the Leaks (They’re Sneakier Than You Think)

You’d be surprised how much cool air slips out of a manufactured home through leeft open doors or windows. For older homes grab a tube of clear caulk and checked around the windows, door frames, and even under the sink where plumbing comes in. Then I added weatherstripping to the front and back doors.

After doing that, the AC didn’t seem to kick on as often, and the house held its temperature better. It took me a weekend to seal everything up, but it was well worth the effort.

3. Reflective Window Film Changed Everything

One summer, I noticed my living room was turning into a sauna by mid-afternoon. I finally realized the sun blasting through the west-facing windows was to blame. Instead of blackout curtains (which I’m not a huge fan of), I tried reflective window film.

Installation wasn’t too tricky, and the difference was immediate. The sunlight still came through, but the heat didn’t. My AC got a much-needed break, and I didn’t have to sit in the dark all afternoon.

4. Upgrade Your Skirting—Yes, It Matters

I used to think skirting was just for looks. Turns out, it’s key to keeping your home cool. It acts as a barrier between the hot summer air and the underside of your home, where a lot of heat can sneak in.

I replaced my old, cracked skirting with insulated panels last spring. Not only does it look better, but I noticed my floors were cooler during the hottest days. It also kept critters out, which is a nice bonus.

5. Check Your Insulation—It’s Not Just for Winter

Most folks think about insulation when the weather turns cold, but it’s just as important in the summer. My attic space didn’t have much insulation when I moved in, so I added a few rolls of R-30 up there. It wasn’t the most fun DIY project, but once I finished, I could feel the difference.

If your home feels hot the moment the sun rises, your insulation might be to blame. Even adding foam board to the walls in places like utility closets or crawl spaces can help block heat.

6. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way

I didn’t know until recently that ceiling fans need to spin counterclockwise in the summer. That direction pushes cool air down instead of just moving warm air around. I flipped the switch on mine, and the airflow felt much stronger.

I also added a box fan in the hallway to help move cool air from the living room into the bedrooms. It’s not the prettiest setup, but it works. Sometimes comfort beats style, especially when it's pushing 95 degrees outside.

7. Ditch the Oven

I love cooking, but turning on the oven during the summer turns the whole kitchen into a furnace. These days, I grill more, use the slow cooker, or air fry things when I can. Even small habits, like waiting to do laundry or dishes until the evening, keep the heat down indoors.

If I really need to bake something, I try to do it early in the morning or after the sun sets to avoid heating up the house when the AC is already working overtime.

8. Shade Is Your Best Friend

After planting a couple of trees and setting up a pergola on my home's sunny side, I noticed a change. Even temporary fixes like a pop-up canopy or a few strategically placed sun sails can help block direct sunlight.

If you're in a spot where trees won’t work, try hanging bamboo shades outside your windows. They’re cheap, easy to install, and surprisingly effective at reducing heat.

9. Clean and Service Your AC

Last but not least, take care of your air conditioner. During the summer, I change the filter every 30 days and hose down the outdoor unit to get rid of dust and debris. I also have it serviced once a year to keep everything running smoothly.

I used to ignore this part, but once my AC started struggling, I had no choice. A well-maintained unit works more efficiently and lasts longer—plus, the cool air feels stronger when it’s not fighting a clog or a dirty coil.

Final Thoughts

Living in a manufactured home comes with its own set of advantages. With a few smart upgrades and simple daily habits, you can keep things cool all summer long without driving up your energy bill.

These are all things I’ve done myself—no fancy contractors or huge investments required. A weekend here and there, my place is much more comfortable when the heat rolls in.

If you’ve got tips that work for you, I’d love to hear them. After all, we’re all trying to stay cool in the same heat!