How can you keep your house cooler in the summer & winter?

Best way to keep a house cool is to keep the sun off it....keep it in the shade. There are some really fast-growing trees (Lombardy poplar) that are relatively cheap, or you could try planting clumping bamboo (clumping so it doesn't take over)....the more you water it the fast it grows. Plant them on the south and west sides of the house, but away from the house so the roots don't jeopardize the foundation. Also, the poplars spread by sending random shoots up from the roots....you can mow them down while they're small.

I have Levalor cordless shades which operate on a spring. You can order the size by your measurements. You can find them @ Homedepot, Lowe's, or Blinds To Go They have a shield on the opposite side that faces out. It blocks the sun, in summer, and the cold in winter. This will help you with the windows, as far as the walls, if you have paneling, you could take it down, and put insulation in your self. You say "we", so I guess you and your husband can do the job yourselves. Call Homedepot or Lowe's and ask how much is a roll of insulation cost, and figure how much you'll need. It will pay to do it. Hope this help somewhat. Good Luck!

Hi Jody, Here's a link with some helpful tips! https://srmi.biz/energy-saving-tips/mobile-homes/10-ways-mobile-home-energy-efficient/

Good luck!

Yes. Remember that anything you do to keep heat from entering the house is better than letting heat in and dissipating inside.

Plant deciduous trees - long term solution. You want trees that loose their leaves in the winter for winter sun warmth. Short term, plant vines growing on a lattice in front of the windows for summer sun.

Caulk around everything! Windows, doors, skirting, where siding overlaps....

Because windows are notorious for letting in air, you can put a thin clear plastic over them. There are kits for this from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. I placed white duct tape on the part where the top and bottom frames meet as mine let in air there.

Open windows up at night to let cooler air inside and cool the house off. Close up early in the morning during the summer. Insulated drapes do help summer and winter, but again, the air is already in the house.

If there is only one thing you can do, I'd caulk!!

Home stores sell window insulation that is a clear film you stretch across the window (any opening, actually). Inexpensive and easy. Can you hang decorative quilts or tapestries on your north walls? That's what they did in the old days for insulation. In the summer, we use small countertop fans to keep the air circulating. Remember heat rises, so the fans can work in the winter, too.

let cool air in at night from windows then close in am. pull down shades. This keeps cool air in.

Thanks

Use room darkening window treatments on every window to keep the sun out and keep it cooler in the summer. They will also block winter winds.