A new report finds mobile homes using too much hydro

Jan 5, 2021 | 6:00 AM

A new BC Hydro report finds many residents living in mobile homes are at an energy disadvantage compared to other home types.

The report titled “Mobiles and megawatts: Why mobile homes use the most electricity” finds the average mobile home uses 50 per cent more electricity per square foot than the average single-family home.

While the size of mobile homes is similar to most apartments, their overall energy use is closer to that of townhouses or duplexes with nearly double the square footage.

Over 70,000 BC Hydro customers live in mobile homes – one of the highest concentrations in Canada. The largest proportion is located in the Southern Interior and more than 60 per cent of B.C.’s mobile home residents are over the age of 60.

(photo/B.C. Housing)

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A survey conducted in September found limited insulation options and some inefficient heating and cooling behaviours are large contributors to higher electricity use in mobile homes.

About 20 per cent of mobile home residents use portable space heaters as one of their heating sources – one of the most expensive ways to heat a home.

About 85 per cent open windows at least some of the time to help regulate temperature swings in their homes. BC Hydro data also shows more than half of mobile home customers use a cooling system in the summer – this is higher than other dwelling types.

Many use portable air conditioners, which use 10 times more energy than a central air conditioning system or a heat pump.

The report indicates heating can account for up to 50 per cent of a BC Hydro bill in the colder months, so improving heating and insulation is the most impactful efficiency change.

While 75 per cent of those living in mobile homes are interested in conserving electricity and saving money, many are concerned with how much that it will cost or do not know where to start.

B.C. Hydro offers number of rebates, programs and tools available to help customers save energy and money. Click here to check eligibility.

by Kevin Rothwell

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