Mobile Home Efficiency Rule Includes Weaker Limits For Smaller Units

Following pushback from White House and housing department officials, the Energy Department (DOE) is issuing a final rule that tightens energy efficiency standards for manufactured houses but with softer requirements for smaller homes, with efficiency advocates charging the move will saddle poorer families with high energy bills. The May 18 rule updates standards including duct and air sealing, insulation, hot water heater systems, heating and cooling, and ventilation, reducing costs for the generally lower-income people who buy manufactured homes. The...