Going “green” is a hot topic these days, and there are many ways you can do so in your RV. One of the simplest ways you can do this is by conserving energy in your RV, which can be done in multiple ways! Here are some ideas on how you can reduce your energy use and cost while traveling in your RV or trailer.
- Insulate your floors – Especially in older trailers, your floors only have flooring material and an undercarriage cover. You can do better than that! You can remove the undercarriage material, and insulate it with spray foam or solid board insulation. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and be careful around any plumbing and wiring. You can also install carpet with padding along with insulating the undercarriage.
- Thermal curtains – Windows let heat escape very quickly. They also can make your RV hotter in the summer by allowing heat in. You could replace your windows with double pane windows if they are single frame, but this can be costly and difficult. The simpler option would be to just put up some thermal curtains! You can find them at many hardware stores or homegood stores, or online. If you’re particularly crafty, you can just sew them yourself.
- Cover your RV with awnings and solar screens – To reduce the load on your air conditioner in the summer, you can do two very simple things. You can cover your windows and windshield with solar screens to keep heat out and cool air in. Awnings also reduce the amount of sun shining on doors and windows. You can’t always find a shady spot at an RV park, so this can help tremendously!
- If you are able to, find a shady spot under deciduous trees at the park. The bigger leaves help shade the RV in the summer and help heat the trailer in the winter. Simple and effective!
These are just four of the many ways you can help reduce energy costs in your RV and reduce your use of propane. They are all pretty easy to do, so why not try them out?