If you live in San Antonio, you know summer heat can be relentless. That kind of heat can push air conditioners hard and send electric bills soaring. The good news is that today’s energy efficient manufactured homes are built to handle Texas heat, so you can stay comfortable and spend less to cool your home.

Recent summers have set new power demand records across Texas, a reminder that efficiency is more important than ever for comfort, cost control, and grid reliability. For background on statewide demand trends, see the Electric Reliability Council of Texas at ERCOT. Below, we break down what makes a manufactured home truly energy efficient in a hot, sunny, and humid climate like San Antonio, what to look for when you shop, and simple upgrades that can help right away.

Why energy efficiency matters more in Texas heat

• Cooling is often the single biggest summer energy load in our region. Reducing heat gain through the roof, walls, and windows lowers how often the AC must run.
• Humidity control is essential. A tight home with well sealed ducts reduces the amount of warm, moist outdoor air that sneaks inside, which helps the AC do less work.
• Better efficiency improves comfort, reduces hot spots and humidity swings, and can lessen wear on equipment over time.

Programs like ENERGY STAR and guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver program at the DOE highlight the same fundamentals you should look for in a manufactured home for hot climates.

The features that actually cut cooling bills

Below are the building blocks of an energy efficient manufactured home for San Antonio’s hot, sunny climate. When you visit a model or review a floor plan, ask about these items and request the exact specifications in writing.

Insulation that matches our climate

Insulation slows heat flow from the scorching outdoors into your home. In hot climates, the roof and attic need special attention because the sun beats down for hours.

• Roof or ceiling insulation, commonly blown fiberglass or foam. Look for higher R-values in the roof cavity.
• Wall insulation, typically batt or blown, installed without gaps or compression.
• Floor insulation above the crawlspace, plus a sealed and insulated underbelly to block heat and humidity from below.

A tight building envelope

Even great insulation cannot do its job if outdoor air leaks in around seams, plumbing penetrations, and the marriage line in multi-section homes. Ask about air sealing details like housewrap, taped sheathing seams, foam or gaskets at penetrations, and sealed marriage joints.

Low solar heat gain windows

Sunlight brings heat. The right glazing blocks much of it while preserving natural light.

• Low emissivity, double-pane windows with warm-edge spacers
• Low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient suited for Texas sun
• Professional installation with air sealing around frames

ENERGY STAR provides climate-based window guidance. In the South, lower SHGC values are preferred to limit solar gain. Learn more at ENERGY STAR Windows.

Efficient, properly sized HVAC

The most efficient system is one that is sized correctly, uses a high efficiency rating, and moves air quietly and steadily.

• High efficiency air conditioner or heat pump with SEER2 ratings. SEER2 replaced SEER in 2023. For hot Texas summers, higher SEER2 means lower cooling energy use.
• Variable speed air handlers and smart thermostats improve comfort, humidity control, and efficiency.
• Ducts designed and sealed to minimize leakage.

Sealed, insulated ducts

Leaky ducts can waste significant cooling, especially if they run through hot spaces. Factory sealed ducts with mastic and insulation keep more cold air where it belongs, inside your home.

Cool roof color and radiant barriers

Light colored, reflective roof surfaces and radiant barriers beneath roofing reduce attic temperatures and lower the cooling load. The EPA explains how cool roofs reduce heat gain at EPA Heat Island: Cool Roofs.

Smart controls and efficient lighting

Setback or smart thermostats, LED lighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances trim daily energy use without sacrificing comfort.

A quick shopping checklist for San Antonio buyers

Use this table when you compare models or plan upgrades. Specs vary by manufacturer and floor plan, so treat these as Texas-friendly targets to discuss with your Homes2Go consultant.

Note, specific specs that are best for you depend on your floor plan, site, sun exposure, and budget. A Homes2Go specialist can help you balance cost and savings for your situation.

How much can you save

Every home and household is different, so savings vary. However, the combination of a tight shell, low solar gain windows, reflective roofing, and efficient HVAC typically reduces cooling energy use by double digit percentages compared with a similar home built to minimum requirements. National programs like ENERGY STAR have consistently documented meaningful reductions in energy use when these features are specified together. That translates to lower bills during the hottest months and more stable comfort inside the home.

You may also qualify for financial incentives for certain upgrades. The federal energy efficiency tax credits for items like qualifying heat pumps, insulation, and windows are currently available under the Inflation Reduction Act framework. See the latest eligibility rules at ENERGY STAR federal tax credits. Local utilities periodically offer rebates as well. Check CPS Energy for current residential programs at CPS Energy. Always confirm availability and details before you buy, and consult a tax professional for tax credit questions.

New home options through Homes2Go San Antonio

Homes2Go SA focuses on making homeownership in the San Antonio area accessible and comfortable in our climate. When you shop with us, you can expect:

• A wide selection of home models that include energy efficient designs and modern interiors
• Detailed floor plans so you can see window placement, insulation packages, and HVAC options
• Expert guidance on features that matter for Texas heat, including windows, insulation, roof color, and HVAC choices
• Flexible financing options through trusted local lenders, with support for first-time buyers
• Move-in ready homes and access to top communities across the San Antonio area

If energy efficiency is a top priority, tell your Homes2Go consultant at the start. We will help you identify models and options that fit your budget and cooling goals. Get started at Homes2Go San Antonio.

Simple upgrades that make a big difference right away

If you already own a manufactured home or want extra performance without a full package of upgrades, consider these practical steps:

• Add shade on the west side. Awnings, shade sails, porches, and fast growing native trees reduce the blast of late day sun.
• Install a smart thermostat and create cooling schedules that match your routine. Avoid large temperature swings that can increase humidity.
• Seal the small stuff. Caulk window and door trim, weatherstrip exterior doors, and seal plumbing and wire penetrations under sinks and at the floor. Small leaks add up in summer.
• Service your AC before peak heat. Clean filters and coils, verify refrigerant charge, and check airflow. A tuned system runs cooler and can use less energy.
• Upgrade to low SHGC window coverings. Solar screens or high performance window films on sun facing windows can cut solar heat gain significantly.
• Convert lights to LEDs. LEDs give off less heat and use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

When you are ready for deeper upgrades, talk with a qualified contractor about window replacement, adding roof reflectivity, or improving underbelly insulation and sealing. The DOE Energy Saver resource offers homeowner friendly guides for each of these steps.

Site placement matters in communities

Where and how your home sits on the lot can change your cooling needs.

• Favor orientations that minimize large west facing windows when possible.
• Use covered porches to shade entries and glass.
• Keep outdoor condenser units clear of shrubs and obstructions so they can release heat efficiently.

Your Homes2Go advisor can discuss lot options in area communities and how orientation might affect sun exposure and shade.

Putting it all together

An energy efficient manufactured home for San Antonio is the product of a few smart decisions that work together. Start with a tight, well insulated building shell, choose low solar gain windows and a reflective roof color, and pair them with a right sized, high efficiency HVAC system and sealed ducts. Add smart controls and thoughtful site placement, and you can expect a cooler, drier, more comfortable home that costs less to operate through the long Texas summer.

Talk to a local expert who knows Texas heat

At Homes2Go SA, we help San Antonio buyers compare real energy features across models, understand what the specs mean for their monthly bills, and choose financing that fits their budget. If you want a home that stays cool without overworking your AC, our team is ready to guide you.

• Visit us online to browse models and floor plans, and to request a consultation: Homes2Go San Antonio
• Ask about energy efficient options available on the models you like
• Bring this checklist along when you tour so you can compare side by side

Make your next summer in Texas more comfortable and affordable by choosing an energy efficient manufactured home that is built for our climate.