R-values

[Robert Howard]

What R-values should a home have for the walls, floor and roof?

In the book "HOW TO BUY A MANUFACTURED HOME AND SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS" author Randall Eaton says that in order to be considered quality construction a home should have R-21, 33, and 38 in the walls, floor and roof resepectively. None of the homes that I can find on the market have anywhere close to this. The best I can find is R-19, 21, and 30. According to Mr. Eaton these R-values are considered poor construction.

The homes that I have looked at are Solitaire, Karsten, and Palm Harbor. These homes are recommended by Mr. Eaton in his book, "MANUFACTURED HOMES COMPARISON GUIDE", and indeed they do meet most of the standards that he prescribes for quality homes, with the notable exception of R-values.

I live in central Texas. Could this be the reason? Do the manufacturers intentionally skimp on insulation for homes that are shipped to the South? According to Mr. Eaton, insulation is every bit as important to lower a home's cooling bills in the South as it is to lower the heating bills in the North. This makes sense to me, but apparently the manufacturers don't agree.

[rmurray]

R-19.21.30 meets or exceeds any definition of an energy efficient home..

If energy efficiency is really important you should consider buying an ENERGY STAR designated home..this covers insulation..but also scores of other energy savings features...I am sure at least 2 of the companies you mention have Energy Star homes...Check out the Department of Energy's web site on the program at

www.energystar.gov

Good Luck with your home..