Let's begin with the single, largest problem area commonly found in mobile homes: insulation. Most mobile homes do not have sufficient insulation in their walls, ceiling, or crawl space.

But if you’re buying a new mobile home, you’re better off considering its insulation and energy efficiency before plunking down cash, Jacobs said. “Once you purchase a mobile home ...

Of those homes, about 35% were built before 1976, when new federal standards kicked in requiring better insulation, which is a reason lower-income mobile-home residents are often particularly hit ...