We’ve already talked about how modular homes are better for the environment because they yield less construction waste, but modular homes are also better for the environment because they’re more energy efficient than standard stick-built homes. Of course, that also makes them better on your monthly energy bills, which is always a good thing.

Here’s why modular saves more energy: Most home energy loss is due to air infiltration and heat loss. This occurs through cracks, holes and insulation gaps in walls, ceilings and floors. These cracks and holes are unavoidable, even in new homes, but they’re much less common in modular homes. That’s because modular houses are built from the inside out, whereas stick-built homes are built from the outside in.

In other words, the exterior of a site-built home is built first, and then the drywall is installed because installing the drywall first would subject it to weather conditions. Later, the plumbing and electrical sockets and wiring are installed, but the builder cannot seal these holes between the drywall and the exterior sheathing, thus creating unavoidable opportunities for energy loss. But with modular homes, working indoors allows us to create the drywall and all the plumbing and electrical connections and seal those connections tightly before installing the exterior walls. This is what we mean when we say that modular homes are “tighter” than site-built homes.

Because of this, we are able to offer more options when it comes to producing ENERGY STAR homes. Getting the ENERGY STAR label isn’t easy. The distinction is only given to homes that operate at least 15 percent more efficiently than a standard home.

Because there are fewer air gaps in a modular home, a fire would spread slowly, outside moisture is blocked, and more bugs and rodents are kept out.