Heating and cooling a mobile home can defer from a standard home.
From the installation of an HVAC system to the build of the mobile home itself, some things differ from a conventional home.
Installation of an HVAC system into a mobile can often be easier since they are usually not set on a slab of concrete and can be accessed from below.
This ability to crawl underneath a mobile and run refrigeration lines or ductwork makes them easier for installs.
Build quality must also be taken into account. Often, older mobile homes are not as well insulated as new models, although this can vary.
The size will also need to be considered; for example, a double-wide needs more capacity than a single wide.
The climate the mobile is located in is important as well since someone who lives in a humid environment will have different requirements than someone in a dry, hot environment.
So, let’s look at some common and popular options for heating and cooling a mobile home.
Types of Heating and Cooling Units for Mobile Homes
- Split Systems
- Package Units
- Mini Split
- Evaporative Cooler
Split systems are A/C units that separate the evaporator inside coil and the compressor/condenser outside.
Refrigerant is transferred between the components from inside a home to the outside transferring hot and cold as necessary.
The inside coil looks A-shaped and is located inside the bottom of the furnace.
Split systems are widely used in mobile homes and use the ductwork already in place from the furnace to blow cool air in through the vents.
Units can be either heat pump or air conditioner only.
When a unit is air conditioner-only, the furnace is used to heat the mobile in the winter.
Packaged units are fully self-contained HVAC systems that come with all the components in one package.
Unlike a split system that separates the main components, which then must be put together, a package unit comes set up ready to run.
Electricity needs to be set up along with supply and return air ductwork.
Most units use 240 volts to operate and need to be run to a breaker box.
Two large square openings blow out conditioned air (called the supply-side) and pull it back into the unit (called the return-side).
The supply-side will need ductwork run to a mobile home’s existing ductwork. The return-air will need an opening cut strategically for air to be cycled back to the unit and a grill set up with a filter.
A mini split is much like a split system, only smaller and can be located almost anywhere.
While a standard split system is located in the furnace, a mini split can have the inside coil mounted on a wall and lines that run outside to the compressor and condenser.
Mini splits can be ideal for a number of reasons, including low-cost and easier installation.
A mini split can cool a small mobile or cool an add-on that never had air run to it.
This makes them very versatile, and even many DIY kits for the handy type of person.
Often, a mobile home will have 2-3 mini split heat pumps installed, which both heat and cool.
A high-efficiency mini split heat pump is likely the best option in many scenarios since it costs less to install and operate.
There are many do-it-yourself mini split kits that many average homeowners install to save on installation costs.
Read Here For More On Mini Split Systems.
Evaporative coolers, sometimes called swamp coolers, work very well in dry climates.
Water, when it evaporates, cools the air around it, which in the right climate works as well as a standard A/C unit.
Many southwestern states such as Arizona or Nevada have many mobile homes that only use a swamp cooler in the summer months.
They have the added benefit of being low-cost to buy, set up, and operate.
Unfortunately, they do not work in high humid environments.
If you live in a dry climate, an evaporative cooler is worth looking at but beware of its limitations.
Summary
Finding the right heating and cooling system for your mobile depends on the location, type of mobile, and cost.
Each scenario is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Someone living in Arizona may get by simply with a cheap swamp cooler, while someone living in Florida will need an air conditioner for the best results.
Oftentimes, a combination of units is the best solution, such as a mobile with an addition will likely only need a mini split system.
Mini split heat pump systems are the most popular since they cost less to install and cost less to run during heating and cooling.
We purchased a propety with an older trailer on it. The furnace has been taken out. No good duct work I. Floor. What is the best option for heat and air? Can u put duct work in ceiling,? Not sure the cheapest and best way to do this.
My living room is always hot. all duct and ac system have been checked and are fine. If i move my air return close to the ceiling on the wall, which is currently located in the living room floor. will it help? It is the only return in the mobile home.
It’s interesting to learn that air conditioning can actually be better in a mobile home because there often aren’t cement barriers that mess with ventilation. Although there are many negative stigmas about living in a mobile home, residents have the possibility of better air conditioning because of the availability of quality supplies. It could be beneficial for you to have this perspective when considering what kind of real estate you are looking to acquire.
Last May put a 3 ton 14 seer custom comfort plus system in 24X70 18 yr. old mobile home. System cools very well inside home but under neath home is as cold as inside. Why? Has brick foundation.