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HVAC Systems for Mobile Homes

August 22 2019

Choosing the Right HVAC System for Your Mobile Home

Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, come in single wide and double wide styles in a range of sizes and floor plans. Most of them, but not all, built after 1976 have ductwork that can be connected to a central Heating and Cooling System. With smaller mobile homes, extra interior space is often limited, like choosing mobile home cabinets, choosing HVAC systems for mobile homes can be tricky. Though significant improvements have been made in newer models, mobile homes are still often energy hogs.

A packaged HVAC system is used in small spaces and is often the right choice for installation in a mobile home. These systems typically contain a heat pump and air conditioner combined with a fan and evaporator in a single unit. They also usually have a control panel or thermostat and air quality enhancing accessories.

A packaged unit sits outside the mobile home, connected to the ductwork. Some mobile homes have ductwork and an interior cabinet designed to hold an interior furnace or the inside unit of a heat pump. When this is the case, a split-system heat pump that provides heating and cooling can be used or a furnace paired with a split-system air conditioner. This is often a great option for mobile homes that do not have space for traditional ductwork.

A completely ductless system contains refrigerant tubing and wires that connect the fan coil with the exterior unit, a control panel or thermostat, air quality improvement accessories, and a compact fan coil.

Another option for mobile home owners is known as a mini-split HVAC system. These systems use a small indoor blower unit that is mostly housed outside. Minimal piping is installed through walls and there is no ducting required. These units are highly efficient and more than one blower can be run from a single outdoor unit. This allows for multiple independent temperature zones within a mobile home unit.

The installation costs associated with mini-split HVAC systems for mobile homes are usually the lowest of any option and as well as cost-effective to run, often making them the best solution for mobile home owners.

Ductwork In Mobile Homes

HVAC systems for mobile homes typically have either no duct systems or a smaller ductwork system. This requires that the furnace or air handler need to have a different size blower than a conventional home. If you are in a mobile home and looking for a system, be sure that anything you choose is compatible with mobile home ducting or does not require ducting at all.

Smaller ductwork is an issue due to static pressure meaning how much pressure the air is pushing against the blower motor. The ductwork in mobile homes, if it exists, is smaller than a regular furnace and takes more force to push air through it, so a blower specifically designed and built for mobile homes is required.

In addition, the installation process for an HVAC unit in a mobile home usually takes place after the home is delivered to the property where the assembly of the home, including the HVAC system, is then completed. If advanced planning has not been done properly, there will be problems. Avoid problems by doing your homework ahead of time.

Finding the right heating and cooling system for your mobile depends on the location, type of mobile, and cost. For more information about HVAC systems for mobile homes, you are very welcome to get in touch with Hanover Supply Company. We’ll be happy to talk to you about the best solution for your particular situation and needs.

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