Why Mobile Homes Need Special HVAC Attention
If you've ever tried squeezing a full-sized furnace or air handler into a mobile home closet, you know what I mean when I say: mobile homes aren’t like site-built homes. Whether you're dealing with a single-wide trailer, a double-wide manufactured home, or something in between, the mobile home air conditioning system has to be a perfect fit — physically and operationally.
You can’t just slap in a standard unit and call it a day. You need properly matched components that are built for mobile homes: compact, efficient, and up to HUD code. That’s where mobile home HVAC systems, central air conditioners for mobile homes, and package units come into play.
What Are Your Options for Mobile Home HVAC?
If you're shopping around, you’ve probably come across more acronyms and system types than you ever wanted. Here’s the quick breakdown:
1. Split Systems
This is the classic AC and furnace combo — mobile home furnace and AC, where the condenser sits outside and the air handler or furnace goes in a closet or utility room. Works well if you've got the space.
Pros: Quiet, customizable, high-efficiency options
Cons: Requires space indoors, more complex install
2. Package Units
This is what I install 80% of the time in mobile homes. Everything — compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, and often a heat source — lives in one outdoor cabinet. You may have seen these called a 3 ton package unit for mobile home, or AC package unit for mobile home.
Pros: Simple install, no indoor components, all-in-one solution
Cons: Louder outdoors, slightly lower efficiency vs. top-tier splits
Learn more about package vs. split systems from HVAC Training 101.
3. Ductless Mini-Splits
Ideal for homes without ducts or when you only need to cool a specific room. Popular in renovations and tiny homes.
Pros: Super efficient, great zone control
Cons: Higher upfront cost, indoor wall units aren’t for everyone
PickHVAC has a great comparison of mobile home AC options.
4. Window or Portable Units
We’ve all used ‘em. They work in a pinch but aren’t ideal long term — especially if you're looking for a whole-home solution.
Pros: Low upfront cost
Cons: Noisy, inefficient, can’t heat
Why a 3 Ton HVAC System Is Often the Sweet Spot
Most mobile homes fall between 1,100 and 1,800 square feet, which puts you right in the 3 ton AC range. That equals 36,000 BTUs, a good match for moderate insulation and typical single- or double-wide configurations.
Need something smaller? A 2 ton AC package unit for mobile home might do the trick for homes under 1,000 sq ft.
Need bigger? A 3.5 or 4 ton unit might be better for triple-wides or high ceilings.
But for the majority of homes I see, a 3 ton mobile home AC unit is the right balance of power, efficiency, and affordability.
Why Package Units Work So Well in Mobile Homes
Let’s talk real-world advantages of package systems in manufactured homes:
✅ All-in-One Setup
Your mobile home air conditioner unit and furnace live in one box. That makes install easy and keeps your indoor space free.
✅ Outdoor Maintenance
Everything’s accessible from outside. No tracking through your house or working in tight utility closets.
✅ Lower Installation Costs
With fewer moving parts and no indoor unit, the install is faster and cheaper.
This Tiny Roam post explains the unique layout challenges of mobile homes and why package units make sense.
Don’t Forget the Furnace
If you live somewhere with chilly winters, you’ll want heat too — either from a heat pump built into your package unit or a gas furnace add-on.
A few solid options:
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Mobile home furnace and AC unit (split or packaged)
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Electric package units with heat strips
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Gas/electric combo package units
Some folks still use mobile home window AC units in summer and plug-in heaters in winter. That might work in Florida, but not in the Midwest.
Need backup heat? A dual-fuel package unit is a smart choice — it uses the heat pump when it’s mild and switches to gas when it gets below freezing.
Mobile Home HVAC Installation Tips from the Field
Let me share a few must-knows from years of crawlspace adventures:
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Use mobile-home-rated equipment — it’s UL listed for HUD code homes
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Check your ducts — leaky or undersized ductwork kills efficiency
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Level that slab or roof mount — tilt = drainage problems
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Seal the underbelly — rodents love duct insulation
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Ventilation matters — especially for gas furnaces
Want more on mobile home ductwork and HVAC code? Aeroseal covers it well.
Let’s Talk Efficiency – R-32 Is the Future
Most older mobile home units use R-410A refrigerant. That’s being phased out in favor of R-32, which is:
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More energy-efficient
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Has lower global warming potential
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Requires less charge per system
That’s one of the big reasons I now recommend systems that use R-32 — like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle. It's built for long-term compliance and lower operating costs.
Budgeting for Mobile Home HVAC
Here’s a rough cost estimate for installs:
| System Type | Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Window Unit | $400–$800 |
| Mini-Split | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Split System | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Package Unit | $5,000–$8,000 |
Need a deep dive on costs? Check out Home Guide's cost calculator.
Real Case: AC for a Double-Wide in Oklahoma
I had a customer outside Tulsa with a 1,600 sq ft double-wide, using three window units and two space heaters. Summer bills were sky-high, and winters were a constant battle.
We installed a 3 ton package unit for mobile home, ran new flex ducts under the belly, and sealed every joint with mastic. Within two months, the utility bill dropped by 35%, and the entire home stayed within 2°F from one end to the other.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Mobile Home HVAC System
If you’re still wondering which setup is best, here’s my rule of thumb:
Choose a 3 ton AC package unit for mobile home if:
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You want an all-in-one system
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You need to cool/heat 1,200–1,800 sq ft
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You don’t want to deal with indoor equipment
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You want a clean, fast install with long-term savings
And make sure to go with a reliable R-32 system that meets current federal and HUD standards.
Wrap-Up from Mark
Mobile homes deserve HVAC systems that are efficient, dependable, and right-sized. Don’t let anyone talk you into overpaying for oversized split systems or patchwork window units.
A properly installed 3 ton mobile home air conditioner can transform your comfort and cut your bills — especially if you choose something like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle. It checks all the boxes: efficiency, capacity, and peace of mind.
—
Mark Callahan
HVAC Installer | Manufactured Home Pro | No-Fluff Tech
“Mobile doesn’t mean minimal. Get the system your home deserves.”
