Mobile Home HVAC Guide: Real Talk on Heating & Cooling for Manufactured Homes

Let’s get something out of the way: heating and cooling a mobile home or manufactured home isn’t the same as working on a stick-built house. I’ve spent the last 20+ years crawling under trailer skirts, retrofitting narrow ducts, and replacing sketchy old package units held together by rust and wishful thinking.

And I can tell you this: if you’re serious about comfort, efficiency, and saving money over time, you need an HVAC system made for mobile homes—not just whatever your cousin found cheap on Craigslist.

So today, I’m going to break it down for you. This guide covers:

• The best HVAC systems for mobile and manufactured homes

• What makes mobile home AC different

• Sizing, setup, and costs

• Tips to avoid bad installs and wasted money

Let’s dig in.

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Why Mobile Home HVAC Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

A mobile home air conditioning system works on the same principles as any HVAC setup—but the space it serves is very different.

Here’s what sets mobile home HVAC apart:

1. Ductwork

Mobile and manufactured homes usually have underfloor ductwork—narrow, short runs with minimal insulation. That means:

• Lower static pressure

• Smaller air handlers

• More prone to duct leaks and heat loss

This article from Aeroseal shows just how bad mobile home ductwork can be if it’s not sealed and maintained properly.

2. Framing & Layout

Manufactured homes are often long and narrow, which creates uneven airflow zones if not designed correctly. That’s why proper system sizing and blower performance matter even more.

3. Electrical Load

Many mobile homes run off 100- or 150-amp panels, which limits the size and type of HVAC equipment you can install.

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Mobile Home AC Units: What Are Your Options?

Let’s start with cooling only, then we’ll talk heat.

❄️ Option 1: Central AC Package Units

These are all-in-one units—condenser, coil, and blower—installed outside on a pad. Air gets pushed through ducts under the home.

Best for:

• Replacing old rooftop or slab units

• Mobile homes with existing ductwork

• Homeowners who want low-maintenance systems

Check out systems like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle—a great fit for most larger mobile homes that need both cooling and air handling in a simple, matched setup.

❄️ Option 2: Split System AC

These systems have an outdoor condenser and indoor air handler, usually in a utility closet.

Pros:

• Often more efficient

• Quieter indoors

Cons:

• Can be tricky to retrofit

• Requires line set runs and refrigerant charging

❄️ Option 3: Window or Wall AC Units

Yes, they still exist—especially in older trailers or when budget is tight. Units like Frigidaire’s window ACs work okay in small spaces, but they’re loud, inefficient, and block windows.

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Heating and Cooling for Mobile Homes: Best Combos

If you want both heating and cooling—and you should—there are two smart routes.

🔥 Option 1: Mobile Home Furnace and AC (Gas or Electric)

This setup includes a furnace (usually in a closet) paired with an outdoor AC condenser.

• Use this if you’ve got natural gas or propane access

• Ideal for colder climates

• Most efficient heating option when gas is available

Make sure you choose a mobile-home rated furnace. These are different from standard units—they have downflow airflow, compact sizes, and meet HUD code specs.

🔥 Option 2: Heat Pump Package Units

This is my go-to in warmer regions. It’s a 3 ton heat pump package unit that handles cooling and heating without burning fuel.

• Cheaper to run than electric strip heat

• Works down to about 30°F

• Includes backup heat strips for colder nights

Energy.gov confirms heat pumps can cut electricity use by up to 50% versus resistance heating.

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What Size HVAC Unit Does a Mobile Home Need?

You’ve probably seen this question:
“Should I get a 2 ton or 3 ton mobile home AC unit?”

The answer: It depends on your square footage, insulation, and location.

General Guideline:

• 800–1,200 sq. ft. → 2 ton (24,000 BTUs)

• 1,200–1,600 sq. ft. → 2.5 ton

• 1,600–2,000 sq. ft. → 3 ton (36,000 BTUs)

But don’t guess—have a contractor perform a Manual J load calculation or use a reliable online BTU calculator.

Warning: Oversizing leads to

• Short cycling

• Poor humidity control

• Higher bills

• Shorter equipment life

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Common Mobile Home HVAC Problems (and Fixes)

I see the same issues over and over. Here’s your cheat sheet:

❌ Leaky Ductwork

The #1 killer of efficiency. Seal those ducts with mastic and insulate them.

❌ Undersized Returns

Mobile homes often have tiny return grilles that choke airflow. Upgrade to larger filters or add more return vents.

❌ Unsealed Skirting

In winter, exposed ductwork freezes. In summer, it bakes. Add insulation or seal your crawlspace.

Energy.gov has a deep dive into mobile home envelope upgrades if you’re getting serious about long-term performance.

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How Much Does Mobile Home AC Cost?

Here’s what I tell clients looking for mobile home HVAC upgrades:

Prices can vary depending on:

• Electrical upgrades

• Concrete slab or curb work

• Duct repairs

• Mobile home brand (some have tight constraints)

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Do I Need a Mobile Home Rated System?

YES. Mobile and manufactured homes are subject to HUD building codes. That means your furnace, AC, or heat pump must be:

• Labeled for manufactured housing

• Downflow-compatible (airflow from top to bottom)

• Narrow and shallow enough to fit your utility closet

Using the wrong system won’t just reduce comfort—it could void your HUD certification or deny you financing if you sell.

Need help sorting gear? Tiny Roam has a great comparison of systems rated for mobile homes.

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Choosing the Best Heating and Cooling System for Mobile Homes

Here’s my no-BS recommendation list, based on decades of installs:

Best Budget System:

• 2 ton AC package unit for mobile home

• Good for southern climates

• Low install cost and simple maintenance

Best All-Around System:

• 3 ton mobile home AC unit with heat pump

• Great for 1,600–2,000 sq. ft.

• Balance of cooling and low-cost heating

Best Cold Climate Setup:

• Mobile home furnace and AC unit (gas or propane)

• High-efficiency gas furnace + matching AC

• Excellent comfort and long-term reliability

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Final Thoughts from the Crawlspace

Mobile and manufactured homes come with unique HVAC challenges—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for hot bedrooms, loud window units, or sky-high energy bills.

Whether you’re upgrading from an old mobile home air conditioner unit, replacing a dead trailer house AC unit, or just figuring out what the heck a 3 ton package unit for a mobile home really does… you’ve got options.

Want something reliable, efficient, and future-ready? A system like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle checks every box—and it’s built with R-32 refrigerant, so you’re not stuck with phased-out tech.

Just make sure you hire a licensed pro to install it right. No shortcuts. No guesswork.

Because when it’s 98° outside and the sun’s cooking your tin roof, you’ll be glad you did.

—Jake Lawson, HVAC Guy Who’s Actually Been Under Your House