If you’re a mobile home owner looking to replace your old furnace, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is:
👉 Should I go with gas or electric?
Mobile homes are unique when it comes to heating. Space is tight, ductwork is designed differently than in traditional houses, and HUD certification means you can’t just put in any furnace you want.
The Revolv MG1E 80 AFUE 56,000 BTU gas furnace is one of the most popular choices on the market — but electric furnaces have their place too.
Let’s break down the differences between gas and electric furnaces for mobile homes, compare costs and efficiency, and I’ll share why I chose gas for my home in Ohio.
🏡 Why Mobile Home Heating Is Different
Before we dive into the gas vs. electric debate, it helps to understand why mobile home furnaces are a category of their own.
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HUD Requirements: All mobile home furnaces must be HUD-approved. That limits your brand and model options compared to traditional homes.
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Downflow Design: Most mobile homes use downflow furnaces, meaning air is blown downward into floor ducts rather than upward into ceiling ducts.
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Space Constraints: Furnaces are installed in narrow closets, often right off a hallway. This affects size, noise, and installation.
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Utility Availability: Not all mobile home parks or rural lots have natural gas lines, which can sway the decision toward electric.
👉 Bottom line: You can’t just compare “gas vs. electric” in general terms — you need to think about mobile home–specific conditions.
HUD Manufactured Housing Standards.
🔥 Gas Furnaces in Mobile Homes
Gas furnaces like the Revolv MG1E burn natural gas (or propane with conversion kits) to generate heat. They’ve been the traditional choice for mobile homes in colder climates.
Pros of Gas Furnaces
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✅ Lower operating costs where natural gas is cheap.
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✅ Stronger heat output — higher BTUs make them better for cold winters.
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✅ Fast heating — warms up the home quicker than electric.
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✅ Widely available replacement parts and service.
Cons of Gas Furnaces
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❌ Higher upfront cost than electric furnaces.
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❌ Requires gas hookup and venting.
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❌ Needs annual safety checks (carbon monoxide, venting, gas line).
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❌ Slightly shorter lifespan (15–20 years) compared to electric (20–25 years).
👉 Gas furnaces are the workhorse in northern states — reliable, affordable to run, and powerful enough for cold winters.
DOE – Furnaces & Boilers Guide.
⚡ Electric Furnaces in Mobile Homes
Electric furnaces use heating elements (like giant versions of toaster coils) to create heat, then a blower pushes it through ducts.
Pros of Electric Furnaces
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✅ Lower upfront cost than gas.
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✅ Simpler installation — no venting or flue needed.
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✅ Safer — no combustion, no risk of gas leaks or CO.
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✅ Longer lifespan (20–25 years).
Cons of Electric Furnaces
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❌ Higher operating costs in most regions. Electricity per BTU is usually more expensive than natural gas.
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❌ Slower heating — less powerful BTU output.
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❌ Requires a strong electrical panel — older mobile homes may need upgrades.
👉 Electric furnaces are popular in the South, where winters are mild and electricity rates are more competitive.
EIA – Electricity vs. Natural Gas Prices.
💸 Cost Comparison
Let’s talk real dollars.
Equipment Costs
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Gas Furnace (Revolv MG1E): $1,500–$2,000
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Electric Furnace: $1,000–$1,600
Installation Costs
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Gas Furnace Install: $1,500–$3,000 (includes venting, gas hookup, permits).
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Electric Furnace Install: $1,000–$2,000 (simpler, no venting).
Operating Costs (Annual)
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Gas Furnace: $600–$1,200 (depending on climate and gas rates).
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Electric Furnace: $1,200–$2,500 (higher electricity costs).
👉 Over 10–15 years, gas usually saves more money, even if it costs more upfront.
🌎 Efficiency & Climate Considerations
The best choice often comes down to your local climate and utility rates.
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Cold Northern States (Midwest, Northeast): Gas wins. Electricity bills skyrocket in freezing winters.
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Mild Southern States (Florida, Texas, Georgia): Electric can be cost-effective since heating demand is low.
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Areas with No Gas Lines: Electric may be your only option unless you use propane (which can be costly).
👉 For me in Ohio, gas is the obvious winner. But if I lived in Florida, I’d think twice.
EnergyStar – Heating Efficiency Guide.
⚖️ Safety & Maintenance
Gas Furnaces
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Need CO detectors nearby.
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Annual vent inspection required.
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Gas pressure checks by a pro.
Electric Furnaces
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Fewer safety concerns (no combustion).
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Maintenance is mostly filter changes and occasional blower cleaning.
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But higher electrical load requires a healthy panel and wiring.
👉 Safety-wise, electric is simpler. Gas just requires a little more diligence..
👨🔧 Tony’s Perspective
Here’s my take after decades in the HVAC trade:
“In Ohio winters, electric just can’t keep up without running your power bill through the roof. That’s why I went with a Revolv MG1E 80 AFUE gas furnace. It’s powerful, affordable to run, and fits right in my mobile home closet.”
But I’ll tell you this too:
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If I lived in the South, where winters are mild, I’d probably go electric.
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If I didn’t have a gas line available, I’d go electric before I’d mess with costly propane.
👉 It’s not about which is “better” — it’s about which is right for your climate and utilities.
📊 Gas vs. Electric Comparison Chart
| Factor | Gas Furnace (Revolv 80 AFUE) | Electric Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher ($1,500–$2,000 unit) | Lower ($1,000–$1,600 unit) |
| Install Cost | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Operating Cost | Lower ($600–$1,200/yr) | Higher ($1,200–$2,500/yr) |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 20–25 years |
| Heating Power | Strong (good for cold climates) | Moderate (best for mild climates) |
| Safety | Requires CO checks | No combustion risks |
| Best For | Northern states, cold winters | Southern states, mild winters |
✅ Final Takeaway
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Choose Gas if:
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You live in a cold climate.
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Natural gas is available.
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You want lower long-term operating costs.
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Choose Electric if:
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You live in a mild climate.
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Gas isn’t available.
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You want simpler, lower upfront installation.
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👉 For my Ohio winters, gas was the clear choice. But in the South, I’d recommend electric all day long. The right answer depends on your home, your climate, and your utility rates.
In the next topic we will read more about: Is 56,000 BTUs Enough for My Mobile Home? Sizing Tips & Square Footage Guidance
