Modern manufactured homes and traditional mobile homes are brought to a home site. The former is also referred to as a trailer home. Unlike a traditionally-built home, which is entirely erected onsite, a single-wide home arrives in one piece, whereas double- and triple-wide homes are shipped in sections and subsequently completed. This necessitates a few modifications to the HVAC unit’s installation and construction when compared to manufactured or stick-built homes.
Do you own a mobile or manufactured home? Read this article to find out more about the different furnaces required for your manufactured home.
Manufactured Homes
Before June 15, 1976, trailer homes were made as mobile homes, whereas pre-fabricated homes were constructed as manufactured homes after that date. Mobile homes typically aren’t anchored to long-term foundations. Instead, they are supported by the frame and wheels of the trailer or by concrete blocks, with a skirting made of metal or vinyl to conceal the undercarriage.
After being transported to the location by truck, manufactured homes are often affixed to permanent foundations. They are not meant to be moved once again. Similar to a mobile home, a manufactured home can be constructed on-site in one to three parts. The distinction is that manufactured homes adhere to the most recent Housing and Urban Development (HUD) safety regulations, making them just as secure as stick-built houses.
Installing Manufactured Home Furnace
A forced air furnace is the most typical type to be installed in an older mobile home. This is so that a different type of furnace can be installed safely; a mobile house does not have additional crawl space or attic space. This device is housed in a compact furnace cabinet with a vented door. For the furnace or HVAC system to operate at its best, keep the vents free.
Installing Air Conditioning
It can be difficult to retrofit a new HVAC system or air conditioner in an old mobile home. Window units or portable air conditioners may be the sole options in mobile homes due to the potential absence of floor or ceiling vents. In other homes with ducts connecting to the furnace, cooling coils might be installed directly in the furnace.
If the initial ducting is smaller in size than the standard ducting currently in use, it could be essential to replace it or carefully size an appropriate HVAC system made especially for mobile homes.
Like a stick-built home, a manufactured home can be ordered with an air conditioner at the time of purchase. Later, a new unit can be added, or the entire HVAC system can be updated. They will also need to be repaired or replaced if the original thermostat or ductwork is damaged.
What about Crossover Ducts for Mobile Homes?
These buildings may contain crossover ducts. These are big flexible ducts installed under older manufactured homes. To maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house, these ducts distribute a balance of colder and warmer air. Due to a shortage of attic or ceiling space, HVAC installers perform such ducts in the crawl space. This leaves them open to injury from water and rodents.
Check the crossover ducts for leaks or detached portions if the airflow from the heating or cooling vents in your mobile home is not what it once was. To seal the joints between the ducts, you might require new ducting parts or aluminum tape.