Why manufactured homes are different
Manufactured homes are built to the federal HUD code (24 CFR Part 3280), not a local building code. That code covers cooling equipment directly.
- Equipment must be listed for the job. Every AC unit or combined AC-and-heating unit "shall be listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing agency for the application for which the unit is intended," and installed according to its listing (24 CFR 3280.714).
- The home has a Comfort Cooling Certificate. The manufacturer must permanently attach it to an interior surface where you can see it. If the home came with central air, the certificate lists the AC manufacturer, model and certified capacity, and the conditions it was sized for (24 CFR 3280.511). Look for it. It's a useful starting point for a replacement.
- Ducts follow federal rules. Supply ducts in manufactured homes often run through the floor cavity. Where ducts are exposed underneath the home, the HUD code says they must be listed for exterior use (24 CFR 3280.715).
Package unit or split system?
Package units hold the compressor, coil and blower in one outdoor cabinet. Supply and return ducts connect to the home through the wall or floor. They free up indoor space and keep most service work outside.
Split systems pair an outdoor condenser or heat pump with an indoor air handler or furnace, usually in a closet. Some homes have a furnace or air handler that can accept an AC coil.
Which is better depends on what's there now, the space available, the ductwork, and your community's rules about equipment placement. Heat pump versions of both exist. See Heat Pumps in Brevard.
Whatever the type, new equipment has to meet DOE efficiency minimums. In Florida, a new split-system AC under 45,000 Btu/h must be at least 14.3 SEER2 (AHRI). See SEER2 Explained.
Belly ductwork: the hidden half of the system
In many manufactured homes, the main supply duct runs under the floor, inside the "belly" wrapped by the bottom board. A crossover duct connects the halves of a double-wide.
Problems there are common and easy to miss: disconnected or crushed crossovers, torn duct wrap, and gaps where the duct meets the equipment. A leaky belly duct can dump cooled air under the home. A new unit can't fix that. DOE notes that leaky ducts "result in efficiency losses, occupant discomfort, and shortened equipment life" (DOE FEMP).
OBC Air & Heat repairs and replaces belly and crossover ductwork under manufactured homes, so the ducts and the equipment can be fixed together.
Sizing still matters
Manufactured homes can feel the Florida heat fast. ACCA Manual J, the standard load calculation, covers manufactured homes (ACCA). An oversized unit can leave the home cold but clammy. See Sizing an AC for Florida Humidity.
Coordinating with your community
Manufactured-home communities often have rules on equipment placement, noise, contractor access and work hours. Check your park or community rules before you schedule, and tell us about them when you request a quote. Equipment placement also affects wind exposure. Make sure outdoor units sit on a proper pad or stand. See Hurricane Prep and Post-Storm AC Checks.
Seasonal residents
If you're away for months, a closed-up manufactured home still needs humidity control. Florida Solar Energy Center testing of vacant homes in Brevard County included a single-wide mobile home. It found that simply setting the AC to 85°F often didn't control humidity well (FSEC-CR-1487-04). See our thermostat and humidity guide.
Before you call: safe checks
- Check and replace a dirty filter.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool and below room temperature.
- Make sure registers are open and the outdoor unit is clear.
Don't open equipment panels, crawl under the home to handle ducts near wiring, or add refrigerant. Ask Mikey for more safe checks.
The next step
We look at the home, the Comfort Cooling Certificate, the current equipment and the ductwork. Then you get a written quote. See mobile and manufactured homes and AC replacement.
- Start My Estimate
- Ask Mikey (Mikey is free)
- Call (321) 405-1806
Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and paramedics, healthcare workers, teachers, ministry, government employees and military (active and veterans) can get 10% off the total, up to $2,500, on new units and repairs through our Local Heroes program. Family members of eligible heroes qualify too. It can't be combined with other offers.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of AC does a mobile or manufactured home need?
Equipment listed or certified for the application, sized to the home and connected to its ductwork. Most use a package unit or a split system. Heat pump versions of both are available.
Can I put a regular AC unit on a mobile home?
The HUD code requires AC equipment to be listed or certified for the application and installed according to its listing. Check that any equipment you're quoted meets that requirement.
What is the Comfort Cooling Certificate?
A certificate the manufacturer must attach to an interior surface of the home. If the home came with central air, it lists the AC model, certified capacity and the conditions it was sized for.
Why is one room in my mobile home always hot?
Under-floor ductwork is a common cause, including disconnected crossovers or damaged ducts. A technician can check the ducts along with the equipment.
Do I need permission from my park to replace my AC?
Many communities have rules on equipment, placement and contractor access. Check your community rules before scheduling.
Package unit or split system: which is better?
It depends on your current setup, available space, ductwork and community rules. We compare options in a written quote after seeing the home.
Sources
Written by OBC Air & Heat, Space Coast, Brevard County, FL. State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor, License No. CAC1825377. General information only; your system and home are reviewed before any recommendation.
