This article originally appeared on McGarry and Madson.
Most mobile homes have a “package” HVAC system for heating and cooling. The entire system (condenser, air handler, evaporator coils) is contained in one large box installed up against or near the skirting of the home. Package units are rated in tons of cooling capacity by mobile home air conditioning contractors, and a ton is equal to 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units).
If you look on the manufacturer’s data plate inside the home, it will specify the recommended maximum BTU’s of capacity recommended for installation. Don’t know what a data plate is or where to find it? Click the link below to read our blog about mobile home data plates.
On the right side of the data plate, under “Comfort Cooling,” you will find the manufacturer’s maximum recommended BTU number. To convert the BTU’s listing on the data plate into tons, divide by 12,000. So, for example, a recommendation not to exceed 37,500 BTU would mean not to install larger than a 3-ton mobile home air conditioning system.
First, measure the exterior of the manufactured home to calculate the square footage, then find the “sizing group number” for the location of the home in the set of attached maps and, finally, look up the recommended tonnage on the chart for the combination of the two variables. There are two recommended tonnages for each combination: the first one is the size for Energy Star rated manufactured homes (with upgraded insulation), and the second is for homes manufactured to HUD standards beginning in October 1994.
Mobile homes manufactured before October 1994 met a lower insulation standard and are not included in the chart. For older homes, we recommend consulting a licensed HVAC contractor.
See our blog “What is the best air conditioner for a mobile home?” for advice on selecting the right type of air conditioner.
