Manufactured and mobile homes use different HVAC equipment than site-built houses. Here's what makes them different, why it matters, and what to expect when you call for service.
Manufactured and mobile homes use different heating and cooling equipment than site-built houses, and experience with these systems matters. I want to explain what's actually different, because I think it helps homeowners know what to ask and what to expect.
What makes manufactured home HVAC different
Downflow and crossflow furnaces. Most site-built homes use upflow furnaces — the air comes in at the bottom and exits at the top into a plenum above. Many manufactured homes use downflow furnaces, where air exits downward through the floor. These require specific parts and installation procedures. You can't just swap in a standard upflow unit.
Belly duct systems. Older manufactured homes often route conditioned air through a belly duct system beneath the floor rather than through conventional ductwork in the ceiling or walls. Diagnosing airflow problems in these systems requires knowing what you're looking at.
Specialized parts. Manufactured home HVAC equipment often uses brands and part numbers that standard HVAC supply houses don't carry. I maintain access to Blevins and other supply channels commonly used for manufactured-home equipment and parts. That's the difference between getting a part in a few days and waiting weeks.
HUD code requirements. Manufactured homes built to HUD code have specific requirements for HVAC equipment and installation. Replacement equipment must meet those standards.
Common problems I see
The calls I get most often from manufactured home owners:
- AC running but not cooling (often a refrigerant issue or dirty coil)
- Furnace not igniting or cycling off too quickly
- Uneven temperatures room to room (often a belly duct issue in older homes)
- System that's been patched together over the years with mismatched parts
- Warranty claims that nobody has followed up on
That last one is worth mentioning. I've had customers dealing with a problem for years that turned out to be a warranty issue nobody had bothered to track down. If your system is still under manufacturer's warranty, I'll help you navigate that process.
What to tell me when you call
When you call, it helps to know:
- The brand and model of your furnace or air handler (usually on a label inside the unit)
- Roughly how old the system is
- Whether it's a gas furnace, electric furnace, or heat pump
- What it's doing (or not doing)
If you don't have that information, that's fine too. I'll find it when I get there.
We serve manufactured homes throughout East Texas and NW Louisiana
We provide manufactured and mobile home HVAC service throughout our service area — including Carthage, Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Center, Timpson, Shreveport, Bossier City, Mansfield, Logansport, and surrounding communities. See our full service area map.
Diagnostic fee is $120 for residential calls. Call John at (903) 692-9008 or request a visit online.
— John Berry Berry Heating and Cooling
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John Berry
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