If you are wondering which type of air conditioning system you should add to your mobile home, there are three main options to consider. All of the options have various pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your unique situation. Here are some elements to consider:

1. Ducted HVAC System

Pros

A ducted HVAC system combines heating and cooling into one, and it can add value to your mobile home. If you are shopping for a new mobile home, you may want to look for one with a ducted HVAC system installed.

Cons

Unfortunately, retrofitting a ducted system to a mobile home can be costly. The installer needs to have space to put ducts in the attic or under the frame of the home, and that can be impossible with some designs.

2. Mini Split Systems

Pros

Split system air conditioning systems are very easy to install as they don't feature duct work. The installer simply puts a small unit on the wall and makes a small hole to attach the inside cooling unit to the outside condenser. In most cases, you can hook a few split system air conditioning units to a single outdoor unit, and that helps to save space if you have a relatively small lot for your mobile home. Additionally, these systems can often be controlled separately, allowing you to create different cooling zones in your home.

Cons

A mini split system requires permanent modifications to the mobile home, so if you are a renter, you may not be allowed to install one. These systems are also more expensive than window units.

3. Window Units

Pros

Window units are air conditioners that you place in the window of your mobile home. This is one of the cheapest options in terms of purchasing price, but if you buy a used window unit, it may not be as efficient as other options. Window units don't cause any permanent modifications, and they can be installed by almost anyone.

Cons

Window units are sometimes referred to as 'wall shakers' because while they are running they can shake the relatively thin walls of a mobile home. They can also be noisy, and when they are in the window you can never open that window for fresh air. Additionally, window units typically can be plugged into a standard outlet, but they practically render the circuit useless. In most cases, if you try to vacuum or do anything else on the circuit that the window unit is running on, you will trip the circuit.