Heating Your Mobile Home

As a mobile or manufactured homeowner, you know the importance of maintaining a cozy atmosphere inside your home. One crucial component of this is your furnace. Buying a new mobile home furnace is a big decision that can make a huge difference in your comfort and energy bills. But, with so many options available, how do you select the right furnace for your needs?

This article will guide you through the various furnace options available for mobile homes to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget. Ready? Let’s dive in!

 

Why Are Mobile Home Furnaces Different?

Mobile homes have distinct construction and space considerations. A regular furnace meant for traditional homes will not fit or function correctly in a mobile home. Mobile home furnaces are designed specifically for the airflow patterns and space constraints of manufactured homes.

The furnace unit must be compact enough to fit within a confined cabinet since mobile homes don’t have attics or basements for storage. Instead, it’s integrated into the primary living area and is designed to maximize efficiency in such limited spaces.

Mobile homes also have a different airflow rate compared to regular homes. This is because they often have smaller ductwork, requiring furnaces designed to handle this difference. Simply installing a standard furnace in a mobile home can lead to a range of issues, from decreased efficiency to potential safety concerns.

 

Choosing the Right Size for Your Mobile Home

Size matters! Picking a furnace that’s too big can lead to increased energy costs, while a furnace that’s too small might not provide the warmth you need.

To begin, determine the square footage of your mobile home. This information is typically available on the manufacturer’s website if you know the make and model.

However, if that isn’t an option, you can measure each room with a tape measure. Make sure your measurements are precise to avoid purchasing a furnace that’s not right for your home.

 

Measure Furnace Area

The next step is to measure the size of your furnace closet. If you have an older furnace, the newer models might differ in size. It’s crucial to ensure the new unit will fit comfortably within the given space, leaving enough room for ventilation. 

A furnace can pose a fire risk if there isn’t enough space for heat to escape. You don’t need a lot of area surrounding the furnace, just enough for proper air circulation. Consult an HVAC expert to determine the appropriate furnace size for the available space.

 

Calculate How Many BTUs You Need

BTU is an acronym that stands for British Thermal Unit. This is used to measure how much energy you need to heat your mobile home. Your BTU requirement varies based on your geographic location and climate. Typically, in warmer areas, 25-30 BTUs per square foot suffices. However, up to 45 BTUs per square foot might be necessary in chillier environments.

To determine the BTUs required for your mobile home, multiply the home’s square footage by the BTUs needed per square foot. Remember, a furnace usually operates at 80% of its listed specs.

For example, if your calculation shows a requirement of 60,000 BTUs, the actual output is around 48,000. If you’ve determined that 60,000 BTUs is what you need, consider getting a furnace rated close to 80,000 BTUs. It’s always better to have more BTUs than you need.

 

Types of Furnaces

After calculating the furnace’s size, you can choose the type of heating you want. There are three types of furnaces to consider for mobile homes: Electric, Propane, and Oil.

 

Propane

Propane furnaces burn natural gas or propane to produce heat. These furnaces have a pilot light, a small flame that lights up the main burners inside the combustion chamber. This, in turn, sends heat into the furnace’s heat exchanger, and then fans blow this heat through ducts to warm up your home.

There is a wide range of Propane furnaces available with different degrees of efficiency., reaching up to 95%. While these might cost more upfront, they can save money on your monthly heating bill.

 

Oil

Oil furnaces release oil into a designated chamber where it’s ignited. While they share similarities with natural gas furnaces, there are distinct differences. The oil used as fuel is sprayed under high pressure into the combustion chamber, and upon ignition, it produces heat. This heat is channeled through the ducts and dispersed throughout the mobile home via vents.

Oil furnaces designed for mobile homes operate with up to 80% efficiency. They are generally the most expensive furnace type. However, if necessary, they can be paired with floor vents or other venting systems.

 

Electric

While the structure of propane and oil furnaces are relatively similar, the components of an electric furnace are notably distinct. Electric furnaces lack a combustion chamber since they don’t rely on combustion to produce heat. Instead, they draw in cold air, where the internal electric components heat it. Once heated, the air passes through the heat exchanger and circulates throughout your mobile home through the ducts and vents.

Electric furnaces boast nearly 100% efficiency. However, they might come with a higher price tag. One familiar brand is the Nordyne electric furnace, which has garnered popularity amongst mobile homeowners for its efficiency and reliability.

 

The Different Mobile Home Furnace Parts and Features

Heating Components: What Powers Your Furnace?

The heating components are the most important parts of a mobile home furnace. It is the element responsible for generating heat to warm the air circulating throughout your home. Here’s a brief overview of the types mentioned above:

• Propane Furnace: Natural gas furnaces for mobile homes convert natural gas or propane into heat. A pilot light inside your furnace ignites the burners inside the combustion chamber, which heats the air and is disturbed using a blower.
• Oil Furnace: An oil furnace uses oil as fuel. The oil is sprayed as a mist into the combustion chamber, which is then ignited and burned. It’s less common for mobile homes due to on-site oil storage requirements.
• Electric Furnace: An electric furnace pulls in cold air, its internal electrical components heat up, and then a blower fan pushes the warm air throughout the home. They’re popular for their ease of installation and absence of harmful emissions.

 

Efficiency: Getting the Most Out of Your Furnace

Mobile home furnace parts and models will noticeably affect their overall efficiency. However, most mobile home furnaces have an Annual Fuel Efficiency (AFUE) rating between 80 and 95, meaning they convert 80% to 95% of their fuel into usable heat.

• Propane Furnace: Propane furnaces typically have an efficiency rating between 80% – 95%. They convert most of the propane into usable heat, with only a small percentage being wasted.
• Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces have an efficiency rate of about 70% – 80%. This means for every unit of oil used, 80% gets converted into heat.
• Electric Furnace: Electric furnaces are 100% efficient in converting electricity to heat. However, since electricity can be more expensive, the operational costs might be higher.

 

Price Matters: Which Furnace Fits Your Budget?

When considering the cost of a mobile home furnace, it’s essential to look at the initial purchase price. Mobile home furnaces’ cost and components can differ significantly based on the manufacturer, materials used, where they’re sold, and their specific models. The below figures are averages and will depend on the furnace’s BTU.

• Propane Furnace: Propane furnaces for a mobile home can cost between $1,400 – $2,500. 
• Oil Furnace: These furnaces are usually pricier, ranging from $1,500 – $2,000.
• Electric Furnace: Typically, electric furnaces are cheaper upfront. They range from $900 – $1,300 for the unit itself. 

 

Remember, installation costs can add to these prices. Getting a few quotes from a reliable HVAC professional or electrician is essential.

 

Operating Costs: Monthly Impact on Your Wallet

While the initial price is a significant factor, it’s vital to consider the long-term operating costs. Here’s how the operating costs of the different mobile home furnaces vary.

• Propane Furnace: The annual operating cost of a propane furnace can vary based on propane prices. However, it’s often less expensive than electricity, typically ranging from $400 to $700 per year.
• Oil Furnace: The operating cost for oil furnaces depends on fluctuating oil prices. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,000 – $1,750 annually to operate their oil furnaces.
• Electric Furnace: Though efficient, electric furnaces can be costly due to the high price of electricity. Depending on your region and the cost of electricity, running an electric furnace can cost between $1,600 – $2,200 per year.

Nordyne Mobile Home Electric Furnaces

When investing in your mobile or manufactured home’s comfort, it’s crucial to prioritize both efficiency and reliability. Among the electric furnaces available for mobile homes, the Nordyne brand stands out prominently. 

Nordyne electric furnaces have been touted by many homeowners for their impeccable performance, almost 100% efficiency, and reliable build. While they might initially have a higher price point, their efficiency translates into significant long-term savings. 

Moreover, electric furnaces like those by Nordyne are simpler to install, lack emissions, and often come with comprehensive warranties and customer support. Suppose you’re considering a furnace that brings together comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. In that case, the Nordyne electric furnace is worth serious consideration.

 

Warm Up with Mobile Home Parts Store

Choosing the right furnace for your mobile home is a task that demands careful consideration. Not only is it about ensuring you and your family’s comfort, but it’s also about achieving long-term savings and increasing the efficiency of your home’s heating system. Whether you opt for propane, oil, or electric, the right choice depends on your needs, local climate, and budget.

Mobile Home Parts Store prides itself on being a trusted resource for homeowners like you, providing a range of top-quality furnace options designed explicitly for mobile homes. With our comprehensive selection, expert guidance, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can be assured of making the right choice for your home’s heating needs.

Why not ensure your home’s comfort with the best? Shop at Mobile Home Parts Store today and give your family the warmth they deserve this season and many more to come. Whatever your furnace needs, we’re here to help every step of the way. Don’t compromise on comfort. Trust the experts and make your home a haven of warmth and coziness.

Tags: electric furnace, mobile, mobile home, mobile home furnace, mobile home parts, Mobile Home Parts Store, nordyne furnace

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 at 2:42 pm and is filed under Maintenance and Repairs, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.