If you’ve been having problems with your air conditioning lately, it could be a sign that your home should have a packaged AC system instead of your current setup. A packaged AC system can save you money, reduce noise, and simplify your life. Let’s explore the key indicators that suggest your mobile home would benefit from this all-in-one cooling and heating solution.
A packaged AC system combines all the essential components—compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower—into a single outdoor unit. Unlike split systems that require separate indoor and outdoor units connected by refrigerant lines, packaged systems house everything in one compact cabinet that sits outside your home.
These systems connect to your home’s ductwork through a simple wall or floor penetration to circulate conditioned air throughout your living space. Packaged units also include heating capabilities, making them true all-in-one climate control solutions.
Let’s explore some common signs that your home should have a packaged AC system.
Manufactured homes don’t typically have basements, crawlspaces, or large attics, which is where many site-built homes hide their HVAC systems. In a manufactured home, every square foot counts, and sacrificing precious interior space for bulky equipment simply doesn’t make sense.
A packaged system eliminates the need for indoor AC equipment entirely. The air handler, which would normally take up closet space or require a dedicated utility area, is part of the outdoor unit. This frees up storage space and keeps your living areas uncluttered.
Consider how much room you’d gain by not having an indoor unit taking up a utility area. That extra space could become storage, a small office nook, or simply help your home feel more spacious and comfortable.
Nothing ruins a peaceful evening like a noisy air conditioning unit cycling on and off inside your living space. If appliance noise bothers you or you’re a light sleeper, the location of your HVAC equipment matters more than you might think.
Traditional split systems place the air handler indoors, where every sound gets amplified through your walls and ductwork. The blower motor, fan operation, and normal cycling sounds can disrupt your sleep, television viewing, or quiet conversations.
Packaged systems move all the noise-generating components outside your home. While you’ll still hear some sound from the outdoor unit, it’s significantly less intrusive than having equipment running near your bedroom wall or hallway closet. Your home becomes a quieter, more comfortable retreat from the outside world.
Installing a traditional split system in a manufactured home requires a technician to run refrigerant lines between the indoor and outdoor components. This process requires drilling holes through walls, carefully routing copper tubing, and ensuring proper insulation and sealing. The installation can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive.
Packaged systems simplify installation dramatically. Technicians only need to install ductwork that connects the outdoor unit to your home. No refrigerant lines need to snake through your walls or under your home. The installation process becomes faster, less invasive, and more affordable.
This simplified installation also means fewer potential failure points. Refrigerant line connections can develop leaks over time, especially when moisture and temperature changes take their toll. Packaged systems minimize these vulnerable connections.
Maintaining a split system means technicians need access to both indoor and outdoor components. They’ll need to enter your home to reach the indoor unit, then work outside on the condenser. This split approach increases service time and complexity, which often translates to higher maintenance costs.
Packaged systems concentrate all major components in the easily accessible outdoor unit. Technicians spend most of their service time at this single location, making maintenance visits more efficient. They can perform routine tasks such as cleaning coils and checking system operation without needing access to multiple locations around your property.
This centralized maintenance approach also makes it easier for you to perform basic upkeep tasks. You can easily check on your system’s condition, clear debris from around the unit, and monitor its operation from a single convenient location.
Budget considerations play a major role in any HVAC upgrade. Packaged systems often cost less to install than comparable split systems, particularly in manufactured homes.
The simplified installation process reduces labor costs significantly. Technicians spend less time on-site, and the installation requires fewer specialized skills and tools. Most notably, you avoid the complexity and expense of running refrigerant lines through your home’s structure.
Maintenance costs also tend to be lower with packaged systems. Service calls become more efficient when technicians can address all components from a single location. Many newer packaged units also offer improved energy efficiency compared to older split systems, potentially reducing your monthly utility bills.
Many homeowners face the challenge of providing both heating and cooling in a limited space. Separate AC and heating systems require multiple pieces of equipment, additional utility connections, and more maintenance.
Packaged systems excel at combining heating and cooling capabilities in a single, space-saving unit. You can choose from several combinations based on your local climate and energy preferences: gas heat with electric cooling, heat pump systems that provide both heating and cooling, all-electric units, or oil heat with electric cooling in certain regions.
This combined approach saves indoor space while simplifying your home’s mechanical systems. You deal with one piece of equipment, one maintenance schedule, and one point of contact for service needs. The integration also allows for more sophisticated control options and better overall system efficiency.
Packaged AC systems address the specific challenges that mobile homeowners face. Square footage limitations, installation complexity, maintenance access, and the desire for quiet, efficient operation all favor the packaged system approach.
If you struggle with any of these common manufactured home HVAC challenges, a packaged system might provide the solution you’ve been seeking. Contact Capitol Supply & Service to learn about our selection of manufactured home AC units and professional installation services. Our experienced team can evaluate your specific needs and help you choose the perfect climate control solution for your home and budget.