Winters are pretty cold in the Midwest, and the last thing anyone wants is for that chilly air to seep into their home. To combat this issue, many homeowners turn to their heating system, but for those living in manufactured homes, this may not always be a straightforward solution. Mobile homes offer unique challenges when it comes to heating, and understanding these issues can help you stay warm and comfortable during the coldest months of the year. Let’s explore some of the most common heating issues in manufactured homes and how to fix them.
Your manufactured home may struggle to retain heat if the manufacturer used inadequate insulation during the construction process. Sometimes, construction factories do this because it allows them to make homes at a faster rate and meet the public’s demands. The issue lies in thinner walls, minimal floor insulation, and gaps in thermal barriers, which allow heat to escape quickly during cold weather.
Losing heat as your HVAC system works to warm your home puts more pressure on the appliance, causing it to work harder. This translates to higher energy bills and an increased risk of premature system damage.
To prevent this issue, add insulation to your walls and floors, seal any gaps or cracks in the thermal barrier, and consider investing in energy-efficient windows. These small changes can make a significant impact on both your comfort and your wallet.
Having gaps or cracks in the home can also make it harder for your heating system to regulate temperatures. Common leak locations include door and window frames, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and connections between different sections of the home. These openings allow cold air to enter while heated air escapes, creating comfort problems and energy waste.
Manufactured homes tend to experience more air infiltration than site-built homes due to the construction methods and materials used, which may shrink or shift over time. Vinyl siding, mobile home skirting, and flexible connections between sections create potential leak points. Even small gaps can have significant cumulative effects on heating performance.
Air leaks are often easy to fix. Begin by inspecting your property with a handheld smoke pencil to detect any drafts. Focus on common leak areas, such as windows, doors, and exterior penetrations. Depending on the location and your budget, seal the leaks using caulk, weather stripping, or expanding foam.
Having the wrong size of HVAC system is one of the most common heating problems in manufactured homes. Undersized systems struggle to heat the entire space adequately, even when running continuously, and still fail to achieve the desired temperatures. On the other hand, oversized systems cycle on and off frequently, resulting in temperature fluctuations and excessive wear on components.
To ensure you buy the correct size HVAC system for your manufactured home, you need to know the square footage of the space it’ll heat. Next, you’ll consider your climate, insulation, and the number of windows to determine the correct BTU (British Thermal Units) needed. For example, if your manufactured home is 2,000 square feet, you’ll usually want an HVAC system that has a rating of 30,000 to 40,000 BTU.
Due to the numerous factors involved, determining the ideal BTU for your system can be challenging. It’s best to contact an HVAC contractor to assess your situation and recommend the best option.
Your thermostat should allow you to set the temperature in your home and view the current setting; this part of the system also communicates with the heating and cooling systems to start or stop sending air. This means that if you have problems with your thermostat, the system may also fail to send out warm air.
Often, thermostats face issues due to age, faulty electrical connections, or mechanical problems. If your home feels colder than the thermostat indicates, use an external thermometer to measure the actual temperature inside your house. If the thermometer reads a lower temperature than the thermostat, your thermostat may need to be recalibrated. Since these devices have complex electrical components, it’s best to call an expert to repair and inspect the rest of your heating system.
Your HVAC system relies on air filters to keep dust and debris from circulating in your home. Over time, these filters can become clogged, making it essential to replace them regularly. When filters are dirty, your heating system must work harder to push air through, resulting in higher energy consumption and added strain on the blower motor. This restricted airflow also reduces heat transfer efficiency, leaving rooms underheated even as the system runs for longer periods.
To prevent this issue, it’s essential to regularly check and replace your air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The frequency for this varies due to the number of pets, allergens, and other factors that may affect the amount of dust and debris in your home. However, most professionals advise checking the filter every 1-3 months and changing it as needed.
Older furnaces are another common heating issue in manufactured homes. Components like heat exchangers, blower motors, and control systems deteriorate over time, reducing heating capacity and reliability.
Aging furnaces consume more energy to produce the same heating output, significantly increasing utility costs. Reduced efficiency also means longer run times to achieve the desired temperatures, which creates wear on electrical components and distribution systems. Frequent breakdowns during cold weather leave homes without heat when it’s needed most.
Most HVAC systems typically last around 15-20 years, so if your system is nearing this age and no longer heating your home as effectively as it used to, it may be time for a replacement.
If you notice your heater doesn’t keep your home as warm as it should, alongside any of the above warning signs, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. An expert can inspect your home and the system to identify the root of the problem, allowing you to discuss potential solutions together.
Moreover, you can prevent issues from happening by scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system. During inspections and cleaning, the technician can identify and address minor problems before they escalate into larger, more expensive ones. This will also help extend the lifespan of your heater and keep it running efficiently.
Capitol Supply & Service sells mobile home HVAC systems and repair parts, allowing you to keep your manufactured home warm throughout the winter. Our team can help you determine which products you need to buy and can install them in your home. By tackling these common heating issues now, you can enjoy a cozy home all season long.