Installing an air conditioner in your mobile home is one of the crucial investments you can ever make as a homeowner.
It is specifically important if you are living in geographical zones where summertime is usually hotter.
It is unbearable staying in an unconditioned room under such high temperatures.
Setting up an AC system will help regulate room temperatures.
So, How Much Does It Cost to Install AC In a Mobile Home?
Before you install an AC in your mobile home, you should consider the available space and additional details such as the electricity connection. Also, note that the installation process is quite different from the site-built home. A mobile home lacks attic space. If you lack technical know-how, it is recommended that you hire an AC technician to install the system in your mobile home. You may hurt yourself or even damage the system if you install it in the wrong way. Working with an AC contractor will save you time and ensure a perfect installation.
The Four Types Of Mobile Home Air Conditioners
Basically, there are four types of AC systems:
1. Ducted
This type of AC system is composed of the indoor unit and outside unit. Its main advantage is that you can control air handlers inside your home.
It is energy efficient and is a great choice if you are working on a low budget.
2. Ductless
This type of AC has one condenser and many small air handles that can be placed inside your mobile home.
If your home has different rooms you can mount in each room.
This unit has no duct installation and they are easy to install in a mobile home.
This is a great choice for your mobile home. It is, however, expensive and you’ll have to dig deeper to afford it.
3. Window
This AC unit is cheaper and easier to install in a mobile home. It is nonetheless, very noisy and less energy efficient.
4. Package
It is the most popular AC system for mobile homes. It is the larger version of the window AC.
It possesses a higher capacity for cooling and heating compared to other AC units.
What Is the Cost of Installing the Air Conditioning Unit?
The cost of installing an air conditioner unit greatly varies depending on where you live, the condition of air ducts that have already been installed, and lastly, the type of AC system you want to install.
According to estimates from HomeAdvisor, it will cost you about $3000 to $7000 to install central air conditioning, including the unit.
Most mobile homeowners spend around $ 4630 on average to install a new air conditioner to a forced-air furnace.
However, other options are available. This includes portable units which cost about $ 234 to $ 700 or you opt for a ductless mini-split that costs between $ 600 and $ 4500.
Another alternative is a ductless air system that costs about $ 1800 to $15000, which is packaged depending on whether you need the services of a subcontractor or not.
Finding the right specification might prove challenging. It is not easy working alone.
For more accurate specifications and cost per unit, you should consult your local air conditioning contractor to install your AC.
Professional installations usually cost about $100 depending on the consulting firm you hire and the brand of the AC you are installing.
What Else Should Be Considered When Installing An AC?
Once you have purchased your AC, there are other costs to take into consideration:
- It is important to prepare a sufficient budget to cater to the cost of labor. The cost of labor can be very expensive depending on where you live. You don’t want to stall your project now that you have purchased your AC system.
- Once you have installed your AC unit, you should think of how you will maintain it. It is recommended that you maintain your AC once a year. You may want to continue seeking the services of the professionals who installed your AC. The AC system needs to be cleaned regularly and ensure it works properly. You can do this job yourself if you have the technical skills.
- It is also important that you adhere to your government regulations such as building codes, taxes, and additional fees that might be in force.
- With time, the AC system might get damaged. You should factor also in the cost of repair. Besides affordability, it is also wise to check on the availability of spare parts and repair services.
- If your mobile home unit has more than two occupants, you need to add 600 BTU/h.
Seven Steps Towards Maintaining Your AC Unit
Maintaining your AC unit is not an easy task.
You should take the necessary precautions for your safety and follow the right steps to avoid damaging the system.
Follow these steps to properly maintain your air conditioner:
1. Prepare For Air Conditioner Contaminants
The air conditioner might absorb dirt, dust, and other related materials from time to time.
Some dust is deposited around the air conditioner making it dirty.
You should keep the coils of your AC clean.
This task is quite easy. Simply use the broom to brush off the dust. To avoid damaging the system, avoid using the pressure washer.
2. Change The AC Filter Once A Month.
The filters in the AC accumulate dust all the time.
A lot of dust and debris get clogged in the filters.
Make sure you change them regularly to maintain the AC system.
This will save you the budget for total AC replacement.
3. Keep Vegetation Away
If there are shrubs and other plants around the AC system, you should trim them.
Also do not place your pottery plants close to the AC.
Plant leave extensions and other small plant elements can obstruct the fans in the AC and might even damage it. Ensure to clean it regularly.
4. Thermostat
Adjust the thermostat of your AC if you are going away from your home for a longer period.
You do not require the AC when you are not in your home.
To prevent it from overworking, you should adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature when you are away from home.
Some AC systems allow you to pre-program your thermostat so you do not worry about overheating your mobile home.
5. No Dryer Vent
Keep the dryer vent away from the AC unit.
If the lint of the dryer unit is angled towards the AC unit, the lint can be stuck in the unit and therefore will block the free flow of air.
6. Seal All Cracks
Seal open spaces in the windows, ductwork, and doors to prevent cool air in the house from escaping outside.
If you lose more cool air inside the room, the AC unit will overwork for nothing and therefore will cost you more in electricity bills.
7. Annual Checkups
Lastly, your AC unit should be checked every year by an HVAC professional.
The professional will conduct tests on the AC unit to make sure that it is working properly.
This will cost you about $100 based on the area where you live in.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, there are different types of air conditioner systems available for your mobile home.
Each AC unit has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose one that suits your budget and needs.
While you consider the cost of the AC unit, it is also important to think about other associated costs such as the cost of repair and professional consultation.
Some mobile homes come with an already installed AC system outside.
However, you can install other types of AC units if you have extra space.
Related
Reference
https://modularhomeblog.com/prefab-mobile/mobile-home-air-conditioner.html
