We know how important it can be to get home and walk into a comfortable and temperature-regulated environment. Especially during the warm summer months, having the right air conditioning and proper HVAC units can be essential in keeping your home cool. This is especially the case regarding mobile homes. But how do you know what size air conditioner for a 14×70 mobile home you need? We break down the importance and guidance here.
When a mobile home sits in the sun, it can become incredibly hot and uncomfortable. The good news, though, is that air conditioners you can use in a mobile home come in a wide range of sizes.
Better yet, now’s the time to start thinking about this, as you have the luxury of time to research and find the right unit for you before the hot summer months roll around.
We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll help you determine the ideal size for your mobile home so you can be comfortable throughout the hot summer months.
Quick Answer: What Size Air Conditioner for a 14×70 Mobile Home?
For a 14×70 mobile home, you will need an air-conditioner with a range of 18,000 BTU- 21,000 BTU. This range will effectively cool a 14×70 mobile home under normal conditions, but may vary depending on other aspects of your home.
Determining the Best Size Air Conditioner for Your Mobile Home
First off, you’ll want to measure your mobile as accurately as possible. Calculate the exact square footage of the area, so you know how many square feet will need to be air-conditioned. It’s important to be as precise as possible here as to not create problems that may arise later down the line in the process.
Next, determine the correct AC unit size based on the square footage you have calculated. The labeling or description of every air conditioner should have recommended square footage cooling capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
Once you have determined the base size your home will need, consider other factors like your location and model of home to adjust the necessary size. You’ll likely only be increasing the size of the unit based on these factors and not going smaller.
How Are Air conditioners Sized?
The ability of an AC unit to cool down your entire home is measured in column inches of water. The BTU, or British Thermal Units, in an air conditioner, is also taken into account when deciding the best size for a particular area.
The number of BTU in an air conditioner measures the amount of energy exerted by the unit. In other words, it determines how powerful the unit is — the most BTU, the more likely it will be able to cool your home.
The column inches of water determine the pressure in the unit and how effectively it can use the energy to push out cool air and make the home more comfortable. Both factors are important to understand and manufacturer weight both of these to determine the sizing for units.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Air Conditioning Unit
The same size unit will not work perfectly for every mobile home, so there are other varying factors to consider when choosing your ideal AC unit.
Location
It stands to reason that the hotter geographical location you live in, the larger unit you will need. People that live in cool places like the Midwest or New England are less likely to need a large air conditioning unit to cool their home down than people who live in Florida.
But in areas where the sun and heat are inescapable, like Nevada or Arizona, it is best to opt for top-notch HVAC to ensure the manufactured home is well air-conditioned.
Mobile Home Model
If your manufactured home already has ductwork installed, this will impact the size of the air conditioner you should get. If your mobile home does not have ductwork, this means you can install it to work with whatever AC unit you decide to purchase.
Mobile Home Age
Older mobile homes are often less insulated and have more gaps between door frames that allow air to seep in and out.
If you have an older mobile home, you’ll probably need a larger air conditioning unit to cool the home. Because older mobile homes allow more cool air to leak out and warm air to slip in, but a more powerful cooling unit can combat this and maintain a desirable temperature.
Bottom Line
There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer that will work for everyone. Different mobile homes require specific units measured for them before they can remain cold and comfortable. Consider all the factors discussed here before choosing the size of the air conditioner you want in your mobile home.
FAQs
Can I use window units?
You can use window units that are inexpensive and easy to install on your own. But they come with their own set of problems.
Once you install them you can’t open the window. They aren’t the most attractive decor in a home either. And lastly, they require considerable yearly maintenance to keep the filters clean.
Can I use a heat pump to cool my home?
Heat pumps keep your mobile home warm in the winter but can also pull heat out during the warm months.
But heat pumps are expensive to install; they cost thousands of dollars. And heat pumps are also not portable in any way. They also may result in a very humid home which would then require dehumidifiers to make it comfortable.