Mobile homes, RVs, and even tiny homes have specialized mobile cooling needs. First among these, of course, is efficient, effective cooling in a small package. The mobile HVAC system should not require permanent mounting of components on the ground and must be easily transported if and when the vehicle or structure moves. Compactness is also important for mobile cooling systems, as spare space for units is typically limited in most settings.
Fortunately, recent years have brought advancements in HVAC technology that make mobile cooling and heating both feasible and practical. Here are some examples.
Ductless mini splits.
As the name implies, no ducts are required. A typical ductless mini split system consists of a suitcase-size outdoor heat pump unit, compact enough to be attached to the side of the structure or placed on a ground pad and then easily moved from place to place. The outdoor unit connects to indoor, low-profile, wall-mounted air handlers that disperse cooled or heated air into individual rooms. A narrow refrigerant connecting the indoor and outdoor units requires only a 3-inch hole in an exterior wall.
Packaged units.
All of the components required for mobile cooling — the evaporator and condenser coil, the compressor and the blower — come in a single, roof-mounted package. The unit blows cooled air through a large duct that opens into the structure. Packaged units are most appropriate for mobile homes that are not designed for a conventional split system. Roof-mounted, packaged heat pumps are also available to add a heating function.
Portable air conditioners.
Gaining popularity as a fast fix where single-room cooling is required, portable AC units can also be adapted for mobile cooling. Easily rolled about on wheels inside the home, the unit typically utilizes intake and exhaust air hoses that connect to panels that are temporarily installed in windows or sliding glass doors. Portable AC’s typically available at home-improvement stores provide cooling capacity up to 14,000 Btu — sufficient to cool about 500 square feet at most.
For more about mobile cooling options, contact the HVAC pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area