Mobile homes are a fabulous alternative to their more expensive traditional counterparts, but when it comes time to keep them cool, your choices may be more limited. Nonetheless, you can't go without AC during the summer months, no matter what you have to go through to get it. Before sitting down with an HVAC professional, ask yourself the following questions to narrow the decision down and really understand what the best choice will be for you.

What Can You Afford?

If cost is a major factor, that's the first subject you should bring up with an HVAC professional. For your mobile home, a convenient, as well as cost-effective, packaged AC unit may work out best. These are quicker, easier, and usually cheaper to install or have installed. If your climate begs for the ultra-coolness of central air, there may be economical options available, too, depending on the size and condition of your mobile home. 

How Much Space Do You Have for an Air Conditioning Unit?

Another bonus of a packaged unit is that the main components of it are located outdoors, leaving you more space inside; however, there's more to deciding the size of the AC system you need than just considering the space available. A professional can help you determine just how much power you need behind the AC in order to keep the home comfortable, which will dictate the size of the unit eventually installed. 

If the system you opt for happens to be too small, the strain on it will be great and potentially costly. On the other hand, install an air conditioner that's too large and you're more than likely to develop interior moisture problems, which can be difficult to manage. 

Do Property Regulations Restrict What You Can and Can't Do?

If the mobile home you own resides on rented land, particularly in a mobile home park or community, there may be strict regulations guiding what you can and can't install, if whatever you have put in can be seen from the outside. Check first with the property manager to find out if you can freely decide on your AC options or if you'll need to abide by certain rules.

How Do Energy Savings Factor into Air Conditioning Installation and Use?

While keeping cool may be your primary objective, you also want to save as much money as you can too, along with (hopefully) exercising consideration for the environment. Check to see that your entire home has tight seals around all the windows and doors so that no cooled air will be escaping, thereby allowing warm air in during the hot season. You want to keep tabs on your heating system and energy efficiency during winter too, making the questions you ask your HVAC professional even more important.

Packaged AC units are also available in dual-fuel models, meaning they combine both cooling and heating in one lean, mean machine. A complete energy efficiency evaluation may be in order for your home, following which you can decide how best to complete your cooling objectives while making other improvements that will all lead to a more comfortable home that's easy on your wallet and Mother Nature.

Could Your Window Frames Support AC Units in the Long Run?

If your mobile home is older or has simply seen its share of wild weather and other wear and tear, you have to question the structural integrity of the window frames (in the event that you're considering window units for your AC needs). If the machines bear down on the frames, will they succumb to the pressure, leading to air leaks? It's possible that adding L-brackets and providing strong space for the air conditioners to rest on will solve the problem of weak frames, or you may need to consider making repairs prior to installing window units.

Do You Plan on Selling the Home Anytime Soon?

If the HVAC efforts you're making now are going to be impacted by a future sale of the home in any way, that's definitely something to bring up in your conversation with a professional AC installer. You may want to limit what you spend in the short term, or you may want to buy portable units you'll be able to take with you when you do pack up and move. Conversely, if the mobile home needs an extra selling point to entice prospective buyers, installing a packaged unit or central air would be an investment you can expect a return on.

There's no reason your mobile home can't enjoy the same comfortable temperatures as a traditional house; however, more planning and thought may have to go into your decision. Talk to an HVAC contractor once you know more about what's best for your home and they'll help you make the best possible choices for comfort, cost, and other considerations, specific to your needs as a mobile home owner.