Electric vs. Gas: Choosing the Right Mobile Home Furnace
By Ron Jeremy
Electric vs. Gas: The Essential Mobile Home Furnace Buyer's Guide
Comparing the dedicated electric furnace with the all-in-one gas package unit for manufactured homes.
Are you tired of skyrocketing utility bills, or shivering through another cold season because your old unit just can't keep up? Choosing the right mobile home furnace is the single most critical decision you'll make for your manufactured home's long-term comfort and monthly budget.
Unlike traditional stick-built homes, manufactured homes require specialized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment designed for smaller spaces and specific duct configurations. This specialized equipment is precisely why we’re seeing such high-quality innovations from partners like ACIQ, who focus exclusively on this market.
This guide will compare the core differences, pros, cons, and lifetime operating costs of two main options: the dedicated electric furnace and the integrated gas package unit. By the end, you’ll know exactly which mobile home furnace is the smart choice for your climate and wallet.
Option 1: The Dedicated Electric Furnace
What It Is: Electric Furnace
The dedicated electric mobile home furnace is an indoor unit, typically installed in a utility closet or small indoor space, that uses electricity to generate heat. This is a resistance-based system, meaning electrical energy is directly converted into heat via high-powered heating elements (think of a giant hairdryer inside your ductwork).
While these units provide heat, they are usually paired with an outdoor AC condenser unit (like the ACIQ 2.5 Ton Dedicated Mobile Home Air Conditioner) to handle cooling. You can view specifications for ACIQ Mobile Home Electric Furnaces here.
Pros: Low Barrier to Entry
Low Initial Cost: The dedicated electric unit is generally less expensive to purchase than a full, integrated gas package unit.
Simpler Installation: Installation is often straightforward, as there’s no need to run new gas lines, manage combustion, or install complex venting.
Reliability: With fewer mechanical components and no combustion chamber, these units tend to require less complex maintenance and offer a long lifespan.
Cons: The Operating Cost Trade-Off
High Energy Consumption: Electric resistance heating is fundamentally less efficient than other heating methods, operating at a 1:1 ratio (1 unit of electricity generates 1 unit of heat). If your local electricity rates are high, this will be the most expensive way to heat your home.
Separate Systems: This unit only handles heating (or the air handling for both). You must invest in and maintain a completely separate outdoor air conditioning unit for cooling.
Option 2: The Integrated Gas Package Unit
What It Is: Gas Package Unit
The integrated gas package unit is the definition of an all-in-one system. It is a single, self-contained cabinet installed entirely outside, handling the gas-fired mobile home furnace for heating and the AC coil for cooling.
ACIQ manufactures top-tier gas package units, which we carry at South Mini Splits. These units offer significant power, ranging from the 40,000 BTU unit (suitable for smaller or well-insulated homes) to the powerful 60,000 BTU unit (ideal for larger homes or very cold climates). These modern systems utilize advanced refrigerants like R454B and R32, which are designed for efficiency and environmental responsibility.
You can explore units like the ACIQ 60,000 BTU Mobile Home Gas Package Unit R454B or the ACIQ 40,000 BTU Mobile Home Gas Packaged Unit on our site.
Pros: Power and Efficiency
Low Operating Cost: The chief benefit is efficiency in heating. Natural gas or propane is often significantly cheaper per BTU than electricity, leading to dramatically lower monthly bills during the harsh winter months.
Powerful, Fast Heat: Gas-fired systems deliver high BTU output quickly, which is crucial for rapid heating and maintaining comfort when temperatures plummet.
All-in-One Solution: Consolidating heating and cooling into a single exterior unit simplifies maintenance and system management.
Cons: Installation and Maintenance
Higher Initial Cost: The complexity of the integrated package unit, combined with the required installation of gas lines and specialized venting, means a higher upfront purchase and installation cost.
Venting Requirements: These units require precise venting (e.g., downflow or horizontal) for exhaust, which must be installed and inspected annually to ensure safety.
Feature Comparison Table
To summarize the key differences and help you decide, here is a breakdown of the two main options for your mobile home furnace.
| Feature | Dedicated Electric Furnace | Gas Package Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Source | Electricity (Resistance) | Natural Gas or Propane |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Operating Cost | Generally Higher | Generally Lower |
| System Type | Heating Only (Needs separate AC) | All-in-One (Heating & Cooling) |
| Best For | Mild Climates / Low Initial Budget | Cold Climates / Access to Gas |
The High-Efficiency Alternative: Package Heat Pump
There is a fantastic third option that bridges the gap between the two systems: the Mobile Home Package Heat Pump. We are proud to offer high-efficiency units from ACIQ through South Mini Splits, such as the ACIQ 2.5 Ton Mobile Home Package Heat Pump Unit.
Bridging the Gap
Unlike the purely resistance heating of a dedicated electric furnace, a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the outside air into your home (or vice versa for cooling). This mechanism is vastly more efficient than generating heat.
When a Heat Pump Wins
Modern heat pumps are incredibly efficient, often achieving 200–400% efficiency in moderate temperatures. While a traditional electric furnace turns 100% of the electricity into heat, a heat pump moves 2-4 times the energy it consumes.
This option maximizes the efficiency of your electric-fueled system. The only time it relies on less efficient electric heat is when the temperature drops to extreme lows—at that point, the system engages the integrated electric heat strips as backup, providing reliable heating even in a cold snap.
Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice
The decision between an electric and a gas mobile home furnace is highly localized. It ultimately hinges on two variables: your climate zone and your local utility rates.
Cold Winters? If gas is accessible and cheap, choose the powerful ACIQ Gas Package Unit (40,000 BTU or 60,000 BTU) for affordable, fast heat.
Mild Winters? If your climate is moderate and you prefer a simplified system, the Electric Furnace is a viable, low-cost-to-install option—though we strongly recommend upgrading to the more efficient Package Heat Pump.
Sizing is important. Installing a unit that is too small, or failing to choose the correct BTU output for a gas unit, will lead to higher bills and poor performance. Don't leave your comfort to chance!