Mini Split HVAC unit on Mobile Hm

[Rudolph Shepard Jr]

Looking for info on using a Mini Split HVAC unit on Single wide mobile home.  We Have a couple older homes with deteriorating trunk lines and currently window units.  The mini does not require ducting and looks relatively easy to install.  Has anyone here done this and what were are your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[Scott Davis]

A couple points that others touched on - placement is key, it's typically going to be a bit of a compromise but "tenant education" and perhaps a couple added ceiling fans can go a long way.  Optimal placement of the indoor unit is important as well, I've seen some DIY installs that left me scratching my head. 

While many people will be tempted to go with a relatively affordable brand- before heading that direction I'd suggest perhaps talking to some hvac SERVICE NOT INSTALL guys & asking what brands of mini split they can recommend...  especially if you're in for longer term or even for higher resale/etc.  My Mitsubishi mini splits that are 15+ years old have required little to no repairs, and parts are generally available, while some off-brands went out within 2-5 years...  (That said some other Japanese & Korean off brands are still working ok for me as well). I feel like the quality has probably come up somewhat across the board in the last 5+ years. 

Along with the possibility of 2 units, for example one in main bedroom, one in open livingroom area.... it's also worth considering 2-zone (or more than 2 zone) units that have one outdoor unit feeding (via copper lines under home) multiple indoor units that can be controlled independently.  

Efficiency rating is an important consideration when choosing/comparing models. And one last thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that most mini splits aren't ideal/appropriate for heating in extremely low (below somewhere around 20F) temperatures, the specs will all list the temperature range. In certain climates you will want to go for the units that have built in electric heat backup for the lowest possible temp range.