#1 Dec 27, 2006, 10:32 PM
vcavina
New Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: California
Posts: 7


Electrical wall heater in single wide mobile home

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One of the single wide mobile homes in the park I supervise has an electrical wall heater and the elctrical bills have been astronomical, due probably to the poor insulation. Another reason, I guess, could be the age of the heater.

The HVAC people that work for us told us that there is no problem with the unit and they suggested though to look into putting a gas unit.

My concern is that gas units have different code requirements than electrical, such as the 3inch space on each side and the 6 inches from the door and 30 inches space in front to service the unit. There is 30inches space ( it's located in the hall way of the MH) but there is no 3 inches inside the space.

Another issue that comes into my mind is that electrical units have different technical requirements as far as air intake etc.

My question is: Can we replace the unit electrical with gas unit , and do they manufacture gas units for MH that can replace electrical units, and does the code permits that?

Any other advice is welcomed.

Thanks

Vcavina

Well, firrst it must be a gas furnace made for mobile homes. Secondly do you have ductwork? Electric furnaces are 100% efficient and age won't change that, a good cleaning once in a while is all that is needed. Also last year in our area, electric furnaces where about the same as a 70+% efficient gas mobile home furnace to operate. I would have to study whether or not the pay off is there before I changed it.

Thanks a bunch for your answer. I think that the insulation then might be the culprit. The one that is for a mobile home I think is a Coleman and has two ducts, one for intake/combustion and the other for the exaust if I am correct. I think they quoted last year around $3,000.
Thanks again
Vcavina