Which type of furnace is commonly used in manufactured homes?

The type of furnace commonly used in manufactured homes is the downflow furnace. This design is particularly suited for the structure and layout of manufactured homes, which often require efficient heating solutions within limited space. Downflow furnaces are installed in a way that the air is drawn in from the top and then expelled from the bottom, making them ideal for placement between floors or against a wall, where headroom and vertical space can be limited.

Manufactured homes usually have a layout that prioritizes maximizing available space, and downflow furnaces contribute to this by providing effective heating without needing excessive vertical clearance. Additionally, their design supports the natural airflow within such enclosed spaces, ensuring that heat distribution is even and effective throughout the home.

While upflow and horizontal furnaces can be used in other contexts, they typically do not fit as seamlessly in the architecture of manufactured homes. Electric furnaces, while popular in various types of housing for their simplicity and lack of venting concerns, may not always provide the same level of heat efficiency as downflow gas furnaces, which are often preferred for their heating capacity and performance in colder climates.