HG Prefab foldable expandable container homes — built to last, delivered worldwide.
A well-insulated container home is easy to heat and cool — 100 mm rock wool walls lose far less energy than conventional construction, so modest, correctly sized equipment does the job. This guide matches equipment to unit size and climate.
Step 1: size it right (BTU table)
Oversized units short-cycle and waste money; undersized ones never catch up. For a standard insulated folding container home:
| Unit | Area | Mild climate | Hot / cold extreme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT | ~36 m² | 9,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| 30FT | ~56 m² | 12,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU |
| 40FT | ~76 m² | 18,000 BTU | 24,000 BTU |
High ceilings, large glazing or multi-room zoning push you toward the higher figure.
Cooling: split AC is king
- Single split (mini-split): one outdoor unit + one indoor wall unit. The default for 20FT; efficient, quiet, and pre-drilled mounting points are easy to specify.
- Multi-split: one outdoor compressor serves 2–4 indoor heads — right for 40FT units and multi-room 30FT layouts, avoiding a wall of outdoor units.
- Inverter technology: variable-speed compressors cut consumption 30–50% versus fixed-speed — worth the small premium.
Heating: three proven routes
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-cycle heat pump | Most climates | Same split unit heats and cools — the all-rounder choice |
| Electric panel heaters | Mild winters, occasional use | Cheap to buy, simple to run; highest running cost per kWh of heat |
| Underfloor electric mat | Luxury comfort, bathrooms | Barefoot comfort; pairs with heat pump as primary |
Preparation beats equipment
- Insulation first: the A1 rock wool package keeps heat out in summer and in during winter — HVAC then only trims the difference.
- Cross-ventilation: opposite window placements flush heat overnight for free.
- Exterior color: light finishes reflect solar gain in hot regions (see our extreme climates guide).
- Ceiling fans: make AC feel 2–3°C cooler at a fraction of the energy.
Ordering considerations
- Tell us your destination climate and local voltage (110V/220V/60Hz/50Hz) — units ship pre-wired with the right circuit provisions.
- Specify AC mounting positions at order time; reinforced pads and pipe penetrations then arrive ready from the factory.
- Off-grid sites: pair a solar package with a high-efficiency inverter heat pump — see our off-grid guide for sizing.
Tell us your climate
We will configure the electrical provision and AC mounts for your exact destination before production starts.
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