The Benefits & Drawbacks of Packaged Rooftop HVAC Units

Packaged rooftop units, or RTUs, aren’t like conventional HVAC systems. They combine all the essential HVAC components in a self-contained cabinet, from the coils and compressor to the heat source and fan. They’re usually mounted on rooftops, but can also be installed on a slab base in the basement. From there, they provide conditioned air to designated areas of your building via air ducts.

In this post, trusted HVAC repair contractor Dittmer Air and Heat takes a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of roof-mounted HVAC units.

Advantages of RTUs

The following are some of the advantages of installing RTUs on your business or commercial property:

• They save space – Since the HVAC components are inside a self-containing cabinet, the RTU doesn’t occupy as much space.
• They’re easy to install – Installing an RTU isn’t as complicated as it may seem. After all, everything is already contained inside it. The only additional thing HVAC installation pros will need to install are the correct vibration isolation rails. These are necessary to minimize vibrations and noise while the unit is in operation.
• They provide both heating and cooling – An RTU is designed to tackle both your building’s heating and cooling demands. Performing HVAC maintenance is also a breeze; you can have it serviced annually or periodically without this affecting your day-to-day business operations.

Drawbacks of RTUs

Meanwhile, here are some of the notable disadvantages of having RTUs installed:

• They’re exposed to the elements – Once RTUs are installed on your building’s rooftop, they’re then exposed to heat, rain, snow and other elements. Thus, they need some sort of long-term protection to ensure their operational efficiency and performance.
• Roof damage – RTUs are heavy, which means they could damage your roofing membrane, resulting in leaks and long-term moisture damage to your building. Proper HVAC installation is the key to preventing roofing issues in the future.
• “Out of sight, out of mind” – Commercial property owners tend to forget about RTUs installed on their rooftops. When this happens, upkeep suffers, resulting in a shortened lifespan due to expedited deterioration. Be sure to include your RTUs in your periodic building inspections and maintenance.

Dittmer Air and Heat offers industry-leading commercial services to help businesses across the local area manage their HVAC and refrigeration systems. Our team of experienced technicians has the experience and expertise to perform installations, repairs and maintenance on commercial HVAC systems, including RTUs.

Count on us for your residential AC and heat pump repair needs as well. Call (321) 637-0170 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.