When reliable and efficient cooling or heating is needed for large commercial spaces, a Commercial Rooftop Unit is usually the right answer. These self-contained systems are meant to be installed right on the roof, freeing up valuable room inside for additional uses and minimizing the need for complicated ductwork or taking up floor space within the building. The installation of a commercial RTU is a complicated affair that demands the expertise of qualified professionals, ample planning, and adherence to local building codes.
Through this comprehensive guide, we will cover all aspects of installing a commercial rooftop unit (RTU); with the benefits, the process of installation, and when one should be considering commercial AC repair instead of a full-blown replacement.
What is a Commercial Rooftop Unit (RTU)?
Before the installation takes place, one should understand some of the benefits of having an RTU for your commercial facility:
What is in Store for Commercial Rooftop Unit?
Commercial rooftop units have different sizes and capacities to suit various building types and HVAC needs efficiently.
1.Efficient Use of Space
This gives good use to the space inside and can be utilized for other essential purposes such as storage, offices, or production facilities.
2.Lower Service Charges
Easy access for maintenance and repairs offers the advantage of reduced service costs in the long run; with routine maintenance, a rooftop unit can last for 15-20 years.
3.Improves Air Quality
Commercial rooftop units will typically have some form of filtration to aid air quality in commercial spaces, keeping dust, allergens, and pollutants at bay.
4.Cost-effective
RTU tends to be more energy-efficient than the conventional HVAC system, especially if it is equipped with options such as variable-speed motors, better refrigerants, or zoning.
Installation Procedure of a Commercial Rooftop Unit (RTU)
Installation of a commercial rooftop goes through a critical lot of steps. It must be done by a licensed technician to ensure safety, assure compliance with building codes, and maximize the operation of the system.
Step 1: Planning and Preparing
Initial steps are very important and need to be adequately planned. In this regard, mention must be made of:
Size and Capacity: The dispensing unit of the building’s square footage depends largely on the cooling and heating requirements thereof. Any units that may be either oversized or under-sized would do just good injustice to energy efficiency, instead generally tend to burning more in operational costs.
Roof Structure: Determine if the roof is strong enough to take the load from the unit. An engineer may have to inspect the roof and may determine if load reinforcements are necessary.
Accessibility: The rooftop installation shall permit easy maintenance accesses for the occasion of future commercial AC repair works.
Clearance and Ventilation: The unit must have generous clearance and good air flow for heat dissipation.
2. Removing the Old System (If Applicable)
If you are going with a new HVAC system, then the next step would be to take off the present system. This makes for complex operations, particularly when the old system has been there for several years, as it would have to be decommissioned for its refrigerants and disconnected for electric wiring. Care must be taken not to damage the roof during the removal.
3. Positioning the New Unit
Once the old systems have been taken out (if that were the case), the new RTU would be positioned on the roof; this usually requires use of a crane or other specialized equipment for commercial rooftop units could be really heavy and bulky.
To ensure performance at its highest level, the new unit would have to be locked in place and kept level. Most units are placed on concrete pads or metal stands that prevent direct contact with the roof surface to keep away from structural issues and heat dissipation issues.
4. Connecting Ductwork and Electrical Components
With the unit set in place, the next step shall be to attach the ductwork and electrical components. The ductwork must be sealed properly to avoid any loss of energy while the electrical system is connected to the building. Generally, an electrician is required to wire the unit and ensure all connections are properly done, according to local building codes.
5. Refrigerant Lines and Insulation
The refrigerant lines must be laid between the RTU and the inside of the building. Proper insulation must be given to the refrigerant lines to prevent energy losses and especially when outdoors in adverse temperatures. The refrigerant should be charged with great care for maximum efficiency of operation.
6. Testing and Calibration
When all the equipment is set in place, the operation of the whole system must be checked to confirm its proper functioning:
- System startup: Confirm the compressor, blower, and cooling/heating elements are functioning properly.
- Airflow check: Confirm proper airflow through ductwork and air handling system.
- Leak checks: Confirm no refrigerant or ductwork leaks.
- Thermostat calibration: Confirm that thermostat is calibrated so as to control temperature settings accurately.
If everything checks out, the system is ready for operation.
When to Consider Commercial AC Repair
On a design life of 15 to 20 years, it is safe to say that RTUs have a limited operational period and may require commercial AC repair for wear and tear. Yet some of the situations that might warrant commercial AC repair instead of a full replacement are as follows:
Frequent Breakdown
Your RTU needs repairing whenever it is under the trap of constant breakdowns. Normal wear and tear and improper maintenance, combined with aging components, can lead to undue downtime and inefficiency.
Rising Energy Bills
If your RTU has been consuming more energy than usual, it might either be a faulty component or, in the worst-case scenario, an outright refrigerant leak. Above all, this means the system is not performing in a manner that suits efficiency and has to be repaired.
Uneven Temperature Distribution
When you realize that some places of your building are cooler than others, the unit may have airflow issues, blockage issues of ductworks, or a malfunctioning blower. Once the commercial AC repair people get in, they will diagnose this in no time and proceed to fix it.
The Old Age
An old RTU that is nearing the end of its expected lifespan will tend to have more frequent repairs and high operating costs. Repairs can, of course, be made, yet if the unit is considered way beyond its expected lifespan, replacing it may prove to be a cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
Installation of a commercial RTU is a major investment that can provide your business with efficient heating and cooling for years to come. Nonetheless, it is to be double-checked if only to make sure the right establishment of this system, guaranteeing its full and optimal working state for the years to come. When installing a new system or repairing the AC for an older one, it is best to work with HVAC technicians with proper certification and hands-on experience and expertise in such businesses.
By sticking to this guide, it will somehow arm you so that you may get through the installation of a commercial RTU smoothly, awarding the system with efficiency so that the business may be comfortable throughout the year. If you want a professional installation or commercial AC repairs, go ahead and contact an experienced HVAC service company immediately.
