Adaptable, Flexible Rooftop Solutions For Virtually Any Building

Withair rooftop units offer superior indoor air quality, industry leading energy efficiency, hassle-free installation – everything you need for new construction or replacement projects. Withair rooftop units deliver reliable and efficient comfort in small to medium size commercial buildings with either single or multiple zones. Our broad portfolio of solutions can meet any building’s footprint requirements and are easy to install and maintain. 

What exactly is an RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC System?

It stands for “roof top unit.” So now you can guess that this type of HVAC equipment lives on the roof. It’s a self-contained unit that provides both heat and air conditioning for certain types of spaces.

RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC different from other HVAC systems

We mentioned that an RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC unit lives on the roof. However, other types of HVAC equipment can also be installed on a roof, such as split-system air conditioning condensers, or water-cooled chiller systems. So what makes an RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC system different?

An RTU (rooftop unit) is sometimes called a “packaged unit” because it includes all the components of an air conditioning and heating system in one box:

an AC evaporator coil, which absorbs heat

an AC condenser coil, which releases heat

an AC compressor, the heart of the air conditioning system

a heat source

a fan to blow heated and cooled air through the ducts

an intake for outside air (to improve ventilation)

The RTU(rooftop unit) HVAC unit provides all the heating and air conditioning needed for your space. The heated and cooled air reaches different areas in the building via ductwork and registers. You’ll also have return registers to pull air back into the system.

Other types of HVAC systems have separate components. In an air-cooled split system, for example, the condenser is typically located outside, and the evaporator and fan are inside. Also, you’ll need a separate boiler or furnace for heat with a split system.

So why choose RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC? Here are some of the pros and cons:

The RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC pros:

They use less energy. That’s because all the components have been assembled and configured in a factory under optimal conditions, so the system works at maximum efficiency. That translates to lower utility bills for you.

They don’t take up indoor space. Everything is on the roof, except for the ducts. You don’t need to waste expensive indoor space for air handling equipment.

Installation is simpler(cheap). Most of the job has been done at the factory. That’s why the overall RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC cost tends to be less than for other types of systems.

Distribution may already be in place. If you are replacing an existing system, chances are you already have the existing ductwork.

Faster diagnostics and repairs. Since all the components are in one place, it’s faster for HVAC technicians to diagnose problems and fix them. Again, that lowers your costs.

The RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC cons:

They require roof space and access. To install an RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC system, you’ll need relatively easy access to the roof, as well as space of the roof to install the unit. Remember that you’ll need to maintain the unit for years to come. If it’s difficult to get up there, that adds to the maintenance cost.

It’s exposed to the elements. The entire system is exposed to high heat, extreme cold, wind, rain, snow, ice and pollution. That can take its toll over time.

Possible animal infestations. Since everything is outdoors, and in a location that’s away from traffic and people, animals can make their way in and cause damage.

They are not suitable for tall buildings. There’s only so far that conditioned air can move through ductwork and still heat and cool the building. RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC systems are best for buildings under 10 stories.

Out of sight & out of mind. RTU (rooftop unit) HVAC equipment tends to suffer from neglected maintenance more than other types of systems. This can lead to breakdowns that interrupt business and shorten the life span of the unit.

 

Maximum adaptability for faster, easier, less expensive, installations. 

Withair’s large commercial rooftop units offer superior performance and connectivity for more complex building applications, such as data centers or health care facilities, with more rigorous requirements and single or multiple zones.