Rooftop A/C Units are complete machines that can contain all the elements for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning. As they are often quite a large cabinet, and because they require access to outside air, RTUs are typically mounted on the roofs of retail, commercial & industrial buildings. A window air conditioner is a compact version of the rooftop type. While they are primarily used for air conditioning, RTUs can also be used for ventilation as well as heating. This is very efficient as indoors it would take up quite a bit of space.
How Packaged Rooftop Units Work
Air returning from the building is always mixed with some outside air (to allow fresh oxygen in). The air is then filtered to clean out dirt & pollutants, and passes over cooling coils. The cooled air is then blown into the building. A single thermostat typically controls the RTU, but there can be more sophisticated versions for each zone. There are some units that are 100% outdoor air intakes, but obviously mixing with some recycled air is more economically efficient. Within a building space, ducts may be terminated using supply vents, registers, grilles or diffusers.
Some commercial building owners opt for ductless air conditions or heat pumps, which are more suitable for smaller areas (such as single shop owners), but when it comes to cooling larger spaces or entire buildings, a RTU is the way to go. Obviously there are other factors involved such as the weight capacity of the roof, age of the building, etc., which is why its important to have a certified Gas Technician.
HeatingOntario’s Technicians are fully certified to install Rooftop Units. If this is something you are considering for your building, please give us a call at 647-591-2683 for a free quote.