What is a Rooftop HVAC Unit?

Rooftop Hvac Units are commonly used in commercial applications to provide heating and/or cooling for smaller buildings. Is a rooftop unit right for your business?

What is a Rooftop HVAC Unit?

Rooftop HVAC units are usually installed on the roof of a building, though they can also be installed on a slab at ground level. Commercial buildings with flat roofs have ample space atop the structure for installation of HVAC equipment. On the roof, HVAC systems are protected from theft and ground space is conserved.

Rooftop HVAC units are also called packaged units, as all components are packaged together in one cabinet. Inside the cabinet housing are all of the heating and/or Cooling System components, depending on the type of system. Because of their environmental exposure, rooftop units are built to withstand sunlight, rain, wind, frost, and other conditions.

Rooftops units are different from split systems, which have separate equipment housed indoors and outdoors. One air handler is installed within the building, while an Air Conditioner or Heat Pump is installed outside the building around its perimeter.

How Do Rooftop Heating and Cooling Units Work?

Rooftop HVAC units function similarly to other types of heating and cooling equipment, providing efficient comfort to occupants. These systems are connected to the building`s ductwork and heat or cool air passing through then distribute conditioned air throughout the interior areas.

(Fresh air option) Air enters a rooftop unit via the air hood at its side. The air hood looks like an awning with an opening below it, which allows air to enter while keeping rain and snow out. As air passes through, dampers operate inside to regulate airflow, and the air supply passes through the system`s filters to remove contaminants. Next, air is either heated by a heat exchanger or coils, or cooled by cooling coils (depending on system configuration and operating mode). Lastly, the fan circulates conditioned air through the ducts of the building.

Why Install Rooftop HVAC Units?

There are several reasons business owners choose to install rooftop HVAC units for their facilities, including:

(1) Space Savings: In commercial buildings, square footage is at a premium. Because all HVAC components can be installed atop the building, a rooftop unit frees up the space that would be consumed by indoor equipment if a split system was in use.

(2) Security: Because of their installation location, rooftop HVAC units are largely protected from theft and vandalism.

(3) Quiet Operation: With all components housed outside of the building, operating noise isn`t as noticeable indoors as when a split system is in use. Rooftop systems minimize distraction within the building.

(4) Easy Access: With all components housed together, rooftop HVAC units can be easier for technicians to access. Maintenance and repairs may be made quicker with all parts in one location.