One of the most efficient, commonly used and innovative types of commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system you’ll encounter is the rooftop unit, sometimes called an RTU. If you’re a small-business owner or large industrial facility manager, learning more about RTUs and what they have to offer will help you make better choices about your building and how you control its climate.
What is a Rooftop Unit (RTU)?
An RTU, or rooftop unit, provides heating, cooling and ventilation in commercial buildings. It is a single unit that sits on top of a building. These units are a central part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in commercial buildings. They are especially common in large office buildings, theatres and other large spaces. RTUs are used instead of the separate heating and cooling systems of a residential unit because they offer compact, efficient heating and cooling for large-scale buildings.
How Does an RTU Work?
RTUs work by pulling air from the outside, cooling or heating it based on the demand of the building, and then circulating the conditioned air through the building to provide occupants with a comfortable environment. When it’s hot outside, an RTU removes heat and moisture from the outside air to cool it and blow it into the building using a refrigeration cycle. When it’s cold outside, the unit heats air based on a gas or electric energy source using heating elements to push in warm air and maintain a comfortable building temperature. The conditioned air is then distributed throughout the building through a series of ducts connected to various zones.
There is also the role of the RTU in ventilation, whereby the equipment brings in fresh air to the conditioned space, enhances indoor air quality and maintains pressure balance. Most RTUs today include energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to further increase the energy efficiency of the equipment by recovering heat from exhaust air.
Advantages of Rooftop Units
Space saving: one of the biggest advantages of RTUs is that they do not take up any valuable interior space in the building as they are installed on the roof, meaning it will make interior layout more flexible.
Ease of Maintenance: RTUs are installed outside the building, so maintenance can be done without disruptions to daily activities. For example, when an odour or other air quality issue arises, a technician can access the unit without having to enter the building.
Cost-Effective: RTUs are often the least expensive form of HVAC equipment for commercial buildings (for small and mid-sized ones in particular), given that they are an all-in-one unit, thereby simplifying installation.
Scalability: As you grow your business, you can also expand your HVAC system, Modular AC units have multiple RTUs stacked on top of each other and allow for easy expansion to keep up with your growing business. You can add a few more units as your business grows to meet the higher demand. This makes RTUs a superior choice for businesses that are planning on scaling up.
Energy Efficiency: Many upscale RTUs are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and are equipped with variable speed fans, high-efficiency compressors, and supervisory controls. All of these features can help to reduce energy usage and operating costs over time.
Zoning: RTUs can be set up for one or more zones in a building, so that each zone can have its own perfect temperature reading, which is advantageous to those businesses that have multiple sections that require different climate control.
Considerations When Choosing an RTU
RTUs have many advantages. When properly installed, they will be quiet, easy to maintain and for the most part unobtrusive. Choose the correct size and type of RTU for your building, taking into account its square footage, local climate and the amount of insulation in your building. An HVAC professional can help with this selection process so that you end up with the optimal system to provide comfort for your users while minimizing costs for years to come.
Furthermore, to get the best use of your RTU, regular servicing is essential. Regular inspections, filter changes and cleans will help to pre-empt issues and maintain the longevity of your unit, keeping it functioning properly through the whole year.
Conclusion
Rooftop units are a great option for commercial HVAC because they are compact, low-maintenance, and can be scaled as needed. Now that you know how RTUs work and why they are a good choice for a variety of businesses, you can make more informed decisions about equipment that will help keep your commercial space comfortable and productive. If you are retrofitting your existing system or planning a new installation, an RTU might be a smart choice for your business.
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