RTU Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Gurnee, IL
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On Furnace or AC Replacement
What Is An RTU Heating & Air Conditioning System?
What exactly is an RTU? It stands for “roof top unit.” So now you can guess that this type of Heating & Air Conditioning equipment lives on the roof. It’s a self-contained unit that provides both heat and air conditioning for certain types of spaces.
Keep reading to learn more about the RTU Heating & Air Conditioning system, and find out if it may be a good choice for your commercial space.
What They Say
How Is An RTU Heating & Air Conditioning Different From Other Heating & Air Conditioning Systems?
So why choose RTU Heating & Air Conditioning? Here are some of the pros and cons:
The 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 (read = less expensive). Most of the job has been done at the factory. That’s why the overall RTU Heating & Air Conditioning 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 Heating & Air Conditioning technicians to diagnose problems and fix them. Again, that lowers your costs.
The Cons
- They require roof space and access. To install an RTU Heating & Air Conditioning 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 Heating & Air Conditioning systems are best for buildings under 10 stories
- Out of sight & out of mind. RTU Heating & Air Conditioning 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.
An RTU 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 Heating & Air Conditioning unit provides all the heating and cooling services 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 Heating & Air Conditioning 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.