What Is An RTU HVAC System?

If you’re adding or replacing heating and air conditioning equipment in a commercial space, your contractor may recommend an RTU HVAC unit.

What exactly is an RTU? 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.

Keep reading to learn more about the RTU HVAC system, and find out if it may be a good choice for your commercial space.

How Is An RTU HVAC Different From Other HVAC Systems?

We mentioned that an RTU 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 HVAC system different?

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 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 HVAC? Here are some of the pros and cons:

The Pros

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Installation is simpler (read = less expensive). Most of the job has been done at the factory. That’s why the overall RTU HVAC cost tends to be less than for other types of systems.
4. Distribution may already be in place. If you are replacing an existing system, chances are you already have the existing ductwork.
5. 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.

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