Are you a small commercial property owner in the market for a reliable, high-performance all-in-one HVAC system? If so, you’ve likely come across Rooftop (RTU) units. These HVAC units are essential to many commercial buildings across Edmonton, but choosing the right system isn’t always straightforward. From rooftop access to financial requirements, several key factors can influence your property’s best fit.
Below, let’s walk through some of the most important factors to consider when finding the right commercial HVAC rooftop unit that to depend on. Join us here at Weiss-Johnson as we dive into the essentials.
Building Square Footage
Do you manage a busy medical clinic with multiple treatment rooms running simultaneously? Or maybe you oversee a retail space that sees heavy foot traffic during Edmonton’s shopping seasons?
Building size plays a key role in evaluating rooftop HVAC systems for your commercial space, as it dictates capacity. For example, multi-RTU configurations consist of several units that operate throughout the rooftop and can serve different zones. These systems can provide scalable climate control, though are limited by the available rooftop space and structural weight capacity.
Your commercial HVAC technician in Edmonton will walk you through the sizing process and determine the capacity that best suits your building’s needs.
Rooftop Access
Newer, purpose-built commercial buildings will have different maintenance access compared to older, converted residential properties. But why is this the case?
The answer lies in an accessible rooftop design.
Many older commercial buildings in Edmonton, especially those converted properties in mature neighbourhoods, may not have proper rooftop access built in. These buildings may feature steep-pitched roofs or limited access points that weren’t designed to accommodate the regular maintenance schedules commercial HVAC rooftop units require.
Unless the building has undergone structural modifications, some properties may not have the safe access required for larger commercial RTU systems. For these buildings, ground-mounted equipment or smaller rooftop systems with access platforms may be the most practical option.
Upfront Investment
Commercial HVAC systems in Edmonton come with different price tags, depending on their complexity and what’s needed to install them. Rooftop units are specifically designed for commercial applications, resulting in heavier-duty construction and more advanced features. To achieve this reliability, many RTU models use energy-efficient controls, such as integrated economizer systems, which can increase initial installation costs.
Some Edmonton commercial properties installing new RTUs may also require electrical service upgrades due to increased demand on the building’s existing infrastructure.
Service Requirements
Service requirements are a crucial factor to consider when deciding on a rooftop unit. Though commercial systems are designed to run for long periods, consistent maintenance is the force behind the scenes.
Service includes both preventative maintenance visits and emergency repairs throughout your RTU’s operational life. Just as with any commercial equipment, rooftop HVAC units in Edmonton require regular attention from licensed technicians to maintain reliable performance. To prevent system failures, regular filter changes and seasonal coil cleaning are essential to keep the unit in working order. We recommend having professional servicing done at least twice a year.
With proper servicing, rooftop units typically last 15 to 20 years before replacement. This lifespan depends on factors like maintenance frequency, operating conditions, and installation quality.
Commercial HVAC Services You Can Trust
Edmonton business owners have plenty of commercial HVAC rooftop units to choose from. Let Weiss-Johnson simplify your decision-making process. With nearly 50 years of experience serving the commercial sector, we’re Edmonton’s chosen commercial service provider.
At Weiss-Johnson, we provide end-to-end support for light commercial systems, including:
- Rooftop (RTU) units
- Make-up air (MUA) systems
- Exhaust fans
- Other light commercial HVAC installations
Visit our website for more information, or contact us today to schedule your rooftop unit assessment.
