Don’t be too dismayed if your rooftop unit is wearing out after 15 or 20 years of providing heating, ventilation and cooling to your building.
That’s about the life expectancy of an RTU, especially in New York City’s often harsh weather.
What to do next?
You have at least three options:
• Start a more proactive maintenance program to buy another year or two or three of use. An experienced HVAC contractor can find ways to keep the system operating as efficiently as possible and extend the RTU’s life.
But remember that repairs ultimately will mount, as will energy bills while the system loses efficiency with age. You also can expect an increase in noise and complaints that some rooms are too hot and others are too cold. These are symptoms of a system too old to function properly.
• You can opt for a new RTU. This will take a bite out of your capital budget, but today’s HVAC systems are so much more energy efficient. You will be amazed by the smaller utility bills, cleaner indoor air and other benefits that new technology brings. Short-term pain, long-term gain.
Modern RTUs are significantly more efficient, thanks to zoning controls, variable-speed compressors and fans, and improved filtration that delivers fresher, cleaner indoor air. Remote control monitoring, for example, lets the staff oversee the system and access data for troubleshooting and decision-making.
These plusses increase your property value, make tenants happier and reduce monthly HVAC costs.
• You can install a different HVAC system than the RTU.
In that case, your best choice may be a split-system heat pump or AC unit, which often is more energy-efficient than an RTU.
The split-system is usually easier to maintain because it’s not on a rooftop, which can be very unsafe in bad weather.
The split-system gets its name from how it is split into two units – one part inside and one part outside the building. The air handler, evaporator coil and blower are indoors; the compressor and condenser coil are in the outdoor unit.
When it comes to indoor air quality RTUs are a mixed blessing. Because they are outdoors they bring in plenty of fresh air, but that outdoor air often is contaminated with soot and ash. The split-system relies on indoor air only; its filters constantly remove dirt, dust and other debris from the recycled air.
Ultimately there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this question of RTU vs. split-system. Too many factors depend on the building’s size and configuration, usage and budget.
Contact a respected HVAC contractor to give you facts and figures that will help you decide which option is best for your situation.
Commercial HVAC in NYC? Premier HVAC, a locally owned firm, serves businesses and homes in New York City and Long Island.
