The Basic Benefits of Rooftop HVAC Units

What are the reasons you see so many rooftop HVAC units for commercial buildings and even residential? Here are a few:

Space-saving

The original reason that HVAC units were placed on the tops of buildings was because there weren’t other spaces available. Early central HVAC systems for commercial buildings were added onto structures in the middle of crowded downtown areas where there was no space around the structure for the large units needed to condition the building. Up on the roof, they don’t take up valuable real-estate and they’re less prone to suffering from damage or vandalism.

Improved energy efficiency

A traditional HVAC system uses the ductwork within your commercial property to distribute warm and cold air. However, since a rooftop packaged system is located on the roof of your building, cool air naturally falls to the floors below, efficiently cooling your property. Also modern rooftop HVAC units are available in higher efficiencies (SEER and HSPF) than other types of commercial cooling and heating. They also have more ventilation options available (such as putting in a humidistat) which can help improve indoor air quality.

Easy to access

“But the roof isn’t easy to access!” you might think. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you or anyone else in your company to go out on the roof. It’s not safe. But rooftop units are easy to access for professional technicians. They don’t have to be around the work area creating clutter. The “packaged” part is helpful here as well. Unlike split-system ACs and heat pumps, which have components in cabinets that are both inside and outside the building, all the components of the HVAC system are in the rooftop cabinet. Technicians can handle repairs and maintenance from one spot.

Quieter operation

You don’t normally hear the noise of the air conditioner or heater inside a workplace, only the slight whooshing of air. This is because rooftop units store all the mechanical components, such as the compressor and the fans, far away from the working space.

Modular

If you look at the roof of a typical commercial building, you’ll see multiple packaged HVAC units. This is because these systems are designed to be modular so they can grow as a business does or as a business’ needs change. This isn’t possible using convention split-system air conditioners that must use indoor components as well.

Flexible Design.

Rooftop packaged systems are built to accommodate any sized building, from a mom-and-pop hardware store to large educational buildings and can provide anywhere from 3 to 150 tons of heating and cooling capacity. Determining what size rooftop HVAC system is the right fit for you should be left to a certified PHD Heating & Cooling professional. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, PHD Heating & Cooling offers rooftop unit installation and rooftop unit repairs to keep you cool in the summer and warm all winter long. We have years of experience in installing rooftop units and we’re proud to offer quick, reliable, and honest service to all of our residential and commercial customers.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.

In order to keep your rooftop unit in great condition, preventative maintenance and repairs are necessary. Our technicians are skilled at determining the problem, getting any necessary parts, and repairing your unit in a timely manner. As a small business, we understand the importance of a comfortable work environment and attractive storefront, so we work tirelessly for all of our customers.

Whether you own a residential or commercial property, PHD Heating & Cooling offers rooftop unit installation and rooftop unit repairs to keep you cool in the summer and warm all winter long. We have years of experience in installing or repair rooftop units and we’re proud to offer quick, reliable, and honest service to all of our residential and commercial customers.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.

Regular maintenance is particularly important for rooftop units – their remote location makes it harder to see and hear the signals that it’s time for a service call to PHD Heating & Cooling and we:

Inspect air filters and inlet screens.

Clean or replace filters at the start of each cooling and heating season, at a minimum. Clean outdoor air inlet screens annually.

Inspect fan, housing and motor.

Make sure fans are properly centered in their housing. Check blades for excessive rusting and for the chips, cracks and dirt buildup that cause noise and vibration. If motor bearings are not permanently lubricated, we need lubricate them every six months.

Inspect belts for wear, proper tension and pulley alignment.

Fan belts are a regular wear and tear item and should be replaced annually.

Inspect the heat exchanger.

If the heat exchanger rusts or cracks, gases could contaminate the building’s air supply. Inspect burners, igniter, and combustion section (gas heat only). Popping, roaring noises, smoking, vibration, and flame rollout indicate ignition problems. Check the gas pressure and test for leaks.

Clean the coils.

Dirty coils diminish heat transfer and increase operating temperatures and pressures. Wash and flush both sides of the coils. For best results, back flush toward the return-air section to remove foreign material.

Clean drainage.

Clogged drain channels prevent water and other liquids from effectively moving out of the unit which can in time cause damage to the unit and surrounding area.

Check the refrigerant charge.

If a substantial adjustment is indicated, we check for refrigerant leaks or insufficient airflow across the coils.

Check for voltage imbalances.

The Department of Energy recommends that voltage imbalances not exceed 1% – a greater imbalance can contribute to overheating and premature motor failure. Also we check for loose wiring and connections, and corroded or frayed wires.

Conduct an amperage check.

A high amperage draw could signal a mechanical problem, like worn bearings or worn rods, or it could indicate a refrigeration problem.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.

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