Rooftop Make-up Air Units

In the United States, the rooftop make-up air units have become the go-to choice for large scale heating and cooling needs.

Also known as a packaged unit, the RTU offers an all-in-one solution that incorporates all its components into a single unit. Despite being located out of sight on the roof, these units play a crucial role in distributing conditioned air throughout the building.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how rooftop make-up air units work, their different types, and their pros and cons.

If you’re simply looking for a quote, click here.

One of the reasons that RTUs are so popular is because they are self-contained, compact, and easy to install.

What are rooftop units or RTU?

Rooftop units, also known as RTUs, are heating and cooling systems that are commonly used in small commercial buildings and shops. As the name suggests, these units are located on the roof of the building and provide conditioned air to defined areas within the building.

One of the reasons that RTUs are so popular is because they are self-contained, compact, and easy to install. They are also packaged air conditioning units, meaning that all of the components needed for heating and cooling are housed in one unit.

RTUs are connected to ductwork, which provides a defined route for the conditioned air to travel along. These systems are made to be strong and weatherproof so they can withstand sun, rain, snow, and wind, among other weather conditions.

We are the official distributors of the top rooftop make-up air unit manufacturers in the USA. As official representatives, we’ll be happy to help explain the best RTU for your application.

Importance of rooftop units in HVAC systems

They are installed on the rooftop largely because it allows efficient use of space and easy access for maintenance and repair. Their compact design also makes them a cost-effective option for commercial buildings that require HVAC systems.

Additionally, RTUs are known for their energy efficiency, which is essential for reducing operating costs and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

In buildings, RTUs provide an effective way to regulate temperature and humidity levels, which is crucial for occupant comfort and productivity. Properly maintained RTUs can also improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and allergens from the air.

Overall, the importance of rooftop units in HVAC systems cannot be overstated. They provide a comprehensive solution for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in buildings while also being energy-efficient, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

Make-up Air Units Help Solve a Distribution Center's Sanitation Conundrum

Advantages of rooftop units

Rooftop units (RTUs) are a popular choice for commercial heating and cooling systems due to their numerous advantages.

One of the primary benefits of RTUs is their space-saving design. Since all the components are housed in a single unit, they take up very little space on the roof of a building. This means that there is more usable space inside the building, which is particularly important in urban areas where space is at a premium.

Another advantage of RTUs is their easy accessibility for maintenance and repair. Since the unit is located on the roof, technicians can easily access and service it without disrupting the building’s occupants. This saves time and money, as well as minimizing disruption to daily operations.

RTUs are also highly efficient and cost-effective. They are designed to provide heating and cooling to specific areas of a building, which means that they don’t have to work as hard as centralized systems to achieve the same results. Additionally, they can be customized to meet the specific needs of a building, which further improves their efficiency.

Finally, RTUs are highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings. They can be found in everything from small retail shops to large office buildings and even hospitals. This flexibility makes them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes and types.

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to using RTUs in HVAC systems, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the main drawbacks is that in larger installations, multiple RTUs can require a significant amount of roof space and access, which may not be available in every situation.

Another limitation of RTUs is that they rely on air-to-air cooling, which means they take up more space when applied in high-load capacity installations compared to water-based cooling systems. Additionally, installations that require higher than normal ventilation rates can often exceed the operational constraints of an RTU due to the high sensible and latent loads presented by higher than normal outdoor air ventilation rates.

Similarly, high outdoor air ventilation rates on the heating side can cause condensation and corrosion on the heat exchangers, dramatically shortening the life of the equipment. Generally speaking, any outdoor air ventilation rate that exceeds about 25–33% of the total air circulating capacity of an RTU can cause significant operational and durability problems with conventional RTU systems.

Therefore, while RTUs may be an attractive solution for simple systems, one must carefully weigh all the aspects of the design criteria in order to determine if they are the best choice for their specific needs.

Contact a Pro to help find the best make-up air unit for your application

We are official distributors for the manufacturers listed below. As official representatives, we’ll be happy to help explain the best rooftop make-up air unit for your application.

Factors to Consider

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a rooftop unit (RTU) for your HVAC system.

Size: The size of the RTU is a critical factor to consider, as it must be properly sized for the specific space it will be serving. A unit that is too small will not provide adequate heating or cooling, while a unit that is too large will be inefficient and waste energy.
Efficiency: Look for an RTU with a high-efficiency rating, as this can significantly reduce energy costs over time. Units with higher SEER and EER ratings can also qualify for energy rebates or incentives.
Airflow: Consider the amount of airflow needed for the space, as well as the direction and velocity of the air. Proper airflow is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Zoning capabilities: Some RTUs offer the ability to provide zoned temperature control, which can help reduce energy costs by only conditioning the areas that are in use.
Maintenance requirements: Look for an RTU with easy access to filters and other components for regular maintenance and cleaning. A unit with a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance requirements will also save on long-term costs.
Budget: The cost of the RTU, including installation and ongoing maintenance, is an important factor to consider when making a decision. While an RTU may have a higher upfront cost than other HVAC systems, it may provide long-term cost savings in energy efficiency and maintenance.
Local codes and regulations: Be sure to check local codes and regulations to ensure that the chosen RTU meets all requirements for safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.

Considering these factors will help you choose an RTU that provides efficient and effective heating, cooling, and ventilation for your commercial building.

RTUs are known for their energy efficiency, which is essential for reducing operating costs and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

RTU Manufacturers

We are the official distributors of the top-rated rooftop package manufacturers in the USA. As official representatives, we’ll be happy to help explain the best make-up air unit for your application. Contact us for a quote or if you have any questions.

Some manufacturers we work with for make-up air equipment include AbsolutAire, FloAire, and Moffitt Corporation.

MAKE-UP AIR MANUFACTURERS

CASE STUDIES

MAKE-UP AIR UNITS

ARTICLE

Industrial Blowers

Industrial Blowers In this article, we talk about the different kinds of industrial blowers, what they are best for, and the two main ways they

PRODUCTS

INDUSTRIES

ventilation equipment for wastewater treatment facilities

Wastewater Treatment Industry

Water Treatment Plant Blowers Proper ventilation equipment in wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities includes both exhaust and blower fans. Make up air units are also

ventilation equipment for warehouses and distribution centers

Warehousing & Distribution Industry

Warehouse Fans & Ventilation Systems Fans for warehouses and distribution centers have evolved tremendously. Especially with warehouses being converted into fulfillment centers. It presents a

ventilation equipment for sports arenas, sports facilities,

Sports Industry

Sports (Athletic) Industry VENTILATION SOLUTIONS The automotive industry demands a level of reliability that only the highest quality industrial ventilation equipment can provide. Process producing

ventilation equipment for semiconductor and foundry's

Semiconductor & Electronic Manufacturing

Semiconductor HVAC Equipment It’s important that engineers in the semiconductor industry have access to specialized HVAC equipment that meets the bleeding edge demand in the

Power Industry

HVAC Solutions For The Power Industry Power Industry Ventilation Services The Power Industry demands a level of reliability that only the highest quality industrial ventilation

ventilation equipment for pharmaceutical manufacturing plants - facilities

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical & Biotech Laboratories Ventilation Equipment Dust Collectors for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing If your laboratory or pharmaceutical manufacturing facility engages in any of the aforementioned operations

PRODUCTS

Wet Dust Collectors

Wet Dust Collectors & Scrubbers: Wet dust collectors and wet scrubber systems are often used where there are concerns of fire and/or explosion. While they

Providing Ventilation Equipment to the Following Industries

Providing Ventilation Equipment to the Greater Chicago area & Ship Nationwide

R. Williamson & Associates can provide you with fast quotes on the correct packaged RTU for your application.

We are official representative covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana.

We can also send out a trained specialist to assess the area and make certain the proper unit is being used for your specific application.

We run tests on-site to see how cost effective each model will be to assure maximum efficiency.