HVAC Rooftop Unit (RTU) Replacement Assessment Tips
Below are some tips for business owners and facility managers to prepare for an HVAC rooftop replacement.
- Asset Inventory List: Make a list of all existing equipment. This will make it significantly easier to plan for future replacements, making decisions from a holistic viewpoint (the bigger picture). Your list should include the name and location of each piece of equipment, serial and model numbers, voltage, heat type, outdoor air requirements, control requirements, and special options.
- Space Assessment: Talk to your tenants/building occupants and inquire about their current level of comfort and issues. How is your existing RTU meeting their needs? This information will help you make a more-informed buying decision in the future. If you need to add an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) unit, check for the ease of disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. Also look into potential utility rebates for ERV units.
- Timing: As they say, timing is everything. The same is true when it comes to HVAC rooftop replacement. If your unit fails, it will need to be replaced immediately to minimize the impact on your business. Rushing to make a decision means fewer options based on existing inventory and may limit your energy-efficient options. Planned replacements give you time to research, weigh options, find the highest energy-efficient RTU and explore potential utility rebates.
- Curb Adapter: Is a curb adapter required for rooftop applications? If so, obtain overall existing curb dimensions and approximate SA/RA opening location. Furthermore, you should inspect existing roof curb for any deterioration, rusting, or structural inefficiencies.
- “Like for Like” Replacement: Has space design, lighting, and application of space changed? If so, it doesn’t make sense to replace it with the exact same RTU. It does make sense to conduct a new load calculation. Consult with a structural engineer to verify existing vs. replacement unit weight with structural requirements and design.
- Existing Unit Efficiency: How do current operational costs compare with the energy efficiency of newer units? Does it make financial sense to replace your existing unit now? Or should you wait? Conduct a payback analysis and consider good, better, and best scenarios.
- Maintenance: Make sure you have a preventive maintenance schedule in place for your new rooftop unit.
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. can help!
As an HVAC contractor, our key focus is helping building owners, property managers, engineers and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through proactive HVAC Rooftop Replacement and HVAC preventive maintenance. With summer temperatures constantly on the rise, it’s increasingly more important to check your equipment for proper operation, and to clean and fine-tune its operation to ensure maximum efficiency and tenant comfort.
By servicing your HVAC equipment now with preventive maintenance, you can prevent emergency calls and equipment repairs. Give us a call now to set up an appointment for an HVAC system evaluation. We can also help you make better HVAC purchasing decisions when the time is right!
For more information on HVAC Rooftop Replacement and how CFSI can help lower your HVAC equipment’s operating costs, please contact us by calling 301.262.2771, email sales@crockett-facilities.com, or submit a form for a service quote. Like us on Facebook; follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.
Sources:
“Replacement 101,” RetailFacilityBusiness.com.