Rooftop commercial air conditioners can keep everyone calm, collected and (most importantly) cool.
What’s also convenient about commercial air conditioners, which we’ll touch on throughout this post, is that they’re super affordable to install, maintain or upgrade.
If anything should go wrong or you need servicing, the modular units that make up a commercial AC are a cinch to get to and repair as well.
Commercial Air Conditioning: Compact Yet Powerful
The great thing about commercial air conditioners, especially if you’re a property owner or building manager, is that these modular units are compact enough to fit in and out of doors and through the narrow confines of service elevators. At the same time, you’re given a huge amount of flexibility and cooling options.
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Fits with Your Current Ductwork
The modular units that comprise your rooftop commercial air conditioning system can be laced together to meet the dynamic cooling needs of your building and its tenants.
What’s more, you can strategically position each modular unit to get more cool air into specific areas, and the modular units themselves can be seamlessly interconnected with your building’s ductwork.
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Choose Your Style
In terms of flexibility, going with a commercial air conditioner also allows you to choose between a split-system construction or a package construction with everything right in one place. Whichever construction you choose – and your choice will have a lot to do with your local climate, building size and thermal load – your rooftop AC unit can be hooked up to your building’s current warren of ductwork.
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Manageable Installation, Low
Downtime
This helps keep installation costs low and limits or eliminates any downtime. You also don’t have to worry about getting these modular units lined up just right – as might be the case with through-the-wall air conditioners and window AC units.
And to keep that comparison going, commercial AC units are actually considered a whole lot quieter from a user perspective since any noise that your rooftop unit is making is very likely out of earshot by virtue of the unit being perched up on the roof.
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Higher Security, Less Worry
One last benefit that a lot of building owners are, unfortunately, all too familiar with – theft and security issues.
If you’re been overseeing a few commercial real estate projects then you probably know about the dangers of people making off with some of your construction materials, copper wiring and even your window air conditioners.
It’s unfortunate…but it can happen. That said, it’s far less likely to happen with a rooftop commercial air conditioner because everything’s out of sight and assuredly out of harm’s way.
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Stop Worrying about Damage
Because split-system commercial air conditioners are typically out of the way you’ll also be able to have more usable land on which you can further develop or lease out to other tenants. On top of that, rooftop AC units don’t blemish the facade of your facility: They keep things professional and clean for your tenants. Even the electrical work done by our local electrician will be out of public view.
Speaking of clean, you also won’t have to worry nearly as much about rooftop AC units collecting grime or dust in their coils or kicking up a storm on ground level.
Since they’re on the roof, it’s also very, very unlikely that a car would bump into one – as might happen with a package, ground-level unit – or it’d get kicked around and damaged in other ways.
Stay Cool This Summer
Buying a new commercial air conditioner makes a ton of sense right now because newer units are more energy efficient (better SEER rating) and can typically be very affordably maintained for years to come. Contact us if you want to stay cool this summer!
FAQ Section: Commercial Air Conditioning Systems
1. What are the benefits of a rooftop commercial air conditioning system?
Rooftop commercial air conditioning systems offer several key benefits. First, they save space as they don’t take up valuable ground-level real estate. These systems are quieter since the noise is away from occupied areas. Additionally, they are more secure from theft and damage, and newer units are energy efficient, boasting higher SEER ratings that can lower energy bills by up to 30%.
2. How does a modular commercial air conditioner work?
Modular commercial air conditioners consist of separate units that can be strategically placed and connected to meet the cooling needs of different parts of a building. These modular systems work with your building’s existing ductwork and can be customized to deliver cooling where it’s needed most, making them both flexible and scalable for different building sizes.
3. Can I integrate a rooftop commercial air conditioner with my existing HVAC system?
Yes, rooftop commercial air conditioners can easily integrate with your building’s current HVAC and ductwork system. Whether you opt for a split-system or package unit, these AC units are designed to seamlessly work with your existing setup, allowing you to cool the building more efficiently without significant alterations.
4. Are commercial air conditioning systems energy efficient?
Modern commercial air conditioners are much more energy efficient than older models, thanks to improvements in technology. Units with higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%. This not only cuts energy bills but also helps reduce your building’s overall carbon footprint.
5. What is the lifespan of a rooftop commercial air conditioning unit?
Most rooftop commercial air conditioners have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Routine inspections, filter changes, and minor repairs can extend the life of the unit, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency throughout its lifespan.
6. How often should commercial air conditioning systems be serviced?
Commercial air conditioners should be serviced at least twice a year—once before the cooling season and once before the heating season (if it’s a heating and cooling unit). Regular maintenance, including filter cleaning, refrigerant checks, and coil cleaning, helps prevent breakdowns and keeps the system running smoothly.
7. What is the difference between split-system and package commercial air conditioners?
Split-system commercial air conditioners separate the cooling components into two units: one indoors and one outdoors, making them ideal for smaller spaces or specific cooling zones. Package units, on the other hand, house all components in one unit, which is typically placed on the rooftop. Package units are great for larger buildings that need centralized cooling.
8. Are rooftop air conditioners better for security?
Yes, rooftop air conditioners are more secure. Placing the unit on the roof makes it much harder for thieves to access compared to ground-level units, which are more vulnerable to theft of copper wiring or other components. This added security is especially valuable in high-crime areas or construction zones.
9. How can I improve the energy efficiency of my commercial air conditioner?
To boost your commercial air conditioner’s efficiency, ensure that the unit is regularly serviced, the filters are clean, and that your building’s insulation is sufficient to prevent energy loss. Additionally, installing programmable thermostats and energy-efficient windows can help reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
10. What is the cost of installing a commercial rooftop air conditioner?
The cost of installing a rooftop commercial air conditioner varies depending on the size of the building and the system. On average, installation costs range from $5,000 to $10,000 per unit, but larger buildings with higher cooling demands may require more units or custom setups, which can increase the cost.