What Is the Average Service Life of a Rooftop Package Unit?
Packaged rooftop units (RTUs) create a familiar sight atop commercial buildings throughout Colorado.
For many businesses, they are the perfect heating and cooling solution because all components fit into one housing set in a centralized location, making installation and maintenance easier. They differ from traditional split systems, where the components like the compressor and condenser are located outside the building, and the evaporator is indoors.
Set high up on a roof, they save indoor space and are less at risk for vandalism or other damage than a unit stationed on the ground. They improve energy efficiency and allow for easier heating and cooling management.
They are built to withstand outdoor conditions, offering durability and reliability for larger-scale applications.
Commercial HVAC Pros
At Poudre Valley Air, we recommend and install packaged RTUs for customers throughout Loveland. Our team specializes in commercial heating and cooling system maintenance, repairs, and installation, and we work with all building sizes and types of commercial properties.
In addition to packaged RTUs, we install and service split systems, variant refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, building controls, ventilators, chillers, air handlers, and more.
We are also dedicated to educating our customers about their healing and cooling systems. We know that information, including estimated lifespan, is crucial for budgeting, planning, and ensuring uninterrupted comfort in any business.
If you manage or own a packaged RTU in Loveland, you should know the factors that can shorten its lifespan. Knowing how long it likely will last helps you prepare for replacement.
Packaged RTU Lifespan
No magic number describes how long your specific packaged RTU will last.
However, on average, a packaged RTU lasts between 15 and 25 years, although this can vary based on factors such as unit quality, the maintenance it receives, and the climate in which it operates.
Regular maintenance, proper installation, and appropriate usage can maximize the lifespan of these systems.
Problems That Age Your Packaged RTU
Several factors can lead to the premature failure of an RTU. These issues include:
Poorly Maintained: Neglecting routine maintenance is one of the most common reasons for early failure. Without proper inspections, filters can get clogged, coils can become dirty, and components can wear faster.
Dirty Components: Dirty evaporator and condenser coils can cause the system to overheat, reduce airflow, and put extra strain on the unit. Filters that are not replaced regularly can block airflow, leading to inefficiency.
Refrigerant Leaks: Leaking refrigerant can reduce cooling capacity and overwork the compressor, leading to breakdowns.
Electrical Failures: Faulty wiring or electrical components can cause breakdowns and safety issues. Problems with the blower motor, capacitor, or circuit board can lead to premature failure.
Improper Sizing: An RTU that is too large or too small for a building’s needs may wear quickly. Over time, improper sizing can cause the system to cycle on and off too frequently, leading to early failure.
Environmental Factors: Indoor units have an advantage over RTUs when it comes to outdoor weather. Harsh weather conditions such as high humidity, extreme heat, or exposure to saltwater wear the unit’s components quickly and accelerate deterioration, shortening its lifespan. Your RTU may require additional screening or frequent maintenance to guard against invasive tree and plant seeds, extreme dust accumulation, insects, and vehicle exhaust.
Constant Use: A business that operates 24/7 or requires high heating or cooling demands puts more stress on its RTUs, which can shorten service life.
Improper Installation: Poor installation causes your RTU to operate inefficiently and require frequent repair, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Low-Quality: Low-quality equipment costs less but may waste money in the long run because of more frequent repairs and premature system failure.
Does Maintenance Prolong HVAC Life?
Preventative maintenance does precisely what its name suggests. It prevents significant problems by catching them before they escalate. It also ensures your RTU runs efficiently, reduces the chance of a breakdown, and can save on energy costs.
At Poudre Valley Air. we tailor the frequency and substance of maintenance to the needs of your equipment. One-size-fits-all does not apply. Some RTUs may need quarterly maintenance, while others perform optimally with just two seasonal tune-ups.
Because your business and building are unique, your RTU requires a maintenance routine specific to its components, location, age, and usage. That said, some maintenance tasks are common to all heating and cooling equipment. Here is a sampling:
Filter Replacement: We replace or clean filters to keep debris out of your RTU and to ensure proper airflow.
Coil Cleaning: Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils periodically is the key to preventing dirt buildup.
Refrigerant: We check for leaks, which can cause your RTU to work inefficiently.
Ductwork: Blockages can interfere with airflow, and holes and cracks in ductwork allow air to escape. We inspect and repair air duct issues before they strain your system.
Moving Parts: Lubricating parts that move extends their lifespan.
Electrical Inspections: Resolving electrical issues before they become significant problems can prevent system failure.
Extend RTU Lifespan
If you manage or own an RTU, schedule preventative maintenance to keep your system in Loveland operating smoothly for as long as possible. Our Poudre Valley Air technicians will tailor a maintenance plan specifically for your heating and cooling system’s needs. Call us at 970-818-2499 or request service online.