Why Commercial Air Conditioning Units Are Placed on Roofs
Commercial HVAC systems are crucial for keeping large buildings like office complexes and shopping centers comfortable. These units are often visible on the rooftops of such buildings, a placement that might seem unusual compared to the ground-located heat pumps or air conditioners commonly seen in homes.
Despite their significant weight, there are compelling reasons for placing commercial HVAC equipment atop buildings. In this blog post, we will explore why positioning these units on the roof is more practical for commercial applications.
Space Maximization
In urban environments, where space is valuable, commercial buildings frequently face the challenge of accommodating HVAC equipment due to limited square footage. By installing systems on the roof, companies can utilize otherwise vacant rooftop space, thereby preserving much-needed area within the building.
This approach proves particularly advantageous for businesses in need of various types of equipment at ground level.
Accessibility
Placing a commercial air conditioning unit on the roof allows technicians to carry out standard maintenance tasks smoothly and without interrupting the building’s daily operations. In cases where significant repairs or replacements are necessary, having the unit on the roof avoids the need to tear down walls, create holes in floors, or inconvenience the occupants.
Moreover, since roof-mounted systems are positioned outside, they don’t compromise the indoor environment, ensuring that dust and debris don’t spread within the premises.
Safety
Having HVAC systems on the roof lowers the chances of individuals getting trapped by fire inside the premises, as fires tend to move up rather than down. Moreover, rooftop units are protected against potential damage from floods and other natural calamities.
The gravest mishaps often occur when untrained individuals attempt to fix intricate systems. Even minor errors in handling a commercial air conditioning unit can lead to substantial repair costs or severe outcomes. Roof installations of this equipment also serve as a preventive measure against tampering, safeguarding both the system and people from harm.
Efficiency
By placing heating or cooling systems atop buildings, there’s a decrease in heat gain that typically occurs with ground-level equipment. Heat absorption can increase cooling costs by elevating the initial temperature needed for air conditioning.
Furthermore, these rooftop systems enable the use of shorter and more direct ductwork compared to units placed at ground level. This leads to better efficiency of the HVAC components, making the equipment more cost-effective to operate and less energy-intensive when cooling or heating.
Airflow
Rooftop HVAC systems are beneficial as they enhance air circulation throughout a building. They achieve a uniform air distribution, minimize ductwork, and limit abrupt temperature fluctuations.
By being positioned above ground, these units have access to air that is less contaminated than at street level. Given that particles like dirt, dust, and other contaminants have mass, gravity pulls them closer to the ground, leaving the air several stories up cleaner. This results in better indoor air quality and lessens the strain on the HVAC system.
Acoustics
Anyone who has worked near a commercial air conditioning unit is aware that they’re not the most silent devices around. The ongoing hum and the occasional clanking noise can be quite a distraction in any work setting, leading to a drop in productivity and overall employee contentment.
However, when HVAC systems are installed as rooftop units, most of the noise is kept outside the main work areas. This clever placement ensures a more tranquil environment inside the building, which is particularly advantageous in places where maintaining a quiet atmosphere is essential, such as hospitals, offices, or schools.
Aesthetics
Although the primary purpose of HVAC systems is to ensure a pleasant temperature indoors, it’s also important to consider how they look. Heating and cooling equipment, when installed at ground level, can detract from a building’s overall appearance.
By moving these units to the rooftop, a property’s visual appeal can be significantly enhanced. This might seem trivial, but for industries where first impressions are crucial, such as hotels and retail stores, the look of a building can have a substantial effect. An aesthetically pleasing facility can also see an increase in property value, leading to higher rental rates or selling prices, positively affecting the bottom line.
Contact Experts for Reliable Commercial HVAC Services
To conclude our discussion, the regular upkeep of your heating and air conditioning system is as necessary as its placement. Partnering with a reputable HVAC company for both initial installation and continuous maintenance is crucial. Doing so secures the efficiency and longevity of your system and guarantees a safer and more comfortable space for all occupants of your building.
Reach out to a trusted HVAC specialist to discuss your needs and ensure your system benefits from expert care and optimal functionality.