A rooftop unit (RTU) is a packaged HVAC system installed on the roof of a commercial or industrial building. It includes all major components—compressor, condenser, evaporator, filters, and fans—in one weatherproof cabinet. RTUs draw in outside air, condition it (heating or cooling), and then distribute it through ductwork to interior zones. They're designed for easy access, space efficiency, and centralized control.

Rooftop HVAC systems offer:

• Efficient use of space (no mechanical room needed)

• Simplified maintenance access

• Energy-efficient configurations, especially with economizers

• Scalability for different building sizes

• Reduced noise pollution inside the building

Rooftop Unit sizing depends on:

• Square footage of the conditioned space

• Occupancy load

• Building insulation and layout

• Local climate conditions

At Engineered Temperature Solutions, we perform load calculations to properly size your rooftop unit and ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Older units can be loud, especially near occupied spaces. We offer acoustic dampening kits, barrier walls, and low-noise RTU models to minimize disruption. For sensitive environments, ask about our quiet performance upgrades.

You can extend your Rooftop Unit's life and improve performance by:

• Adding VFDs (variable frequency drives) to reduce wear on motors

• Implementing smart controls or zoning (e.g., Prolon)

• Installing sound reduction kits for noise-sensitive areas

• Scheduling regular preventative maintenance and coil cleanings

• Retrofitting economizers or energy recovery systems

Look out for:

• Rising energy bills

• Inconsistent indoor temperatures

• Frequent repairs

• Excessive noise or vibration

• Unit age over 15-20 years

Upgrading to a newer model can dramatically improve efficiency, comfort, and reliability.

Yes—because they’re exposed to the elements, regular inspections are crucial. Recommended maintenance includes:

• Coil cleaning and inspection

• Belt and motor checks

• Drain pan cleaning

• Filter replacement

• Controls calibration

Engineered Temperature Solutions offers seasonal maintenance contracts to keep your RTUs running efficiently year-round.

Rooftop HVAC systems are ideal for commercial and industrial buildings like warehouses, offices, retail stores, gyms, restaurants, and multi-tenant facilities. Their space-saving design, zoning flexibility, and ease of access make them a smart choice for Columbus-area businesses with large or variable cooling needs.

Rooftop HVAC upgrades help improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance indoor comfort.

Common upgrades for commercial rooftop systems include:

• VFD retrofits – Variable Frequency Drives adjust fan speed based on demand, improving energy efficiency and airflow control

• Economizer kits – Bring in cool outdoor air to reduce mechanical cooling needs during mild weather

• Sound-reducing kits – Minimize rooftop unit noise with acoustic insulation and fan dampening features

• Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) – Adjusts fresh air intake based on occupancy, improving air quality and reducing energy waste

• Advanced thermostat controls – Allow better zoning, remote access, and smarter system scheduling

These performance-enhancing upgrades help extend equipment life, reduce wear and tear, and ensure your rooftop HVAC system operates optimally across all seasons.

Yes — Engineered Temperature Solutions offers full-service rooftop HVAC repair, installation, retrofits, and upgrades throughout Columbus and much of Central Ohio. We serve a wide range of cities and commercial zones with expert, engineered HVAC support.

Our rooftop HVAC service areas include:

• Columbus

• Gahanna

• Westerville

• Worthington

• New Albany

• Lewis Center

• New Albany

• Johnstown

• Buckeye Lake

• Newark

• Obetz

• Lancaster

• Carroll

• Dublin

• Bexley

• Reynoldsburg

• Hilliard

• Grove City

• Upper Arlington

• Pickerington

• …and surrounding Central Ohio communities

Whether you're managing a single location or multiple facilities, ETS delivers fast, reliable rooftop HVAC support for commercial and industrial buildings across the region.