Rooftop HVAC units are popular for commercial or large spaces. For Houston’s weather, this unit can be the perfect match for your business if you have space on your roof. I’ve witnessed many individuals who do not care about the upgrading of their HVAC systems for businesses.
However, like other HVAC systems, rooftop units come with an approximate lifespan. After this period, you must upgrade your system. In this article, you will get to know about rooftop units, their lifespan, and when to upgrade. Consult commercial HVAC services in Houston to upgrade your system.
Key Takeaways
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Like other HVAC systems, rooftop units come with an approximate lifespan. After reaching the lifespan, your system will experience many issues and breakdowns. So, get an upgrade when you notice the following signs:
- Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs
- Rise in Energy Bills
- Polluted Indoor Air
- Uneven Temperatures
- Loud Noises from the Unit
- Age of the Unit
- Discontinued Parts and Incompatibility with Modern Controls
- Visible or Physical Damage
Many commercial HVAC services in Houston, like Texas Central Air, provide upgrading services. Call them to get professional service.
Understanding The Lifespan Of A Rooftop HVAC Unit
Like every HVAC system, rooftop units have an expected lifespan. It means you can run a rooftop unit for more or less than that specific period.
If your rooftop unit is for a standard commercial building, you can expect a lifespan of 15 to 20 years on average. However, for harsh climates like Houston, it may serve you for 12 to 17 years on average.
You can easily extend the lifespan by proper and regular maintenance. After this period, you will encounter various issues, inefficiencies, and breakdowns. So, I suggest consulting a commercial HVAC service in Houston, like Texas Central Air, to upgrade your rooftop unit.
Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of Your Rooftop Units
The lifespan of a rooftop unit can vary. According to my observation, the following factors affect the lifespan of your rooftop unit:
| Factors | Impact On The Lifespan Of A Rooftop Unit |
| Local Climate | Harsh climate, high humidity, storms, etc., can shorten the lifespan by 2 to 5 years |
| Maintenance Frequency | Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan by 3 to 5 years |
| Installation Quality | Poor installation process reduces the lifespan |
| Usage Patterns | Continuous and heavy use shortens the lifespan |
| Unit Size | An incorrectly sized system reduces the lifespan |
| Type Of The System | Higher-end models last longer |
These factors have a great impact on the lifespan of the rooftop unit. If you find the life of your unit is almost at an end, consider upgrading it.
Signs Your Rooftop Units Require An Upgrade
If you are concerned about when to upgrade your rooftop unit, here’s your perfect solution. I’ve seen many individuals who think that if the system turns on and is still running, there is no need to upgrade. Well, that is a misconception.
After completing the lifespan, your system will face many issues and breakdowns. Also, this will lead to increased energy bills. So, get an upgrade when you notice the following signs:
Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs
If you notice any HVAC system for businesses frequently experiences breakdowns and repairs, it is a potential sign for upgrades. This is more cost-effective than frequent repairs.
Rise In Energy Bills
A noticeable rise in the energy bills is another clear sign. Without any changes in the usage patterns, the bills will rise.
Polluted Indoor Air
If your indoor air feels polluted with excessive dust and musty odors, it means the unit is not efficient enough to improve the air quality.
Uneven Temperatures
If you find uneven temperatures indoors, it indicates your current rooftop unit is unable to match the demand.
Loud Noises From The Unit
Loud and excessive sound from the unit is another sign to upgrade it.
Age Of The Unit
For Houston’s weather, if your rooftop has exceeded 12 to 17 years of service, think about upgrading it.
Discontinued Parts And Incompatibility With Modern Controls
If the parts of your system have been discontinued or the entire unit is not compatible with modern controls, it is a sign that you need an upgrade.
Visible Or Physical Damage
Moreover, any visible or physical damage that weakens the structure is a sign that the unit needs upgrading.
So, these are the signs you will notice when it is time to upgrade the rooftop unit. In this situation, upgrading the system is the most cost-effective decision. I suggest hiring a professional like Texas Central Air to upgrade your existing system with an energy-efficient one.
Upgrading Options: What Can You Do When Replacing An Old Rooftop Unit?
Many commercial HVAC services in Houston provide upgrading services. However, you must know your options. I recommend two potential options for efficiency and comfort.
Option 1: Replace With A New, High-Efficiency Rooftop Unit
The most common and familiar option is replacing the old rooftop unit with a new, highly efficient one. This is the most reliable option if you do not want any extra hassle or are not eager to explore. Benefits you will get by upgrading to a new rooftop unit include:
- Fast installation
- Minimal disruption to existing ductwork and infrastructure
- Compatibility with business
- Better efficiency up to 20 to 30%.
However, if you have changed your building layout or want flexible zoning, this might not be a great option for you. Moreover, the advanced and premium rooftop models come with higher upfront costs.
Option 2: Switch To A Different Type Of Commercial HVAC System
For your evolving needs and exploring nature, you can think beyond a rooftop unit. Moving to a different type of system can lead you to efficiency and comfort, if chosen appropriately. Here are the hyped alternatives you can go for:
| Alternative Options | Best For |
| Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) | Hotels, multi-tenant offices, and medical facilities |
| Packaged Systems (non-rooftop) | Small retail or single-story buildings |
| Chilled Water Systems | Large commercial properties |
| Split Systems (Ducted or Ductless) | Small commercial spaces, restaurants, server rooms |
These alternatives can provide you with better zoning capabilities, reducing energy consumption, quieter operations, greater comfort, etc. However, you must consider the fact that switching from a rooftop unit to any of these options may require new ductwork, refrigerant lines, or electrical work. These will lead to higher upfront costs. Moreover, the installation time will be longer than a simple swap to a newer rooftop unit.
Expert Remarks
As I’ve worked with many commercial HVAC systems and sorted out issues for many business owners, I know what confusion and issues arise while upgrading a rooftop unit. Many individuals do not really know when to upgrade. So, always check for the signs that indicate the rooftop unit has reached its lifespan.
The biggest mistake of business owners is that they wait until the system completely breaks down. I suggest taking proactive actions when you notice the signs or have completed 12 or more years of service. A highly efficient and newer rooftop unit can save up to 30% of energy consumption.
If you want to think out of the box and do not have budget restrictions, go for the alternative options mentioned above. Hire a commercial HVAC service in Houston, like Texas Central Air to assist you with the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your rooftop unit is not a luxury but a necessity for your business. As it is a significant decision, you must know the proper time to upgrade. However, you cannot be very exact about the time when your existing system will fail.
So, rely on the signs that indicate your system’s lifespan has come to an end. Also, consider the age of your system. Many commercial HVAC services in Houston, like Texas Central Air, provide upgrading services. Call them to get professional service. You must not upgrade your old RTU with a newer RTU model. Explore the alternative options if those are reliable to you and your commercial space.
FAQs
How Can Regular Maintenance Delay The Need For A Rooftop Unit Upgrade?
Regular maintenance helps identify minor issues early, keeps components running efficiently, and can extend the unit’s lifespan by several years, delaying costly upgrades.
What Are The Energy Savings Benefits Of Upgrading To A New Rooftop Unit?
Newer rooftop units often feature advanced technology that improves energy efficiency by 20-30%, reducing operating costs and lowering your carbon footprint.
Are There Financing Options Available For Commercial Rooftop HVAC Upgrades?
Yes, many commercial HVAC providers offer financing plans tailored for business owners to spread out upgrade costs without impacting cash flow.
How Do I Know If My Rooftop Unit Is Compatible With Smart HVAC Controls?
If your rooftop unit is older than 10 years or parts have been discontinued, it likely lacks compatibility with modern smart thermostats and building management systems, signaling an upgrade need.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Between Replacing Or Switching HVAC Systems?
We recommend considering your building’s layout, zoning needs, upfront costs, and long-term energy savings potential. A professional assessment can help determine the best option for your business.
