If you’re planning to replace your home’s comfort equipment, you may be wondering if installing a rooftop HVAC unit is a good idea. Rooftop installations are common on commercial buildings, and in recent years, they’re gaining popularity with homeowners too. Rooftop HVAC units differ from traditional central split systems in a couple of key ways:
- Also known as “packaged systems,” rooftop units contain all the system components, including the compressor, cooling coils, air handler, and either electric heating strips or a gas furnace. Because of the location, ducting must be run through the attic and vented down through the ceilings.
- Commercial buildings where packaged units are commonly installed have roofs engineered to withstand the extra weight of these all-in-one HVAC systems, and they’re typically flat so there’s a level installation site.
Factors to Weigh Regarding Rooftop HVAC
If you’re considering an equipment upgrade, it’s always best to explore your options with the help of a trusted HVAC professional. As a general guide, here are some factors to consider about rooftop units:
- Unless your home has a flat roof, you can expect an extra expense to have a platform designed and built to support the unit’s larger size and weight.
- If your home currently has forced-air HVAC, in-floor radiant or hot water baseboard heating, switching to or adding a rooftop cooling unit can be more expensive than a traditional split or ductless system.
- A rooftop unit can free up space in your home and yard, and you should notice less noise when it’s operating.
- Having to go up on the roof will make it more difficult and hazardous for your HVAC technician to tackle routine filter changes, preventive maintenance, diagnostics and needed repairs.
- With all of your HVAC equipment sitting up high on the roof, it’s more vulnerable to weather-related wear and damage.
- If yours is the only home in your neighborhood with a rooftop HVAC unit installed, it may be less attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.
For expert help selecting the best HVAC unit option for your Lorain home, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area