Do you get tired of your A/C unit taking on valuable patio space Is your AC unit making too much noise, and causing you to lose your Adirondack chair? Do you recall your repairman ever wondering where the broken system is located?
If the answers to these questions are yes, you might consider upgrading your central a/c system to a rooftop unit. These units are not inexpensive to install. The cost of these units may not be worth it, however, their efficiency and location in a quiet area could make up the difference. It is worthwhile to find out if this is the right choice for you.
HVAC Platform for Metal Roof has been preferred by industrial and commercial establishments for decades. Their flat roofs make it easy to install and maintain and they save valuable ground space. Most homeowners don’t want to pay the higher operating costs so they choose central air conditioning systems.
If you’re central A/C has a concrete pad outside, chances are that it’s on this concrete pad. It’s a great location for installation and service. However, there are some challenges. The units can become debris-magnets by being on the ground. Their accessibility can encourage thieves and vandals. Additionally, children and pets playing nearby may cause irreparable damage. They are dependent on the central-air furnace system of the house to work properly, so maintenance and repairs can be time-consuming and expensive.
Rooftop systems are protected by their geographical location. Unauthorized access to rooftop units is rare, difficult to find, and poses less risk of debris collecting and clogging it.
Rooftop A/C systems can bypass the furnace and circulate hot air through their ducts. Thus, maintenance and repairs can be limited to the unit. An HVAC system mounted above the space it is serving can operate at lower fan speeds, consume less power and draw less cold air.
Before you transfer your system to the roof you should do some research. Find the right size system for you, assess your roof’s ability to support the weight, and ensure your roof remains protected from the elements once your system is up.
- Determine the system’s maximum capacity
Before you purchase an HVAC system, determine what size is required. Systems that are too small, or too large, are not efficient and will not condition your house the way you want. A properly-sized unit will, however, create a comfortable indoor environment and help cut your energy bill.
To get an idea about your home’s condition, multiply your total flooring area. This calculation will show you the correct direction but is inaccurate as it does NOT include factors such as occupants, local climate, insulation, the orientation of windows, and other variables. Call your HVAC contractor to obtain a precise calculation taking into account all these variables.
- Can your roof support this system?
Once you’ve determined your system’s capabilities, you can determine its weight or dimensions. Now you’re ready to set up your unit. First, ask yourself if your roof is strong enough to carry the extra weight.
Do not rely on an HVAC contractor for the answer. It is not their job. Instead, find a licensed structural engineer who can perform an analysis of your roof. An engineer will inspect your roof, do load calculations, and consider the roof’s age and materials to determine if repairs are necessary. Depending on the condition and design of your roof, you might need to repair, reinforce, or replace it.
Once you have determined that your roof can support the HVAC, you will be able to choose where to mount the unit. The best location will have enough space around the unit for safety purposes and provide easy access for maintenance.
A level HVAC unit is essential to maintain proper condensate flow. If your roof is pitched the supporting curb, also known as the frame, must be designed in a way that creates a level surface. Your engineer and the HVAC contractor will work together to locate the unit in the most convenient location and design its support structures.
- Ensure envelope integrity
A rooftop HVAC unit requires penetrations through roofing membrane and roof assembly. These should be limited to ductwork and reinforcement only, and not for the entire unit. It will improve the unit’s acoustic isolation by limiting penetrations. For vibration transmission into buildings, isolators might be required beneath the unit.
After the unit’s installation, the roofing contractor needs to make sure that it can still protect against the elements. This includes providing sufficient flashing around openings made during installation.
Once the penetrations were flashed to the unit, your HVAC contractor can test it and walk through the operation manual. Enjoy your new A/C!