Are you fed up with your A/C unit taking space on your patio? Are you tired of the A/C unit’s constant whining, within earshot of your Adirondack chair? Did your repairman ever wonder where the broken system was, inside or outside the house?
If you answered yes to any questions, it is possible to upgrade your central-air system to a rooftop unit. These units aren’t cheap to install. They are efficient and may be more cost-effective than the units in other locations. This is why it’s worth looking into if it is right for you. Con-form Group can help you in this.
Rooftop HVAC systems have been a preferred choice for industrial and commercial facilities for decades. Flat roofs on buildings mean that they are easy to install and maintain, and can save valuable ground-level area.
It is important to plan before moving your system onto the roof. The best size for your system should be determined, as well as whether your roof can support it.
1. Determine The System Capacity
Before you spend money on a new HVAC system purchase, consider the size that your home needs. Systems that are either too small or too big will not make your home as comfortable as you would like. A properly sized unit will, however, create a comfortable indoor environment and help decrease your energy bill.
While this calculation will guide you in the right direction, it may not be accurate because it excludes factors like the number and orientation of windows as well as local climate and insulation. Contact your HVAC contractor to get a precise calculation that includes all these variables. The best size system will be calculated using Manual J, a standard calculation manual applicable to HVAC systems.
2. Can Your Roof Support This System?
Once you have determined the system’s capability, you will know its weight as well as its dimensions. You can now plan for the installation of your unit. It is important to ask yourself whether your roof can support the extra weight.
This is not the job of HVAC contractors. Instead, have a licensed structural Engineer conduct structural analysis. An engineer will assess your roof’s structure and make load calculations. Your roof’s design and state may dictate whether you need to strengthen, repair, or replace it.
Once you’ve confirmed your roof’s capacity to support the HVAC unit, you can choose where to mount them. You want to ensure that the HVAC unit is safe and accessible.
An HVAC unit that is not level will prevent condensate from flowing properly during operation. If the roof is pitched, the support curb (or frame) must be designed so that it creates a level surface. Your engineer may work with the HVAC contractor to determine the best place for the unit, and create its support structure.
3. Ensure Envelope Integrity
For rooftop HVAC units, penetrations will be required through the roof membrane and assembly. These should not be made to the entire unit but for ductwork reinforcement and ductwork. A unit’s ability to isolate sound will be improved by keeping penetrations as minimal as possible. The unit may need to be protected from vibrations by placing an isolation device beneath it.
The roofing contractor must make sure the roof can still protect against the elements once the unit has been installed. This requires adequate flashing at all points of installation.
Once the penetrations are flashed the HVAC contractor will be able to test the unit, and then walk you through how to operate it. Then you can enjoy your new A/C.
