Packaged Rooftop Unit (RTU) Upgrades
Packaged Rooftop Unit (RTU) Upgrades
High-Efficiency Packaged Air Conditioning Solutions
Many low-rise public buildings—such as elementary schools, municipal offices, gymnasiums, and fire stations—rely on packaged rooftop units (RTUs) for heating and cooling. Standard RTUs operate at constant speeds, running at 100% capacity even when the zone only requires minor temperature adjustments. As these units age, their coils corrode, compressor efficiency drops, and maintenance costs rise.
E3 provides complete commercial RTU replacement services, upgrading old systems to modern, high-efficiency packaged units that deliver precise temperature control, improve fresh air ventilation, and lower cooling costs by up to 45%.
Core Features of E3’s RTU Replacement Services
1. High-Efficiency Multi-Stage and Variable-Speed Compressors Standard RTUs turn on and off in cycles, creating temperature swings and high electrical demand spikes. E3 installs premium RTUs equipped with two-stage or fully variable-speed scroll compressors. These units run continuously at lower speeds to match the exact cooling load of the space, providing superior comfort and massive energy savings.
2. Variable-Speed Fan Controls (VAV Retrofit) We upgrade constant-volume supply fans to variable-speed systems (using variable frequency drives or ECM motors). By scaling fan speed down when the heating or cooling demand is low, we reduce fan energy consumption—which runs continuously during occupied hours—by up to 60%.
3. Integrated Economizers and Free Cooling We equip new RTUs with smart economizers and barometric dampers. When outdoor air is cool and dry (such as during Texas autumn mornings), the economizer opens to bring in 100% outdoor air for “free cooling,” allowing you to keep the energy-intensive AC compressor turned off.
4. Advanced Thermostats and BAS Integration We replace simple dial thermostats with commercial smart thermostats or DDC (Direct Digital Control) interfaces. These connect directly to your centralized Building Automation System (BAS), enabling automated night setback scheduling, holiday overrides, and real-time fault alerts.
Curb Adapters and Structural Logistics
Swapping out rooftop HVAC units requires careful planning to prevent roof leaks and ensure safety:
- Custom Curb Adapters
When installing new units that have different footprints than the legacy units, E3 designs and fabricates custom curb adapters. These fit directly onto the existing roof curb, creating a weather-tight seal without needing to rebuild the roof curb or alter the roof membrane. - Structural Load Checks
We verify that the weight of the new high-efficiency RTU is within the structural weight limits of your building’s roof joists. - Crane Logistics and Safety
We coordinate all crane lifts, rigging, and staging, scheduling the heavy lifts during weekends or holiday breaks when the building is vacant to ensure safety.
Pre-Approved Purchasing and Rebate Support
- Texas Purchasing Cooperatives
E3 is pre-approved on BuyBoard, TIPS, and TASB**, which allows public school districts and cities to buy equipment directly, bypassing standard RFP cycles and ensuring fast project delivery. - Utility Rebate Capture
We coordinate with local Texas utility companies (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, TNMP) to secure all available prescriptive or custom mechanical rebates, lowering your net project costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the right time to replace a commercial rooftop unit (RTU)?
Most commercial RTUs have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. You should consider a proactive replacement if the unit experiences frequent breakdowns, requires costly compressor repairs, or struggles to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Upgrading before total failure prevents emergency operational downtime and ensures access to modern, energy-efficient equipment.
Can a new RTU lower my facility’s energy costs?
Yes. Legacy RTUs operate at constant speeds, running at 100% capacity regardless of the actual cooling demand. Modern RTUs feature multi-stage or variable-speed scroll compressors and variable-speed fan controls that adjust output based on real-time needs. This targeted cooling can lower utility costs by up to 45%.
What is an integrated economizer and how does it provide “free cooling”?
An integrated economizer uses smart sensors and barometric dampers to draw in outside air. When the outdoor air is cool and dry—such as during a mild Texas autumn morning—the economizer brings in 100% outdoor air to cool the building, allowing the energy-intensive AC compressor to remain turned off.
Do I need to replace my existing roof curb when installing a new RTU?
Not necessarily. If the footprint of the new high-efficiency RTU differs from your legacy unit, E3 can design and fabricate a custom curb adapter. This adapter fits directly onto the existing roof curb, creating a weather-tight structural seal without the need to tear into the roof membrane or rebuild the curb itself.