Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

5 Reasons Why a Commercial Building Needs an HVAC Rooftop Unit

March 12th, 2025

3 min read

By Dennis Allen

5 Reasons Why a Commercial Building Needs an HVAC Rooftop Unit
6:58

If your commercial building has high energy costs or poor air quality, your HVAC system could be the reason. An outdated or weak HVAC system can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. This could cause temperature inconsistencies, skyrocketing utility bills, and a demand for frequent repairs. These issues create an unpleasant work environment and add extra expenses over time.

HVAC rooftop units (RTUs) are an excellent solution for businesses looking to improve efficiency and comfort. Unlike traditional systems that take up space inside a building, RTUs are located on the roof. This offers more indoor space, better energy efficiency, and easier maintenance. At Harold Brothers, we have worked with many commercial businesses to help with HVAC solutions that create a more comfortable indoor environment.

This article will go over five key reasons why RTUs the optimal choice for any commercial building and what makes them a smart investment.

Rooftop HVAC Units Maximize Indoor Space for Business Operations

Rooftop Unit being Loaded onto a roof

Every square foot inside a commercial building is important. Indoor space should be used in a way that maximizes productivity and profit. Unfortunately, traditional HVAC systems often need large indoor equipment, ductwork, and separate mechanical rooms. Those take up valuable space that could be used for business operations.

Indoor square footage can make a huge difference in urban areas where space is already limited. Instead of dedicating an entire room to HVAC systems, business owners can focus on using that space for daily operations.

RTU’s Lower Energy Costs and Improve Efficiency

 

Heating and cooling costs are one of the most important expenses for commercial buildings. Older or incorrectly maintained HVAC systems often use far more energy than necessary. This can lead to higher electricity and gas bills. Many business owners may not even realize how much money they waste due to an unfit system.

Modern HVAC rooftop units are designed to reduce energy waste while still providing powerful heating and cooling. Many RTUs come equipped with variable-speed fans that adjust airflow based on the building’s needs. As well as advanced thermostats that fine-tune temperature settings and economizers that bring in fresh outdoor air when conditions allow which will reduce the need for mechanical cooling.

Businesses that switch to high-efficiency RTUs frequently see a 15 to 30 percent reduction in annual energy costs. Over time, these savings add up, and investing in an RTU is well worth it. Lower energy consumption also benefits the environment by reducing a building’s carbon footprint. This can help businesses meet sustainability goals and operate more responsibly.

Rooftop HVAC Placement Simplifies HVAC Maintenance and Repairs

 

Every HVAC system requires routine maintenance to operate efficiently, but traditional indoor units can make repairs more complicated. Many systems require technicians to access mechanical rooms, ceiling spaces, or ductwork throughout the building, which can disrupt daily business operations. For businesses that rely on a quiet and distraction-free environment, unexpected maintenance work can be a major inconvenience.

RTUs make maintenance much easier by keeping all system components in one accessible location—on the roof. Instead of working inside the building, technicians can inspect and repair the unit without disturbing employees or customers. Since all parts are within one outdoor unit, diagnosing and fixing issues will take less time and reduce maintenance costs.

Rooftop units also improve safety by keeping heavy HVAC equipment out of areas where many people might be. With no large indoor components taking up space or creating obstacles, businesses can ensure a better work environment while benefiting from a reliable heating and cooling system.

Rooftop HVAC Units Improve Indoor Air Quality

Man working on rooftop HVAC

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on the health, comfort, and productivity of everyone in a building. Poor air circulation can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and an uncomfortable environment. In some cases, poor air quality can also contribute to employee fatigue and reduced concentration, affecting general workplace performance.

Rooftop HVAC units are designed to improve air quality by removing dust, allergens, and pollutants before they enter the building. Many RTUs come with high-efficiency filtration systems that capture airborne contaminants, preventing them from circulating indoors. Additionally, RTUs can regulate humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth and maintaining a comfortable balance between dryness and moisture.

Clean air is vital, and having an HVAC system that provides consistent, high-quality ventilation is key. Employees who work in a well-ventilated building with fresh, filtered air are less likely to experience fatigue, headaches, or allergies

Adapting to Business Growth with a Scalable HVAC System

 

As businesses expand, their HVAC needs change. To meet demand, a growing company may need more space inside. If a building’s HVAC system is not flexible enough to handle these changes, it can result in uneven temperatures, poor ventilation, and higher energy costs.

One of the biggest advantages of RTUs is their scalability. This means the system only uses what it needs which will reduce waste and enhance energy efficiency. Instead of redesigning an entire HVAC system when a business expands, extra RTUs can be installed as needed. With this, companies can easily adjust their heating and cooling capacity without undergoing a major renovation.

For companies that plan to grow, investing in a trustworthy HVAC system can save significant amounts of time and money. Whether expanding an existing location, opening a new branch, or remodeling a workspace, a rooftop HVAC unit provides an adaptable heating and cooling solution that grows with the business.

Why an HVAC Rooftop Unit is the Smart Choice

 

Choosing the right HVAC system is an important decision for any commercial building. An RTU offers space-saving benefits, energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, improved indoor air quality, and the flexibility to grow with a business. With these advantages, rooftop units are among the best long-term heating and cooling solutions available for commercial spaces.

If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, now is the time to explore the benefits of an RTU. Not only will it reduce energy costs and free up space, but it will also ensure a comfortable environment for employees and clients

If you feel ready to take the next step, contact Harold Brothers today to discuss the best HVAC solution for your commercial building.

 

Dennis Allen

Dennis Allen is the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of HVAC for Harold Brothers Mechanical. His current role includes overseeing daily operations in all aspects of the HVAC department from Estimating, Project Management, Equipment and Subcontractor procurement through completion of all HVAC projects. Dennis currently lives in Marshfield, Ma with his Wife of 15 years and their 2 children. Dennis is very involved in town youth sports and volunteers with Marshfield Youth Soccer and Hockey. You will see him at hockey rinks and soccer fields throughout New England on most weekends, when Dennis is not at the rink or fields, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and is frequently spotted fishing in Duxbury Harbor. Dennis takes pride in his upbringing in the mechanical industry, he started as an apprentice in 2001 and has worked his way up through hard work and dedication in his field. He has worked on multiple large-scale projects throughout his career and credits his development to the tradesman who took him under their wing and provided the knowledge needed to succeed. In his current role he works closely with property owners and engineers to assure each and every project is designed to meet each client’s needs. He is very passionate in the success of the younger generation getting into the field and has donated his time to teach and educate field personnel on how to interpret design documents, installation practices and understanding of current codes. He believes all people regardless of background should be given the opportunity to enter the Pipefitting/Refrigeration industry and be set up for success. He recognizes that his industry is facing a major skilled trade shortage and is firm in his belief that training and education should be made available to all people looking to enter the trade. In 2016 he had the foresight to see our industry was evolving to more energy efficient systems and took a trip to Japan to educate himself on the Variable Refrigerant Flow systems which we currently see being implemented in designs throughout the commonwealth. The people of Japan have been utilizing this technology since the 1970’s and provided invaluable insight into how these systems get manufactured, installed and operate. In 2024 Dennis was appointed a member of the Massachusetts Board of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters.

Topics:

HVAC