In HVAC, a roof top unit (RTU) is a self-contained package that houses heating and/or cooling equipment on the roof of a building. RTUs are often used in commercial buildings and can be either air-cooled or water-cooled. An RTU typically consists of one or more compressors, evaporators, cooling coils, fans, and controls housed in a cabinet.
The RTU cabinet is typically made of weather-resistant materials such as galvanized steel or aluminium to protect the equipment from the elements. The size of an RTU can vary depending on the capacity required for the application.
For example, a small office building might use a 3-ton RTU, whereas a large office building or shopping mall could use several RTUs totalling 100 tons or more. The main advantage of using an RTU is that it can save space compared to traditional split systems, which require separate indoor and outdoor units. In addition, RTUs are easier to install and maintain than split systems since all of the components are located in one place.
