How long do commercial rooftop units last?

Typical service life for commercial RTUs is 15-20 years with proper maintenance, 10-15 years with deferred maintenance. Well-maintained equipment with twice-annual tune-ups, prompt repair of identified issues, and appropriate operational patterns can reach 20+ years. Neglected equipment often reaches 10-12 years before major failures prompt replacement. Roof exposure accelerates degradation compared to indoor split systems — UV exposure on refrigerant lines and cabinet, thermal cycling from weather extremes, and dust and debris accumulation all contribute to wear.

How much does RTU replacement cost?

Varies widely by size and configuration. Rough ranges for like-for-like packaged gas/electric RTU replacement including crane rigging: 3-ton unit $8,485-$14,485, 5-ton unit $11,485-$18,485, 7.5-ton unit $14,485-$24,485, 10-ton unit $18,485-$32,485. Heat pump units add roughly $2,000-$4,000 over comparable gas/electric. Higher-efficiency and communicating equipment adds 15-40% over standard equipment. Additional costs for curb modification, ductwork transition, electrical upgrades, or gas line modification quoted separately as applicable.

Can you match new equipment to my existing roof curb?

Sometimes yes, sometimes needs curb modification. Most major manufacturers publish curb dimension charts showing which new equipment matches which existing curbs. When new equipment matches existing curb, replacement is straightforward and typically cheaper. When new equipment has a different footprint, options include: curb adapter that transitions between old curb and new equipment (typically $485-$1,485 depending on complexity), new curb installation replacing the existing curb entirely ($1,485-$3,485+ depending on size), or selecting equipment specifically to match the existing curb footprint (limits equipment options but simplifies installation).

Do you handle RTU emergency service for restaurants?

Yes, and this is a significant part of PolarCore's commercial service. Restaurant HVAC failure during operating hours affects both dining comfort and kitchen operation (kitchen makeup air balance can produce back-drafting in cooking equipment if HVAC isn't operating correctly). Restaurant RTU emergency dispatch prioritizes rapid diagnosis and repair. Common emergency repair scenarios: compressor failure during dinner rush (temporary rented equipment for continued operation while parts ordered), refrigerant leak causing gradual capacity loss (leak repair and recharge), blower motor failure (motor replacement typically same-day if universal-fit motor covers the specification), and control board failure (universal replacement board typically covers most brands). Priority Maintenance Plan enrollment for restaurants covers priority routing and waived after-hours fees.

What about crane requirements for RTU installation?

Crane rental is a standard part of RTU installation and replacement. Typical crane size for light-commercial RTU work: 25-40 ton capacity crane with 60-100 foot boom reach. Larger commercial installations or high building placements may require larger cranes. Crane rental typically $685-$1,485 for standard RTU work, higher for specialized configurations. Crane scheduling coordinated with RTU delivery to minimize overall installation time. Buildings with tight urban locations, overhead power line clearance issues, or unusual building configurations may require pre-installation site evaluation with the crane provider to plan rigging approach.

Rooftop Unit Service in Columbia, Missouri

Packaged rooftop units are the workhorse of light-commercial HVAC in Columbia: mounted on flat commercial roofs with steel roof curbs, they contain compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, blower, and heat source (gas burner or heat pump) all in one weatherproof cabinet. RTUs simplify installation compared to split systems (single unit rather than separate indoor and outdoor components) and consolidate service into a single access point. PolarCore installs, replaces, and services packaged rooftop units ranging from 3-ton units on small retail spaces up to 25-ton units on larger office buildings, restaurants, and light-industrial applications. Installation includes crane rigging for RTU placement, roof curb installation or modification, electrical and gas connections, refrigerant configuration, condensate management, ductwork transitions, thermostat and control wiring, permit coordination, warranty registration, and commissioning with airflow verification.

RTU Configuration Types

Packaged Gas/Electric

Most common commercial configuration in Missouri due to natural gas availability. Gas-fired heating (typically 80% AFUE burner in older units, 92% AFUE or 90%+ condensing burner in newer units) and electric cooling via traditional compressor and condenser. Sizes 3–25 ton typical for light commercial. Applications: retail, restaurants, offices where natural gas is available and reliable, and buildings where heat pump wouldn’t provide adequate winter capacity.

Packaged Heat Pump

All-electric heating and cooling via heat pump, sometimes with electric strip resistance backup for arctic outbreak conditions. Advantages: no gas piping required (simplifies installation in gas-limited locations), all-electric operation aligns with electrification initiatives, cold-climate heat pumps (Trane XV, Bosch Climate, Lennox VP-J) maintain rated capacity down to about 5°F outdoor. Applications: buildings without natural gas service, tenants pursuing electric-only operation, new construction where heat pump makes economic sense.

Packaged Dual-Fuel

Heat pump primary heating and cooling with gas backup for arctic outbreak conditions. Thermostat automatically switches between modes based on outdoor temperature (typical crossover 25–35°F depending on equipment and utility rate ratio). Best-of-both-worlds configuration but higher upfront cost. Applications: buildings where owner wants heat pump efficiency for most of the year with gas security for extreme cold.

Packaged AC-Only

Cooling-only unit; heating provided by separate source (typically existing boiler in older office buildings, or dedicated electric strip heat). Uncommon in Columbia due to climate but occasionally appropriate for specific applications.

Common RTU Manufacturers

Trane Precedent, IntelliPak, Voyager series
Carrier WeatherMaster, WeatherExpert, Aero series
Lennox Landmark, Strategos, Xion series
York Sunline, Predator series
Rheem RGE and Advantage series
Bosch Climate 5000 packaged heat pump lines
Daikin Rebel, Skyair packaged series

PolarCore installs and services all major RTU manufacturers. Universal-fit replacement parts (capacitors, contactors, motors, control components) cover most repair scenarios regardless of brand.

RTU Installation Scope

Crane Rigging

RTUs weigh 500–3,000+ pounds depending on capacity and configuration. Crane rental with rigging typically $685–$1,485 depending on crane size, boom reach requirements, and rigging complexity. Larger commercial installations (10+ ton units, high building placements, tight urban locations) may require larger cranes and more elaborate rigging.

Roof Curb Installation

Steel roof curbs provide structural support for the RTU, weather sealing at the roof penetration, and ductwork transition point between building ductwork and RTU. New installations require curb sized to match RTU footprint and building deck configuration. Replacements often reuse existing curbs when the new RTU matches the old footprint; new curbs or curb adapters when footprint changes.

Electrical and Gas Connections

RTU installations require: dedicated electrical circuit sized to unit nameplate MCA (typically 208V or 460V three-phase for commercial, 208V or 240V single-phase for smaller units), gas line sized per unit BTU input and gas type, condensate drainage to roof drain or building drain, thermostat and control wiring to indoor space, and permit-required inspections.

Ductwork Transitions

Existing ductwork may need modification to match new RTU airflow requirements or to accommodate different RTU footprint. Ductwork transitions include: return and supply duct connections at the curb, transition fittings to match different duct sizes, insulation and vapor barrier at the curb interface, and air balance verification after installation.

RTU Repair Services

Common RTU repair scenarios PolarCore handles:

Compressor failure — warranty compressor replacement labor $1,285–$2,485; out-of-warranty compressor + labor $2,485–$4,485 typical for 3–10 ton commercial
Condenser fan motor failure — motor replacement $485–$885 typical for commercial condenser fan motors
Evaporator or condenser coil replacement — coil work $1,485–$3,485 depending on tonnage
Blower motor and belt replacement — PSC motor $485–$785, ECM motor $885–$1,685, belt replacement $185–$385
Control board replacement — $685–$1,485 depending on board complexity
Gas valve and burner assembly repair — $485–$1,485
Economizer damper or actuator replacement — $585–$1,285
Refrigerant leak repair — leak location and repair $685–$1,485 depending on leak location and access; refrigerant recharge separate cost per pound

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do commercial rooftop units last?: Typical service life for commercial RTUs is 15–20 years with proper maintenance, 10–15 years with deferred maintenance. Well-maintained equipment with twice-annual tune-ups, prompt repair of identified issues, and appropriate operational patterns can reach 20+ years. Neglected equipment often reaches 10–12 years before major failures prompt replacement. Roof exposure accelerates degradation compared to indoor split systems — UV exposure on refrigerant lines and cabinet, thermal cycling from weather extremes, and dust and debris accumulation all contribute to wear.
How much does RTU replacement cost?: Varies widely by size and configuration. Rough ranges for like-for-like packaged gas/electric RTU replacement including crane rigging: 3-ton unit $8,485–$14,485, 5-ton unit $11,485–$18,485, 7.5-ton unit $14,485–$24,485, 10-ton unit $18,485–$32,485. Heat pump units add roughly $2,000–$4,000 over comparable gas/electric. Higher-efficiency and communicating equipment adds 15–40% over standard equipment. Additional costs for curb modification, ductwork transition, electrical upgrades, or gas line modification quoted separately as applicable.
Can you match new equipment to my existing roof curb?: Sometimes yes, sometimes needs curb modification. Most major manufacturers publish curb dimension charts showing which new equipment matches which existing curbs. When new equipment matches existing curb, replacement is straightforward and typically cheaper. When new equipment has a different footprint, options include: curb adapter that transitions between old curb and new equipment (typically $485–$1,485 depending on complexity), new curb installation replacing the existing curb entirely ($1,485–$3,485+ depending on size), or selecting equipment specifically to match the existing curb footprint (limits equipment options but simplifies installation).
Do you handle RTU emergency service for restaurants?: Yes, and this is a significant part of PolarCore’s commercial service. Restaurant HVAC failure during operating hours affects both dining comfort and kitchen operation (kitchen makeup air balance can produce back-drafting in cooking equipment if HVAC isn’t operating correctly). Restaurant RTU emergency dispatch prioritizes rapid diagnosis and repair. Common emergency repair scenarios: compressor failure during dinner rush (temporary rented equipment for continued operation while parts ordered), refrigerant leak causing gradual capacity loss (leak repair and recharge), blower motor failure (motor replacement typically same-day if universal-fit motor covers the specification), and control board failure (universal replacement board typically covers most brands). Priority Maintenance Plan enrollment for restaurants covers priority routing and waived after-hours fees.
What about crane requirements for RTU installation?: Crane rental is a standard part of RTU installation and replacement. Typical crane size for light-commercial RTU work: 25–40 ton capacity crane with 60–100 foot boom reach. Larger commercial installations or high building placements may require larger cranes. Crane rental typically $685–$1,485 for standard RTU work, higher for specialized configurations. Crane scheduling coordinated with RTU delivery to minimize overall installation time. Buildings with tight urban locations, overhead power line clearance issues, or unusual building configurations may require pre-installation site evaluation with the crane provider to plan rigging approach.

Contact PolarCore Heating and Air Conditioning

Rooftop unit service and installation scheduling runs through the Corona Road office in southwest Columbia. Call (573) 615-6659 for service. Bradley Hollander (Operations Manager) handles commercial RTU account setup, load calculation, and service contract arrangements.

Emergency Line (24/7): (573) 615-6659
Address: 2011 Corona Rd #340, Columbia, MO 65203
Email: info@polarcoreheatingandairconditioning.xyz
City of Columbia Mechanical Contractor License: #MCL-2016-04187
Boone County Contractor Registration: #BCR-16-2847
EPA Section 608 Universal: #608U-2010-284719

Office Hours

Emergency Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Office Staff: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and State/Federal Holidays (emergency line always active)

Rooftop Unit Service Columbia MO | RTU Install + Replace