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Each hospitality space has distinct requirements that depend on its exact size, space, architectural style, and occupants. The same goes for the HVAC system. Each space deserves a different type of HVAC system specifically designed for that property. For most commercial facilities, rooftop units are usually the recommended solution. But the ideal strategy is to combine multiple units instead of installing a single one.
Recently, Lehigh HVAC completed a three RTU installation at Pocono Palace Resort in Pennsylvania. Here are some important considerations involved in planning this type of commercial HVAC installation.
Different areas of a hospitality property may have different heating and cooling requirements. A dining area, guest accommodation, reception space, and other occupied areas may experience different occupancy levels and internal heat loads.
To satisfy all these areas, there is needed something more than a single HVAC system. As rooftop units divide the load evenly across the space, they are the most preferred choice.
Some practical reasons for using multiple RTUs include:
Serving different areas of a large property.
Managing varying heating and cooling loads.
Providing flexibility in equipment operation.
Supporting different occupancy requirements.
Distributing HVAC capacity across the facility.
The actual number of units should always depend on the building's calculated heating and cooling loads rather than a general rule.
Installing multiple rooftop units requires coordination between equipment requirements and the property's existing infrastructure. Before moving forward, an HVAC contractor needs to consider several factors.
The first consideration is whether the roof can accommodate all the required equipment. Each unit needs an appropriate installation location, with sufficient clearance for airflow, maintenance, and servicing. The contractor must also consider the structural capacity of the roof and the equipment's weight. Existing rooftop installations, access routes, and other building components can influence where the new units can be positioned.
Three rooftop units don’t necessarily mean setting up the zoning system across the space. The real requirement is that all of those systems collectively meet the capacity required by the entire space. Furthermore, the exact placement of the various units is decided in the load calculation and the site survey stage. A senior HVAC engineer usually carries out these steps himself or under his supervision.
No matter how much the capacity of your rooftop unit is, it still requires precise ductwork for air distribution in the zones where it is truly needed. Beyond this, optimized airflow in the ductwork and the air filters is essential to keep the components working the right way. If airflow is not optimized properly, components become overly heated and result in complete system failure.
Multiple rooftop unit installations are not finished after setting up the unit and mounting it firmly with nails and screws. It also requires connecting electrical, refrigerant, and plumbing lines the right way to the equipment. We recommend dedicating specialized electrical units, safety switches, and a circuit breaker to the HVAC units to prevent overload.
Installing three rooftop units can introduce coordination challenges that may not be as significant in a single-unit replacement. For example, limited rooftop space can make equipment positioning more complicated. Electrical requirements may also need additional planning when several units are installed together.
Other considerations include
Coordinating equipment delivery and lifting.
Maintaining safe rooftop access.
Avoiding interference between equipment components.
Managing ductwork and connection routes.
Providing sufficient maintenance clearance.
Addressing these considerations before installation helps reduce unnecessary delays and complications.
Pocono Palace Resort provides a practical example of a multi-unit commercial HVAC installation. Lehigh HVAC evaluated the existing equipment and property requirements before replacing the outdated system with three new rooftop units.
The project also included Wi-Fi-integrated HVAC controls, allowing the resort to manage its rooftop equipment through a centralized setup. This combination of multiple rooftop units and connected controls addressed both the property's equipment requirements and its need for more convenient HVAC management. If you need similar results, get in touch with Lehigh HVAC today.
