Packaged Rooftop Units | Everything You Need to Know is Here - Part 1

Packaged Rooftop Units: Chapter 1

In this module, we will look at packaged rooftop units (RTUs). By the end of this lesson, you will understand the purpose of a rooftop HVAC unit, where it is used, and how its main components work. Skip to quiz!

Introduction to Rooftop Units

A rooftop unit is a type of HVAC system mostly found in commercial buildings. These systems provide heating and air conditioning (heating, cooling, and ventilation) to an entire building or to specific zones. Rooftop units are also sometimes found in larger residential homes. These hvac systems are called rooftop units because they are placed on the roof of a building. We generally call a rooftop unit an RTU or packaged rooftop HVAC unit. A packaged rooftop HVAC unit is a type of packaged unit, meaning all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components are housed in a single cabinet.

An RTU is a packaged system:

• A packaged rooftop unit contains all the components for heating and cooling in one compact box.

• There is no separate indoor and outdoor unit like split systems and many other ducted systems.

• Packaged rooftop units include both packaged air conditioners and heat pump models, offering both heating and cooling functions in a single unit.

• Because all the major components are fitted inside one cabinet, we call it a packaged rooftop unit.

Some advantages of packaged rooftop units are:

• An RTU’s noise does not disturb people inside a building, as it is installed on the roof.

• As all components are placed in a compact box, it saves space and simplifies layout in mechanical rooms and ceilings.

• It does not usually need heavy security measures because it is placed on the rooftop.

• Modern packaged rooftop HVAC units are designed for high energy efficiency, helping to reduce operating costs and meet current energy standards.

With the HVAC industry constantly changing, there is a growing demand for innovative rooftop unit solutions that can keep up with new requirements and technologies.

We do not commonly find RTUs in smaller residential homes. Some reasons for this are:

• Installing an RTU on the roof is costly.

• Trained technicians are needed to install a rooftop unit safely.

• Large cranes are often needed to lift and place packaged rooftop units on a roof.

Applications of RTUs

RTUs have different capacity ranges. The capacity of a rooftop unit is measured in tonnage of refrigeration, or TR for short. Packaged rooftop air conditioners and heat-only units are available in capacities from about 5 TR to 100 TR and above, depending on the manufacturer.

As per cooling and heating requirements, rooftop units are used in different places like:

• Supermarkets,

• Commercial buildings,

• Office buildings,

• Banks, and

• Movie theaters.

Packaged rooftop HVAC units are also widely used in industrial applications such as factories and warehouses, where they meet demanding HVAC requirements.

A packaged rooftop HVAC unit is a ducted system installed on the roof and connected to ductwork that supplies conditioned air (cold air or warm air) to the building. We commonly find RTUs in:

• Supermarkets,

• Commercial buildings,

• Office buildings,

• Banks, and

• Movie theaters.

Some features available in these units may only be offered as upgrades by other manufacturers.

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Why Packaged Rooftop HVAC Units Are Popular in Commercial Buildings

Commercial packaged rooftop units are popular in the HVAC industry because they combine flexibility, space savings, and simpler installation for new construction and retrofits:

• All-in-one design: All the components of the heating and cooling units are packaged together, which can ensure easier HVAC installation compared to many field-built systems.

• Ducted distribution: Because RTUs are typically used as ducted systems, one unit on the roof can serve an entire building or a large zone through supply and return air ductwork.

• Flexible zoning: With constant air volume and variable air volume options, as well as advanced features like variable speed fans or motors, a single RTU can serve a single zone or multiple zones, depending on the design, while enhancing system performance and efficiency.

• Space and access: Locating the rooftop HVAC equipment outside frees indoor space and keeps noisy components away from occupants.

When properly selected and maintained, packaged rooftop units can enhance performance, help manage energy costs, and support good indoor air quality for commercial buildings.

Components of Rooftop Units

In this module, we will learn about the different components of a packaged rooftop unit. Skip to quiz!

Basic Refrigeration Cycle

Recall that in the refrigeration cycle, refrigerant flows through a closed-loop system. The four main components of the refrigeration cycle are:

• Evaporator

• Compressor

• Condenser

• Metering device

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air. As the air passes over the evaporator coil, it is cooled and dehumidified, producing cooled air. This cooled air is then circulated into the building to provide air conditioning.

These four major components are all built inside a packaged rooftop HVAC unit.

Compressors

Recall that the job of a compressor is to increase the pressure of refrigerant. When gas is compressed, its volume decreases, whereas its pressure and temperature increase.

The common types of compressors used in rooftop units are:

• Scroll compressor, and

• Reciprocating compressor.

Let's refresh on how these compressors work.

Recall that scroll compressors use a circular type motion to compress refrigerant. Let's watch a video to understand how scroll compressors work. In a scroll compressor, there are two matching scrolls, as shown in the videos. The scrolls are like spirals that are placed together. One scroll is stationary and does not move. The second scroll moves and is rotated by a motor.

Reciprocating compressors have been used in refrigeration systems for a long time. They have a piston that compresses the gas inside a hollow cylinder. Let's watch a video to understand how reciprocating compressors work.

Condensers

Recall that the role of condenser coils is to reject the heat from refrigerant to the outside air. In condenser coils, refrigerant rejects heat and changes its state from gas to liquid.

Some of the types of condensers commonly used in packaged rooftop units are:

• Fin-tube condenser, and

• Microchannel condenser.

Recall that a fin-tube condenser has small metal plates (fins) attached to the tubes carrying refrigerant. Remember that fins are basically metal plates. In fin tube condensers, fins are attached to the refrigerant tubing. These fins increase the surface area to help reject heat faster to the outdoor air.

Microchannel condensers are newer in the industry and are among the most efficient types of condensers. They are made from thin zig-zag aluminum fins and very small refrigerant channels. Refrigerant flows through these thin channels and the zig-zag fins help reject heat quickly, improving efficiency of the air conditioning process.

Metering Devices

Recall that the function of a metering device is to reduce the pressure of refrigerant. A metering device permits only a small amount of liquid refrigerant to enter the evaporator coils. The pressure and temperature of refrigerant drops as it comes out of a metering device.

In a packaged rooftop unit, we usually find these metering devices:

• Thermostatic expansion valves, and

• Electronic expansion valves.

For accurate diagnostics or system work involving electronic expansion valves, you may need to measure voltage with a multimeter.

Let's look at how both these metering devices work.

Recall that thermostatic expansion valves are also called TEVs or TXVs. These are the most commonly used metering devices. Let's get started by watching a video about how they work.

TXVs regulate the flow of liquid refrigerant going into the evaporator coils based on its temperature. For example, during summers, if an evaporator's temperature is high due to hot air, more refrigerant is sent by a TXV. This cools down the evaporator coils and the warm air passing over them, producing cold air for the building.

Recall that electronic expansion valves are also called EEVs or EXVs. Electronic Expansion Valves (EEV) control the flow of refrigerants electronically. Let's watch a video explaining how they work.

Electronic expansion valves control the amount of refrigerant going into an evaporator. EEVs receive information from temperature and pressure sensors in evaporators. Based on sensor data, EEVs adjust how much refrigerant enters the evaporator, allowing very precise temperature control in spaces like IT server rooms and data centers. This precision is especially important in commercial packaged rooftop units serving critical environments.

Evaporators

Recall that evaporator coils provide more surface area for hot indoor air to pass over them. This increased surface area allows more heat to be transferred from the air to the refrigerant inside the coils.

Finned-tube and drum-and-tube evaporators are commonly used in rooftop units. Recall that finned-tube evaporators have small metal plates attached to the tubes carrying refrigerant. Drum-and-tube exchangers are typically used in larger commercial and industrial human comfort applications.

Recall that finned-tube evaporators have small metal plates attached to the tubes carrying refrigerant. These small metal plates are called fins. At each fin, there is a transfer of heat to refrigerant in the evaporator coils from the room air.

In an RTU, the placement and orientation of evaporator coils is very important. Different configurations of evaporator coils help to:

• Decrease power consumption,

• Provide better cooling, and

• Save space to make an RTU more compact.

Evaporator coils inside a rooftop unit are usually placed in a:

• Vertical position, and

• Slant position.

In these positions, maximum air makes contact with evaporator coils so that we can get more cold air and better air conditioning performance.

In a packaged rooftop unit, common types of compressors that can be found are scroll compressors and reciprocating compressors. Thermal expansion valves and electronic expansion valves are the most common types of metering devices.

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Secondary Components

In this module, we will take a look at the secondary components of a packaged rooftop unit. Skip to quiz!

Blower Fans

Recall that a blower fan is a component within an HVAC system that is responsible for circulating air. Blower fans push cold air or hot air through ducts to the desired locations in a building. Ducts are closed pathways for air to flow from a system to each room and office.

In an RTU, we generally use a belt-driven blower fan. Recall that in a belt-driven system, the motor and the fan are connected by a rubber belt.

Field-installed accessories are available for blower fans and other components, allowing for customization and enhanced system flexibility.

Condenser Fans

Recall that, a condenser fan is a part of a condensing unit. It allows circulation of air through condenser coils. It cools down refrigerant by removing hot air from the condenser chamber, and its operation can be optimized by control systems.

In a rooftop unit, the size of the condenser fan depends on the size and capacity of the RTU. Larger fans are required to remove the heat rejected by an RTU’s condenser coils. For example, a 50TR RTU will have a larger condenser fan than a 5TR RTU.

A larger capacity RTU can also have multiple condenser fans. For example, a 100TR commercial refrigeration RTU can have more than one condenser fan.

Proper operation of condenser fans is essential during the start up and commissioning of a packaged rooftop HVAC unit to ensure efficient performance.

Crankcase Heaters

Crankcase heaters are used to heat compressor oil. When a compressor is not in use, refrigerant mixes with compressor oil and settles to the bottom of that compressor. This does not allow the compressor in a system to start easily. A crankcase heater is used to heat compressor oil in a rooftop unit, ensuring the refrigerant separates from the oil and the compressor starts efficiently. To understand more about the key systems and inner workings of domestic refrigerators, refer to this comprehensive guide.

When a crankcase heater starts heating a compressor, refrigerant forms vapor and separates away from the oil. This allows the compressor to start easily and work efficiently.

Recall that an RTU is generally exposed to outside weather like harsh winds and extreme cold. At times, a system and its compressor become very cold, and refrigerant mixes with the oil in large quantities. As an RTU’s compressor will not start in such cases, a crankcase heater is necessary.

Filter Driers

Recall that the primary purpose of filter driers is to remove moisture from refrigerant and filter it. A filter drier consists of two parts, the shell and the core. The shell is an outer metallic covering. The core is the inner part, which absorbs moisture and traps particles.

Because packaged rooftop units are installed outdoors, they are surrounded by dust and outside air. There is a chance that dust or air could enter the refrigerant circuit during maintenance or through leaks. A filter drier helps protect the refrigerant, compressor, and other components from moisture and contamination.

Liquid Line Receiver Tanks

Recall that a liquid line receiver tank is a storage tank that stores excess liquid refrigerant. A rooftop unit is a large system, so it also requires a large amount of refrigerant. A liquid line receiver tank acts as a storage vessel to store extra liquid refrigerant.

It’s installed in the fluid line, as close as possible to the outlet of a condenser. A system can have liquid refrigerant back up in the receiver tank whenever needed.

Accumulator Tanks

Recall that an accumulator tank is a component used to protect a compressor from liquid refrigerant. Recall that a compressor is designed to handle vapor refrigerant only. An accumulator is placed before the compressor’s suction line in a packaged rooftop HVAC unit. It catches liquid refrigerant and allows only vapor to continue to the compressor, preventing damage from liquid slugging.

Economizers

An economizer is a device used to save energy consumption by using cool air from outside a building to cool the internal space. Economizers mostly operate at night when outside air is cooler than inside air. This process is known as cooling.

Economizers are designed to mix outdoor air with return air to improve ventilation and indoor air quality. Economizers mix enough outdoor air with indoor air to meet the cooling temperature set on a thermostat. This is done without starting a compressor or the refrigeration cycle. Economizers make use of the fact that air at night is cooler than in the mornings.

The fresh outside air that economizers bring in save the energy spent cooling a building at night. This is beneficial to cool spaces in offices that work all night or supermarkets that are open all night.

Heat Recovery Wheels

A heat recovery wheel recovers heat from exhaust air. Recall that exhaust air is the air that is to be removed from a building. Exhaust air from a building is stale air, but it’s comparatively colder than outside air.

A heat recovery wheel is a big wheel that has two compartments. A metal plate in between separates the sections. Cold exhaust air from a building comes into one section and the hot outside air into another section.

The hot outside air gives its heat to the exhaust air and becomes cooler. Without a heat recovery system, cold exhaust air would always be removed from a building without any secondary usage. This system is also commonly known as a Energy Recovery System (ERS), or a Heat Recovery Unit (HRU), or a Heat Recovery System (HRS).

Heat recovery systems will reduce the amount of energy consumed by conventional heating/cooling units. Using a heat recovery wheel in a rooftop unit has many benefits like:

• Reduction in energy cost,

• Lower operation cost, and

• Reduction in environmental impacts.

Crankcase heaters are used to heat compressor oil. A liquid line receiver tank is a storage tank that stores excess liquid refrigerant. An economizer is a device used to save energy consumption by using cool air from outside a building to cool the internal space.

A heat recovery wheel recovers heat from exhaust air. Exhaust air from a building is stale air, but it’s comparatively colder than outside air.

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Ventilation Systems in Rooftop Units

In this module, we will learn about ventilation systems in rooftop units. We’ll also learn about different types of rooftop units based on their airflow patterns. Skip to quiz!

Air Flow

RTUs circulate cold air in a building. Also, RTUs bring in fresh air from outside so that occupants don’t feel suffocated. This helps maintain indoor air quality. Recall that indoor air quality is the quality of air inside any building.

Rooftop units are connected to ductwork which provides a defined route for conditioned air to travel. RTUs are categorized based on the quantity of air that they can supply. These are:

• Constant air volume (CAV), and

• Variable air volume (VAV).

A CAV system always delivers a fixed quantity of air to a building or zone. Recall that any building is divided into zones. A zone can be a couple of rooms or entire floors of a building. A CAV system will cool an entire building at the same temperature, so we cannot set different temperatures for different rooms.

In a CAV system, we can't control the volume of air being supplied. We can control the temperature of air being delivered, but the quantity of air will always remain the same. So, a CAV system is preferred when a building has no zones or only one zone.

CAV systems are primarily used in buildings with no zones, or sometimes in single-zone and multi-zoned buildings. We find some applications of CAV systems in:

• Supermarkets,

• Auditoriums,

• Theaters. and

• Museums.

VAV systems can adjust airflow depending on the cooling or heating load. VAV systems are preferred for a building with multiple zones, but can sometimes be used in single-zone buildings. These systems can send different quantities of air to different zones.

VAV systems can maintain different zones at different temperatures. For example, we may not need to keep a supermarket's storeroom at the same temperature as other rooms. So a VAV system can reduce air conditioning to that area, saving energy.

Some applications of VAV systems include:

• Large supermarkets,

• Multi-storey buildings, and

• Commercial offices.

Recall that the purpose of ductwork is to provide a closed pathway and direction to circulate cool or hot air to different rooms in a building. Ductwork also eliminates the need to install separate HVAC units in each room of a building.

Recall that the main purposes of ducts are:

• To not allow air inside a duct to escape, and

• To not allow the transfer of heat between air inside and outside a duct.

Ductwork acts as a postal service that transfers cold or hot air from an RTU on the roof to a specific room, and back.

There are generally two types of ductwork that you will see in RTUs:

• Rigid ductwork - Maintains an exact shape and cannot bend easily.

• Flexible ductwork - Can bend as needed.

Fans

Recall that a fan provides air circulation. The different fans that we find in an RTU are:

• Blower Fans,

• Condenser Fans,

• Return Air Fans,

• Exhaust Air Fans, and

• Outside Air Fans.

Unlike some non-packaged systems that require a more complex control system to manage multiple separate components, packaged rooftop HVAC units integrate these fan functions for simpler and more reliable operation.

Recall that a blower fan is a component within an HVAC system responsible for circulating air. Blower fans push cold air or hot air through ducts to the desired locations in a building. It pulls warm air from a building and pushes it through evaporator coils to cool it.

Recall that a condenser fan is responsible for circulating air through condenser coils. It pulls air from outside and pushes it through high-temperature condenser coils to cool down refrigerant.

A return fan pulls air from inside a building and returns it to an RTU system. Recall that a blower fan does the work of pulling air from a building. However, in many RTU applications, a building or space is so huge that a single blower fan cannot do this job.

A return air fan helps a blower fan pull air from a building and supply it to the RTU. A return air fan is installed inside a return air duct. Recall that a return air duct provides a closed path for air from a building to reach the RTU. For more information on related HVAC components, such as metering devices and their types, you can refer to this comprehensive guide.

An exhaust air fan is also installed on the return air side of an RTU. But it’s installed inside the RTU, not in the duct. It pulls return air and throws it out of the RTU. The air thrown outside is stale air from a building that usually has large amounts of carbon dioxide in it.

When we remove stale air from a building, we need to bring in fresh air from outside to avoid suffocation. An outside air fan performs this function. The primary function of an outside air fan is to pull fresh air from outside into a building. Outside air fans are installed near the intake damper of an RTU.

Air Flow Control

In an RTU, we need to control the flow of air going in and out of various rooms in a building. Dampers are used to control the air flow through a duct. Like a building has gates that open and close to allow vehicles in and out of the building, RTUs have dampers.

Dampers can open or close as needed and allow or block the flow of air. Dampers are situated closer to the mouth or end of a duct. Though a fan will be pushing air, dampers can close the end of a duct to not allow any to pass through.

We usually find these damper types:

• Manual dampers, and

• Motorized dampers.

Manual dampers are turned and set by a handle, and cannot be controlled without human interference. Motorized dampers have an electric motor and can be controlled remotely or automatically by sending electric signals.

The different dampers used in rooftop units are:

• Intake air damper,

• Exhaust air damper, and

• Return air damper.

To ensure proper functioning of systems like these, it's useful to understand how to measure electrical components—learn more in our guide to Multimeter Basics for Electrical Measurements.

Intake air dampers control the amount of fresh air going inside an RTU and a building. Recall that a fresh air fan pulls in outside fresh air into a building. An intake air damper is a motorized damper.

Exhaust air dampers control the removal of stale air from a building by an exhaust air fan. Recall that an exhaust air fan throws stale air from a building outside. Exhaust air dampers are a type of backdraft damper.

Backdraft dampers are manual dampers. They allow air to flow only in one direction. Backdraft dampers are commonly found in places where the backflow of air needs to be avoided.

At an exhaust we only want to expel the air out, and not allow outside air to enter an RTU via the exhaust. There are heavy winds at the roof of any building that can force their way in through the exhaust of an RTU. So, a backdraft damper is the type of damper installed for an exhaust air damper to prevent this backflow of air.

Return air dampers are used to control return air coming from a building into the RTUs. A return air damper is placed on a return duct. These are required to stop a building’s air from coming into an RTU when it’s shut down.

Air flow is very important to achieve human comfort. A constant air volume RTU allows a fixed quantity of air to flow into a whole building from the RTU. A variable air volume RTU allows different quantities of air to flow into different rooms in a building.

The different fans we find in RTUs are:

• Blower Fans,

• Condenser Fans,

• Return Air Fans,

• Exhaust Air Fans, and

• Outside Air Fans.

We usually find these damper types:

• Manual dampers, and

• Motorized dampers.

Benefits of Commercial Packaged Rooftop Units

Commercial packaged rooftop units deliver real advantages that smart businesses count on for efficient, reliable HVAC solutions. You want to cut energy costs? These units do exactly that. Optimal efficiency and proven engineering mean you get powerful heating and air conditioning without the energy waste. Your bottom line stays healthy. Your sustainability goals get met. That's how you run a business that lasts.

Here's what separates packaged rooftop units from the rest — they save valuable indoor space. Every major component sits on your roof, not inside your building. You get that space back for what matters: more workspace, better storage, customer areas that actually generate revenue. When every square foot costs money, this design pays for itself.

Indoor air quality matters more than ever, and commercial packaged rooftop units deliver. Fresh outside air intake and low leak damper economizers bring in clean outdoor air and condition it right. Your employees work better. Your customers stay comfortable. You meet today's air quality standards without breaking a sweat.

Need flexibility? You've got it. Commercial packaged rooftop units work with a broad range of outdoor air options — heat pump capabilities, hot water integration, whatever your building demands. New construction or retrofit job, these units adapt to deliver the exact heating and cooling mix you need. No compromises.

The HVAC industry runs on skilled technicians who know their craft. That's why the ducted systems academy trains professionals on these advanced systems. In-person courses, instructor-led sessions, live streaming — technicians get hands-on experience with the latest packaged rooftop technologies. Better training means easier HVAC installation and systems that actually work long-term.

Quality matters when you're making an investment this size. Manufacturers back these units with expanded manufacturing and advanced testing labs dedicated to rooftop performance. The reengineered rooftop product portfolio comes with an industry leading warranty that protects your investment for years. You buy once, you're covered.

Commercial packaged rooftop units work because they deliver what businesses actually need: energy cost savings, space efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and system flexibility. Add proven training, advanced features, and rock-solid quality, and you've got the smart choice for any business ready to upgrade its HVAC system and stay ahead of the competition.

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Question #1: Rooftop units are also called packaged systems because;

1. All components are placed in a compact box.

2. They have an indoor and outdoor unit.

3. They are installed on a rooftop.

4. They contain a chilled water system inside them.

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: All components are placed in a compact box.

Rooftop units are also called packaged systems because all the components are placed in a compact box. All the heating and cooling equipment is placed in one confined unit.

Question #2: Where is a rooftop unit installed?

1. Ground

2. Wall

3. Inside house

4. Rooftop

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Rooftop

A rooftop unit is a box-shaped structure that contains all heating and cooling equipment. They are generally installed on the roof of any building.

Question #3: A reason why rooftop units are uncommon in residential homes is that:

1. They’re small and compact systems.

2. They make less noise.

3. Their installation is difficult and requires using cranes.

4. They are too small in size to be installed in residential houses.

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Their installation is difficult and requires using cranes.

Installing rooftop units is difficult and requires trained technicians. Cranes are often required to lift these units and place them on the roof of a building.

Question #4:RTUs are commonly seen in the following places (Select all that apply):

1. Supermarkets

2. Inside individual rooms

3. Office buildings

4. Garden

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Supermarkets

Office buildings

RTUs are used in commercial buildings like supermarkets, movie theaters, and commercial offices.

Question #5: Which of the following types of compressors are commonly used in an RTU (Select all that apply)?

1. Scroll compressors

2. Screw compressors

3. Centrifugal compressors

4. Reciprocating compressors

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Scroll compressors

Reciprocating compressors

A scroll compressor and reciprocating compressors are commonly used in RTUs.

Question #6: Which of the following metering devices are most likely to be found in a packaged rooftop unit (Select all that apply)?

1. Capillary Tube

2. Piston Valve Metering Device

3. Thermal Expansion Valve

4. Pressure Expansion Valve

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Thermal Expansion Valve

A thermal expansion valve, or an electronic expansion valve, is most likely to be found in a packaged rooftop unit. A capillary tube and piston valve metering device are used in small systems like split AC or window AC.

Question #7: An IT office computer room requires precise temperature control. Which of the following metering devices will you likely find in the rooftop unit installed for this purpose?

1. Automatic Metering Valve

2. Piston Valve Metering Device

3. Electronic Expansion Valve

4. Pressure Expansion Valve

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Electronic Expansion Valve

A thermostatic expansion valve and electronic expansion valve are used in an RTU.

Question #8: Which of the following evaporator types are commonly used in RTUs?

1. Finned tube

2. Shell and tube

3. Tube and shell

4. Bare and tube

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Finned tube

A finned tube evaporator is used in an RTU.

Question #9: The most common type of blower fan used in RTUs is:

1. Belt-driven blower fan

2. Direct drive blower fan

3. Hermetically driven blower fan

4. Semi-hermetically driven blower fan

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Belt-driven blower fan

The most common type of blower fan is a belt-driven blower fan. This type of fan is commonly used in rooftop units.

Question #10: The job of the condenser fan in an RTU is:

1. To cool the evaporator coils

2. To cool the economizer coils

3. To cool the condenser coils

4. To provide cool air to the building occupants.

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: To cool the condenser coils

A condenser fan is used for cooling condenser coils.

Question #11: The size and number of the condenser fans in an RTU mainly depend on:

1. The capacity of the condenser

2. The location of the condenser

3. The orientation of the condenser

4. The time of the day

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: The capacity of the condenser

The size and number of condenser fans mainly depends on the capacity of the condenser coils in an RTU.

Question #12: What is the primary purpose of the crankcase heater in an RTU?

1. To heat the filter drier

2. To heat the condenser coils

3. To heat the compressor

4. To heat the evaporator coils

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: To heat the compressor

The primary purpose of crankcase heaters is to heat compressors.

Question #13: When a crankcase heater heats an RTU’s compressor, what happens to the refrigerant mixed with oil in the compressor?

1. The refrigerant burns off

2. The refrigerant converts into liquid

3. The refrigerant leaks away from the gaps in the compressor

4. The refrigerant evaporates back into the system

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: The refrigerant evaporates back into the system

When a crankcase heater heats an RTU’s compressor, the refrigerant mixed with oil starts to boil. This refrigerant evaporates and goes back into the system.

Question #14: A filter drier must be installed in an RTU because:

1. They are installed in the open on rooftops

2. They are installed in the basement

3. They are installed in mechanical rooms

4. The system to protect refrigerant is not so good in rooftop units

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: They are installed in the open on rooftops

A filter drier must be installed in an RTU because they are installed in the open on rooftops. There is a high chance of dust particles entering the refrigerant and contaminating it.

Question #15: A liquid line receiver tank is placed outside of a rooftop unit.

1. True

2. False

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: False

This is false.

A liquid receiver is placed inside a rooftop unit.

Question #16: A packaged rooftop unit does not need a liquid line receiver tank, as it’s a large system and the refrigerant can adjust itself in any part of the system.

1. True

2. False

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: False

This is false.

A rooftop unit is a large system, so it also requires a large amount of refrigerant. The amount of refrigerant is huge, so it cannot adjust anywhere and requires a separate container, the liquid line receiver tank.

Question #17: An accumulator tank is used to store refrigerant oil.

1. True

2. False

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: False

This is false.

An accumulator tank is used to store liquid refrigerant going into a compressor.

Question #18: Which of the following is a function of an economizer?

1. Heating a space by mixing cold outside air with indoor air

2. Cooling a space without mixing outside air with indoor air

3. It works to purify outside air and use its heat to cool air inside a building

4. Cooling a space by mixing cold outside air with indoor air

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Cooling a space by mixing cold outside air with indoor air

An economizer is a device used to save energy consumption by using cool air from outside a building to cool the internal space. It cools a space by mixing cold outside air with indoor air.

Question #19: A heat recovery wheel saves energy.

1. True

2. False

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: True

This is True.

A heat recovery wheel mixes fresh air with return air. When both types of air get in contact with one another, the heat transfer process happens.

Question #20: An energy recovery system works on the principle of:

1. Transfering heat from hot outside air to cold exhaust air

2. Transfering heat from hot outside air to cold room air

3. Throwing cold air from a room out and taking in exhaust air

4. Mixing hot outside air and cold air in a room to provide a stable temperature

Scroll down for the answer...

Answer: Transfering heat from hot outside air to cold exhaust air

An energy recovery system works on the principle of transferring heat from hot outside air to cold exhaust air.

Question #21: Constant air volume is preferable for?

1. Buildings with multiple zones

2. Buildings with a single zone

3. Buildings with at least five zones

4. Buildings with at least nine zones

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Answer: Buildings with a single zone

Constant air volume is preferable for buildings with a single zone, as we can't control air volume.

Question #22: A variable air volume system can supply different amounts of air flow to different rooms in a building.

1. True

2. False

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Answer: True

Answer is true.

A variable air volume system can supply different amounts of air flow to different rooms in a building.

Question #23: A packaged rooftop unit does not need ductwork, as it is a compact system with everything built inside it.

1. True

2. False

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Answer: False

A packaged rooftop unit needs ductwork even though it is a compact system with everything built inside it. Ductwork acts as a postal service that transfers cold or hot air from an RTU on the roof to a specific room, and back.

Question #24: A return air fan pulls air from ___ and supplies it to ___.

1. Inside a building; the RTU

2. Outside a building; the RTU

3. The RTU; a building

4. The outside; a building

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Answer: Inside a building; the RTU

A return air fan pulls air from inside a building and supplies it to the RTU.

Question #25: The role of an outdoor air fan is to:

1. Push the air from an RTU outside.

2. Pull air from inside a building to the RTU

3. Throw out air from inside a building

4. Bring air from outside into a building

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Answer: Bring air from outside into a building

A rooftop unit is a box-shaped structure that contains all heating and cooling equipment. They are generally installed on the roof of any building.

Question #26: Which of the following dampers is used to control the flow of exhaust air?

1. Return air damper

2. Exhaust air damper

3. Fresh air damper

4. Open air damper

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Answer: Exhaust air damper

Exhaust dampers are used to control the flow of exhaust air.

Question #27: Which of the following dampers can allow air to flow in a single direction only?

1. Return air damper

2. Manual Damper

3. Backdraft damper

4. Motorized damper

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Answer: Backdraft damper

Backdraft dampers allow air to only flow in a single direction.

Question #28: Which of the following dampers is used to control the intake of fresh outside air into an RTU?

1. Return air damper

2. Exhaust air damper

3. Backdraft damper

4. Intake air damper

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Answer: Intake air damper

An intake air damper controls the flow of fresh outside air into a rooftop unit.

Other References:

1. EPA Type 2 Introduction

2. Evacuation & Charging for High Pressure HVAC Equipment

3. Repairs & Safety Methods for Type 3 HVAC Equipment

4. Air Handling Unit: Complete Explanation

5. Refrigerant Recovery for High Pressure-EPA Certification HVAC Equipment

6. A Guide to HVAC Maintenance and Service