HOW TO SET UP A SUCCESSFUL RTU PLANNED REPLACEMENT PROGRAM:

A successful planned RTU replacement program saves energy and avoids costly emergency replacements. This approach allows standardization of equipment features, streamlines the process, reduces costs, and provides higher quality results.

RTU Retrofit or Replace?

New technologies for replacement and retrofits of existing rooftop air conditioning units (RTUs) offer tremendous savings opportunities. To help take advantage of those opportunities, DOE’s Advanced RTU Campaign (ARC) has developed a checklist built around a streamlined RTU evaluation methodology.  

The following resources offer proven strategies for superior energy management.  With tools and resources available for each step of the way, organizations can improve energy and financial performance and distinguish itself as an environmental leader.

Whether you own or manage one facility or an entire portfolio, you can add value by saving energy.  The following is a list of "go-to" resources for increasing building energy efficiency.  

Three Step RTU Planned Replacement Program:

A successful planned RTU replacement program saves energy and avoids costly emergency replacements. This approach allows standardization of equipment features, streamlines the process, reduces costs, and provides higher quality results.

If your HVAC equipment is nearing its end of life, about 12 to 15 years, and if it fails in the middle of the summer, you will likely end up paying a premium to repair or replace the unit.  The replacement unit may not have the right features, or even be the right size, because the need to restore air conditioning could force you to make short-term trade-offs.  Don't let this happen to you.  

HVAC equipment typically has a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years and that is why retrofit programs are so important.  VFD Retrofits improve energy efficiency, improve energy output and extend the lifespan of the existing system.

1. Simple paybacks of less than one year.
2. Reduce total kWh usage an average of 14% per month 
3. Utility rebate programs can add an additional 10 percent cost reduction 

If your existing packaged rooftop air conditioning units (RTUs) meet the following criteria then a VFD Retrofit Upgrade should be considered:

1. Existing RTUs have greater than 7 tons cooling capacity and are less than 10 years old 
2. Existing RTUs have constant speed fan control 
3. Existing RTUs are in good working condition with an expected additional lifetime of 5 years or more (if not consider early retirement and replacement)

The sole purpose of a VFD RTU retrofit is simple: decrease energy consumption and maintain or increase occupant comfort and environmental conditions.  

Whether you own or manage one facility or an entire portfolio, you can add value by saving energy.  The following is a list of "go-to" resources for increasing building energy efficiency.  For a macro-perspective on the process of commercial building energy efficiency please view and download the full EPA Building Upgrade Manual here. 

HOW TO SET UP A SUCCESSFUL RTU PLANNED REPLACEMENT PROGRAM:

A successful planned RTU replacement program saves energy and avoids costly emergency replacements. This approach allows standardization of equipment features, streamlines the process, reduces costs, and provides higher quality results.

When to Retrofit with Advanced Controls:

CES looks for opportunities for increased energy efficiency with electrical and mechanical systems. If your existing RTUs meet following criteria then a VFD Retrofit Upgrade should be considered.

• Existing RTUs have greater than 7 tons cooling capacity and are less than 10 years old 

• Existing RTUs have constant speed fan control 

• Existing RTUs are in good working condition with an expected additional lifetime of 5 years or more (if not consider early retirement and replacement)

What is the Advanced RTU Campaign?

The Advanced RTU Campaign (ARC) encourages commercial building owners and operators to replace their old RTUs with more efficient units or to retrofit their RTUs with advanced controls in order to take advantage of these benefits.