By: Nicholas A. Irhin
February 23, 2023
This article provides insight into typical commercial rooftop units.
Overview
Commercial rooftop units present unique challenges to the fire service, often the culprit of your 'smoke in the building' on a hot summer day. Each type of unit varies in design, configuration, and use but all come with hazards and the potential for fire.
RTU - ROOF TOP UNITS
Rooftop units, or RTUs, are air conditioning units that are all-in-one, simple, and compact. The units are connected to ductwork on the interior of the building to distribute conditioned air throughout the structure. In the case there are multiple rooftop units, each unit can be designated to supply a zone/section of the building.
Often when there is a haze with a burnt rubber smell throughout the floor of a structure, a rooftop unit can be the cause.
AHU - AIR HANDLER UNITS
Air handler units are very similar to rooftop units, with the exception that they are mounted off of the roof and typically are not 'all-in-one' as RTUs are. AHUs are becoming less common due to the application of RTUs and were typically used for larger buildings. The presence of large cooling towers and multiple additional units is a good sign of an AHU, which are typically hidden by decorative walls.
Often when there is a haze with a burnt rubber smell throughout the floor of a structure, a rooftop unit can be the cause.