Most people wouldn’t think of having their air conditioner on the roof, but there are some very good reasons why you should.
In fact, there are a number of benefits to having your AC unit up high that you may not have considered. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- The benefits of having an air conditioner on the roof
- The cost of installing an air conditioner on the roof
- How to maintain an air conditioner on the roof
- The disadvantages of having an air conditioner on the roof
- The cost of an AC unit for a rooftop
- Rooftop Air Conditioning Repair Costs
- Should I put my AC unit on the roof?
The benefits of having an air conditioner on the roof
An air conditioner on the roof offers several benefits over a ground-level unit.
- It is less likely to be damaged by flooding or other weather events.
- Rooftop air conditioners are all-in-one devices, so a technician doesn’t have to start up individual sections or search through the tubes connecting the indoor and outdoor units for a malfunction.
- Rooftop units don’t require pushing cold air upwards, so they can run for longer periods of time without using as much energy. It is easier to install and maintain.
- It helps to cool the entire house more evenly.
- Because newer houses in the city are usually built on smaller pieces of land, having a rooftop air conditioning unit allows for more space on the ground to be used for other activities.
- Rooftop placement of your AC unit can significantly reduce the noise you hear from it while in use.
- Because most roofs are only accessible from inside a building, it’s more difficult for thieves or vandals to get access to an air conditioner placed on it.
- Since rooftops provide more space, AC repairmen can easily access and fix units that are situated there.
- Rooftop air conditioners are unlikely to get clogged by dirt and debris, making breakdowns less likely than ground-based units.
- Finally, an air conditioner on the roof can improve the resale value of your home. These are just a few of the reasons why many homeowners choose to have their air conditioners installed on the roof.
The cost of installing an air conditioner on the roof
The cost of installing an air conditioner on the roof can vary depending on a number of factors. The size of the unit, the type of roof, and the complexity of the installation all play a role in determining the final price. However, in general, installing an air conditioner on the roof is more expensive than installing it on the ground. The additional costs are typically due to the fact that special equipment is required to lift the unit onto the roof, and that more care must be taken to prevent damage to the roof during installation. Nevertheless, for many homeowners, the benefits of having an air conditioner on the roof outweigh the additional cost. An air conditioner on the roof is less likely to be damaged by severe weather or critters, and it can also help to keep your home cooler in the summer months. If you’re thinking about installing an air conditioner on your roof, be sure to get a professional HVAC contractor’s estimate for the costs involved. Keep in mind that you’ll need more than one quote to get a feel for how much it will cost.
How to maintain an air conditioner on the roof
- Inspect your air conditioner system’s exterior
- Remember to change your indoor air filters every few months
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils
- Maintain inlet screen
- Inspect your fan regularly to ensure optimal performance and longevity
- Belt-tightening
Taking these preventative measures will help to save you money by ensuring that your system lasts longer. Replacing an air conditioning unit is not cheap, and anything you can do to reduce the likelihood of having to do so is worth it.
The disadvantages of having an air conditioner on the roof
- Upfront costs for rooftop ACs are typically higher, and installation costs are generally greater than those of ground-based units
- Rooftop AC units are harder to replace given their position and can require a crane in some cases
- Rooftop ACs are heavier than ground-based units, and not all roofs can support the weight of a rooftop unit
- Homeowners associations sometimes ban rooftop units, so double-check if you’re allowed to have one before installation
The cost of an AC unit for a rooftop
The cost of installing a rooftop air conditioner will differ depending on the manufacturer you pick, the size of your facility, as well as its usage and cooling demands. A rooftop unit might set you back anything from a few hundred to $1000 more in addition to twice as much in installation expenses compared to ground-based units.
Rooftop Air Conditioning Repair Costs
If you need to repair a rooftop unit, you may have to pay extra labor expenses, especially if it is on a slope. When technicians work on the roof, they face greater risks, especially if they must work at an angle to repair your AC.
The price to repair your unit varies depending on the state of your roof and what is wrong with your AC specifically. Though older models are typically less efficient than newer ones, use rare parts, making it more sensible to get a new one rather than trying to fix the old one in most situations.
Should I put my AC unit on the roof?
There are pros and cons to putting an AC unit on the roof. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
The main advantages of putting an AC unit on the roof are:
-It’s less likely to be damaged by severe weather or critters.
-It can also help to keep your home cooler in the summer months.
The main disadvantages of putting an AC unit on the roof are:
-Upfront costs for rooftop ACs are typically higher.
-Installation costs are generally greater than those of ground-based units.
-Rooftop AC units are harder to replace given their position and can require a crane in some cases.
-Rooftop ACs are heavier than ground-based units, and not all roofs can support the weight of a rooftop unit.
If you decide that putting an AC unit on the roof is the best option for your home, be sure to get a professional HVAC contractor’s estimate for the costs involved.