How long rooftop units last
A well-maintained packaged rooftop unit (RTU) commonly lasts 15 to 20 years. Units that skipped maintenance, sit near dust or salt, or run hard in our summer heat often wear out sooner. Age alone isn’t a reason to replace, but it changes the math on every repair.
Signs a unit is near the end
- Repairs every season, and they’re getting bigger
- Refrigerant leaks, especially in older units that use R-22, which hasn’t been produced in the U.S. since 2020
- Rust through the base pan or cabinet, or a cracked heat exchanger
- Tenants or staff complaining about hot and cold spots even after service
- Utility bills rising without a change in how the building is used
A simple way to frame the decision
A common rule of thumb: multiply the unit’s age by the repair cost. If the result is more than the cost of a new unit, replacement usually makes more sense. Also consider:
- Efficiency. A new unit can cost noticeably less to run than a 15-year-old one, especially across several units.
- Refrigerant. New units use lower-impact refrigerants (see our refrigerant guide). Older refrigerants keep getting more expensive.
- Fit for the space. If the floor plan or occupancy has changed since the unit went in, it may be the wrong size now.
Planning a replacement
- Curb fit. If the new unit’s footprint doesn’t match the old curb, an adapter curb bridges the difference without major roof work.
- Permits and the crane. Replacements need a mechanical permit, and the crane may need a street-use permit or lane closure. We handle the scheduling and coordinate the lift.
- Timing. Lifts are often scheduled early in the morning or outside business hours so customers and staff aren’t disrupted. Most single-unit swaps are done in a day.
- Lead times. Equipment availability varies, so plan replacements ahead of peak cooling season when you can. A failing unit in May is easier to replace than a dead one in July.
- Controls. A replacement is a good time to add programmable or networked thermostats so the building isn’t conditioned when it’s empty.
How we can help
Dayco services rooftop units of all brands and replaces them with crane lifts across the Tri-Cities, Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin. Call (509) 586-9464 to have a technician assess your units and give you repair and replacement options side by side.