Condensing Gas Rooftop Units (C-RTUs)

Condensing Gas Rooftop Units (C-RTUs) provide a unique opportunity for gas efficiency, especially in the colder climates of the Pacific Northwest. These units, with typically 10-15% higher heating efficiency than non-condensing gas RTUs, offer an innovative option for heating and conditioning a commercial space.

How It Works

The illustration to the left demonstrates how condensing roof-top units works when installed on the roof of your commercial building.

*Drawing is for illustration purposes only and does not represent the sizing or depth of the system or frame for all manufacturers' products. Check with manufacturer for exact measurements and specifications.

C-RTU Benefits

Better air quality (IAQ)
Increased occupant comfort
Reduced gas usage
Lower HVAC energy costs

C-RTU Training Slides & Webinars

These various slide sets were used for trainings that explored the gas-fired condensing rooftop unit (C-RTU) technology and its performance on commercial facilities. The trainings highlight the energy efficiency benefits associated with C-RTUs, while debunking current myths.

View Slides

Featured Resources

Pro-Tips for C-RTU Installs

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What’s the difference between installing condensing (C-RTUs) and conventional gas RTUs? Mostly it’s about careful attention to condensate management. The condensing furnace in C-RTUs requires considerations for piping, pumps, neutralizers, and freeze prevention – otherwise there’s the risk that the unit will not function as efficiently as specified, and there’s a threat that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may not honor their warranty.

Condensing Rooftop Units (C-RTUs) Bring Promise of Higher Efficiency and Reduced Building Operating Costs

Article

Rooftop units (RTUs)—HVAC appliances installed on building roofs—are commonly used in commercial applications due to their inherent convenience: RTUs package heating and cooling equipment together in a space that doesn’t take up precious real estate and is still accessible to technicians.

Condensing Rooftop Unit Field Study Final Report

Article

Condensing rooftop units (CRTUs) have been identified as an efficient natural gas technology with energy savings potential in Northwest commercial buildings. CRTUs face several challenges in becoming a widespread technology, including higher upfront cost, added complexity managing condensate, contractor unfamiliarity with the technology, and limited manufacturer offerings.

Upcoming Resources

100% OA C-RTU Case Study: Provides details on the successful installation and operation of a C-RTU conditioning 100% outside air (OA) on a facility in the Pacific Northwest.

30% OA C-RTU Case Study: Provides details on the successful installation and operation of a C-RTU conditioning 30% outside air (OA) on a facility in the Pacific Northwest.

Installer C-RTU Value Proposition: Report that specifically calls out the benefits and value of selling customers on C-RTUs for installers.

Distributor C-RTU Value Proposition: Report that specifically calls out the benefits and value of stocking and supplying C-RTUs for distributors.

Manufacturer C-RTU Value Proposition: Report that specifically calls out the benefits and value of adding C-RTUs to the R&D pipeline for manufacturers who do not currently offer C-RTUs.

Commercial Building Business Case for C-RTUs: Business case for commercial facilities that includes the quantitative financial metrics for C-RTUs, considering many variables of the technology (e.g. %OA, runtime hours, geographic location, applications), and highlights the technology’s benefits to the building.

The NEEA C-RTU team has developed resources for market actors across the supply chain to learn, leverage, and share across the Pacific Northwest.

Contact Christine Riegler

Special thanks to local members of the C-RTU Huddle for their input and support: Rudy Caffall (Aaon/Johnson Barrow), Richard Lord (Carrier), Allison Kim (Cushman & Wakefield), Jeremy Prys (Engineered Air), Ryan Kerr (Gas Technology Institute), Jim Clancy (ICE Western), Mike Berry (McClintock and Bustad, Inc.), and John McKissack (Nortek)