Actively hiring for CDL drivers (class A or B), lowboy driver, skilled asphalt laborers, and equipment operators
Home
About Us
Services
Jarrett Companies Services
View All
Careers
Contact Us
Media
Your building’s HVAC system affects everything from monthly energy bills to employee comfort. Get it wrong, and you’ll deal with costly repairs, uncomfortable tenants, and sky-high utility costs for decades.
Commercial HVAC systems fall into two main categories: rooftop units and split systems. Each has distinct advantages depending on your building type, budget, and operational needs. Since 1997, Jarrett Companies has helped Middle Tennessee business owners navigate this decision, and we’ve seen how the right choice transforms a building’s performance while the wrong one creates ongoing headaches.
Your building’s size, layout, and intended use determine which system delivers the best long-term value. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
Rooftop HVAC units package everything into one weatherproof cabinet sitting on your roof. The compressor, condenser, evaporator, and air handler work together in a single unit that draws outside air, conditions it, then pushes it through your building’s ductwork.
This setup works well for single-story buildings with available roof space. Retail stores, warehouses, restaurants, and straightforward office layouts often benefit most from rooftop systems.
The major advantage? Everything’s in one place. Maintenance crews access all components from the roof, and you only have one system to service. Installation is typically faster once the unit reaches the roof.
But rooftop units face weather extremes year-round. Tennessee’s hot summers and occasional ice storms take their toll. Your roof structure must also handle the unit’s weight plus maintenance crews and equipment.
Commercial split systems separate the outdoor condensing unit from indoor air handling components. Refrigerant lines connect these pieces, giving you flexibility in where each component goes.
Split systems shine in multi-story buildings or facilities needing quiet operation. The indoor components run much quieter than rooftop units, making them perfect for offices, healthcare facilities, or hotels where noise matters.
You can place outdoor units in shaded areas or mechanical yards instead of exposing them to full sun and weather on the roof. Indoor components can go in mechanical rooms, above ceilings, or wherever your building layout works best.
The trade-off is complexity. Installation requires routing refrigerant lines, multiple electrical connections, and careful coordination between indoor and outdoor components. This increases upfront costs but provides superior design flexibility.
Your roof needs structural analysis before any rooftop unit installation. Most commercial roofs can handle the load, but older buildings or those with existing equipment may need reinforcement.
Crane access is essential. The installation team needs clear access to lift the unit onto your roof, and weather conditions affect scheduling. Once the unit is positioned, installation typically moves quickly since everything’s self-contained.
Split systems require more coordination. Outdoor units need level pads and clearance for airflow. Indoor units must fit within ceiling spaces or mechanical rooms while maintaining service access.
Refrigerant line routing takes careful planning. Lines should be as short as possible for efficiency but must navigate around structural elements and other building systems. Poor routing creates efficiency losses and maintenance problems down the road.
Both systems need professional evaluation of electrical capacity, ductwork requirements, and local code compliance. Working with experienced commercial HVAC contractors ensures proper installation and long-term performance.
Modern rooftop HVAC units achieve excellent efficiency ratings and can include economizer functions that use outside air for free cooling during mild weather. The compact design reduces energy losses from long refrigerant runs.
Commercial split systems excel at zoning. Different building areas can maintain independent temperature control, avoiding the waste of heating or cooling unused spaces. Variable refrigerant flow technology in advanced split systems adjusts capacity to match actual demand rather than cycling on and off.
Middle Tennessee’s climate affects both systems differently. Rooftop units work harder during summer heat waves since they’re fully exposed to sun and ambient temperatures. Split systems can benefit from strategic outdoor unit placement in shaded or protected areas.
All maintenance happens in one location on the roof. Technicians can service the entire system during a single visit, which often reduces service costs. The centralized design makes troubleshooting more straightforward.
Roof access requires proper safety equipment and protocols. Weather can delay maintenance, and extreme temperatures make roof work challenging for service crews.
Split systems spread maintenance across multiple components. Indoor and outdoor units may need separate service visits, potentially increasing costs. However, indoor components are accessible in climate-controlled environments, making some maintenance more comfortable and efficient.
Both systems perform best with regular professional maintenance. Preventive service catches problems before they cause comfort issues or expensive breakdowns.
Rooftop HVAC units typically cost less upfront due to simpler installation, though roof reinforcement can add expense. Equipment costs are generally competitive, and faster installation reduces labor charges.
Commercial split systems often require higher initial investment due to installation complexity. However, superior efficiency and zoning capabilities can deliver better long-term value through reduced energy costs.
Consider total ownership costs including energy consumption, maintenance expenses, and potential future modifications. A system that costs more upfront but operates efficiently for 20 years often provides better value than a cheaper option with higher operating costs.
Building characteristics should guide your decision. Single-story facilities with adequate roof structure and straightforward layouts often find rooftop units the most cost-effective choice.
Multi-story buildings, facilities requiring precise zone control, or properties with limited roof access typically benefit more from split system flexibility.
Consider your long-term plans. If expansion or reconfiguration is likely, split systems adapt more easily to changing needs. Budget considerations should include both installation costs and operational expenses over the system’s lifetime.
The right choice balances your specific requirements with available options. Professional assessment by qualified commercial HVAC in Nashville, TN contractors ensures recommendations based on your building’s unique characteristics and business needs.
Proper system selection and installation require expertise that comes from years of hands-on experience. Jarrett Companies’ trained professionals understand both system types and know how Middle Tennessee’s climate affects performance and longevity.
As a complete commercial construction partner, Jarrett Companies manages every aspect of your HVAC project from initial assessment through ongoing maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless coordination and accountability throughout your project.
Which system is more energy efficient?Both can achieve high efficiency ratings. Split systems often have advantages in larger buildings due to zoning capabilities, while rooftop units may be more efficient for smaller, single-zone applications.
How long do these systems typically last?With proper maintenance, both rooftop units and split systems typically last 15-20 years. Rooftop units may have slightly shorter lifespans due to weather exposure.
Can I retrofit my existing building?Yes, both systems can often be retrofitted, though structural requirements and existing infrastructure influence the best choice for your specific building.
Which system needs less maintenance?Rooftop units centralize maintenance in one location, potentially reducing service complexity. However, both systems require regular professional maintenance for optimal performance.
Neither rooftop HVAC units nor commercial split systems work perfectly for every commercial building. The optimal choice depends on your building’s characteristics, operational requirements, budget, and long-term plans.
Professional evaluation ensures you select and install the system that delivers the best combination of performance, efficiency, and value. Making an informed decision requires understanding not just the systems themselves, but how they integrate with your building and business operations.
Jarrett Companies is committed to helping you navigate this important decision with confidence. Customer satisfaction drives everything we do.
Don’t leave such an important decision to chance. Contact Jarrett Companies today for a comprehensive assessment of your commercial HVAC systems needs. Our experienced team will evaluate your building, discuss your requirements, and provide professional recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
Get in touch with our experts to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward optimal comfort and efficiency for your commercial property.
