Raise the roof for this ultra-cool central air alternative
Rooftop AC units work best when the HVAC system is located in the attic.
They're not a good fit for homes located in hot and sunny climates.
Before installing, consider accessibility for maintenance and repair.
If you’re tired of seeing a clunky air conditioning unit in your yard or listening to the constant whir of the machine while you’re entertaining on the patio, it might be time to consider a rooftop AC unit. These package systems differ from the typical central air conditioner system, but can spell major benefits in energy efficiency and cost. Though you’ll typically find an HVAC unit on the roof of a commercial property, there are still situations where it might be beneficial for residential homeowners. Let’s take a look.
Rooftop ACs are slightly different from central air conditioning. The standard central AC system (known as a split air conditioning system) contains two units: an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler or furnace. In contrast, a rooftop AC (known as a package system) consists of a single unit that contains both the condenser and air handler. Though it still connects to your home’s ductwork, there’s no indoor component.
The cooling cycle works similarly to other types of air conditioners:
Warm air enters the unit and passes over the evaporator coils.
The evaporator coils use refrigerant to extract heat from the air.
The air cools down and the refrigerant warms up.
A fan blows the newly cooled air into your home via your ductwork
The newly warmed refrigerant circulates to the compressor, where the heat is released through the unit’s exhaust system.
Some rooftop AC units also have a heating component. Typically, this includes a gas-powered heat exchanger, which helps warm up the air and circulate it through your home.
Installing an HVAC unit on your roof comes with a few notable benefits. For the most part, the concept of out of sight, out of mind rings true. The outdoor unit in a traditional central AC system can be noisy and unsightly, but it’s not necessarily as bothersome on your roof as it is right next to your patio. Here are some pros to consider:
Less noise: It’s not just quieter on your patio or backyard. Rooftop AC units make less noise inside your home than a traditional split system AC.
Saves space: Since it’s mounted on a roof, this type of AC won’t take space away from a small yard.
Easier to access: Since there’s no separate indoor component and all the parts are contained in a single location, rooftop AC units are easier to install, maintain, and repair.
Less risk of accidental damage: Your rooftop AC won’t fall victim to a lawnmower or wayward soccer ball.
More security: Rooftop ACs are inaccessible to thieves in search of valuable copper pipe or whole units for second-hand sale.
Increased curb appeal: The unit is tucked away on your roof rather than showcased in your backyard or window.
Increased energy efficiency: Rooftop units are generally energy efficient by design. Warm air rises, naturally lending itself to the cooling cycle.
Rooftop AC units aren’t for everyone—and they certainly don’t work with every type of roof. There’s a reason split system central air units are the standard. Here are some drawbacks you’ll want to consider before you buy:
Higher installation costs: A new AC unit costs an average of $5,900, but a rooftop AC unit can cost as much as $11,000.
Ductwork is necessary: If you don’t have existing ductwork, it may be more cost effective to install a ductless heating and cooling unit. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending an additional $1,000 to $2,700 or more on duct installation costs.
Issues may go unnoticed: It’s harder to detect small issues before they become major problems when your AC unit is out of sight. You might miss visible and audible signs that your unit is in trouble—like damaging debris or concerning noises.
Extreme weather can cause issues: Though rare, rooftop AC units can sustain weather-related damage. They’re particularly susceptible to lightning and high winds.
Potential roof damage: Exterior AC units are heavy, and over time they can create a low spot on your roof. If that happens, storm water can pool in the low spot and weaken the integrity of your roof, making it more prone to leaks and damage. While these storm-related issues aren’t common, they aren’t problems you have to worry about if your AC unit is installed at the ground level.
Before you make plans to install an AC unit on your roof, consider the following factors to determine whether it’s the right move for your home.
Typically, AC units are installed outside of the home, purposefully close to the interior HVAC system. This location ensures that the wires, hoses, and housing that connects the two major system components are as close together as possible to maximize efficiency.
So, if your interior HVAC system is located in your basement or on the first level of your home, your yard is likely the best place to install your condenser unit. However, if your interior HVAC unit is in your attic, your roof may be an ideal spot to keep the two pieces as close together as possible.
To work properly, condenser units require a flat surface that leaves plenty of room around the unit for airflow. For most homes, these conditions are only possible at ground level. But some yards offer little to no areas for a condenser unit.
In regions where homes are built on sloping mountains, on jagged cliff sides, or in significantly built-up areas where getting enough airflow around the unit would be an issue—like in major metropolitan cities or commercial areas—the roof may be the perfect choice, especially if the interior unit is already located in the attic.
Additionally, keeping your unit where you can easily access it means you’ll have an easier time spotting small issues before they become major ones, like noticing if vents have been blocked by leaves and debris, finding leaks, or picking up on subtle sounds that may indicate an issue. With a rooftop unit, you may find that these issues become out of sight and out of mind, which could become a problem if they’re only addressed during your system's seasonal or annual maintenance check.
Homeowners should regularly be checking their outside units for signs of rust, chips, cracks, or build up. You’ll also need to consider how difficult it will be for technicians to get on the roof and perform those services. While maintenance and access may be a concern, a heating and cooling professional near you should be very familiar with servicing rooftop systems.
Not every home is located in an area that has the conditions needed to make rooftop AC installations work. In regions and climates that experience intense heat or storms, AC units that are located at a higher elevation will require more maintenance and protection to keep them in working order.
For example, if you live in Florida, where hurricanes and heat waves are common, your rooftop AC unit may need more TLC than it would if it was installed in a shady part of the yard. Of course, the pros may still outweigh the cons if your Florida side yard is an inhospitable location for your condenser.
You can expect to pay between $5,500 and $11,000 for a rooftop AC unit, whereas the typical central air conditioning costs between $3,800 to $7,500. These figures can vary widely based on a number of different factors, such as the hourly rate for installers in your area and the amount of time it takes to get the unit onto your roof. Plus, those estimates only take into consideration the cost of replacing the exterior condenser unit, not the interior HVAC system, which can add thousands of dollars onto your final price tag. Contact an air conditioning installer near you for a quote.
Lauren Wellbank contributed to this piece.
If you’re shopping around for a rooftop AC unit, you may hear them referred to as “package units.” That’s because rooftop AC systems are all-in-one heating and cooling units that connect directly to your home’s ductwork. If your AC repair pro references a package unit, they are referring to the system on your roof.
Yes, you can put an AC unit on the roof of your home or commercial building. For proper installation, you’ll need to ensure the roof surface is flat, it’s accessible for maintenance and cleaning, and an AC installation pro agreed that your home is a candidate for package units. Don’t forget to consider the climate in your area, as homes that experience frequent tropical storms or hurricanes may not benefit from this type of system.
The decision to put your AC unit on the roof or ground depends on the climate in your area, the roof shape, accessibility, and budget. If you live in a warm climate or don’t have existing ductwork, it’s likely best to stick to a traditional AC unit that sits on the ground. However, if you lack yard space, live in a mild climate, and have easy access to the roof, your home may benefit from a rooftop AC unit.
