Commercial Rooftop Unit Replacement in Colorado Springs
When a rooftop unit has given all it has, we replace it with equipment sized for your building and set up for our altitude, and we plan the crane day and the work around your business so you stay open.
Commercial HVAC financing through Optimus is available on new rooftop equipment. See financing options.
- Open 24 Hours / 7 Days
- NATE, EPA & NCI Certified Techs
- Licensed & OSHA-Compliant
- 50+ Years Combined Experience
When to Replace a Commercial Rooftop Unit
Rooftop units typically last about 15 to 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and our own experience; ASHRAE's equipment life table lists a median of 15 years. Age alone doesn't mean a unit has to go, but these signs usually mean commercial HVAC replacement belongs on the table:
- Age. The unit is in or past the 15 to 20 year range.
- Repeated repairs. Several service calls a season, or the same problem coming back, with repair bills stacking up.
- R-22 refrigerant. Production and import of R-22 ended on January 1, 2020 under EPA rules, so leaks on older R-22 units get harder and costlier to fix.
- Rising energy bills. Utility costs climbing for no clear reason often point to a unit losing efficiency.
- Hail and UV damage. Front Range hail bends condenser fins and dents cabinets, and years of high-altitude sun age seals and wiring. Heavy storm damage on an older unit can tip the decision.
- It can't keep up. Hot or cold spots even when the unit runs nonstop, or parts that are hard to find for your model.
Not sure yet? Our commercial rooftop unit repair team will tell you honestly whether a fix makes sense, and Repair or Replace? How Long Commercial RTUs Last in Colorado covers the decision in depth.
How Rooftop Unit Replacement Works
A good rooftop HVAC replacement is mostly planning. Here's what the process looks like with us.
- Free RTU assessment. A technician looks over your units, checks condition and operation, and gives you a straight recommendation, with a written quote when replacement makes sense.
- Sizing for your building and our altitude. We size the new unit to the space and how you use it rather than copying the old label. Gas heat is set up for the elevation it will run at; the National Fuel Gas Code calls for reduced gas input above 2,000 feet unless the manufacturer's instructions say otherwise.
- Curb and roof fit. If the new unit's footprint doesn't match the existing roof curb, a curb adapter or curb work keeps everything sealed and supported.
- Crane and rigging. We plan the lift around the unit's weight, building height, site access, and your hours.
- Permits. Mechanical permits go through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Woodland Park, and unincorporated El Paso County (including Falcon, Peyton, and Security-Widefield), or through the local building department elsewhere.
- Removal of the old unit. We disconnect and remove the old equipment, and its refrigerant is recovered by certified technicians under EPA Section 608 rules.
- Installation and startup. We make the electrical, gas, duct, and control connections, then start the unit and check heating, cooling, and airflow before we leave.
Minimizing Downtime for Your Business
A replacement shouldn't shut you down. We schedule around your operating hours, coordinate the crane day with your team, and plan the work so the swap happens when it's least disruptive. Our technicians are licensed and OSHA-compliant, and they take care to protect your roof and building systems throughout the job.
Planning ahead also changes what you get. The Department of Energy has noted that rooftop units are often replaced only after they fail, and that the urgency leads to installing a new version of the old unit. DOE's Rooftop Unit Campaign materials estimated that early replacement with a high-efficiency unit can cut energy use by as much as 50% compared with units built to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 efficiency levels. A planned replacement gives you time to choose.
Carrier, Trane, Lennox, York Rooftop Unit Replacement, and More
We install and replace all major rooftop unit brands, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and York, as well as Amana, Daikin, Goodman, and Rheem, so you aren't locked into the brand currently on your roof.
What does commercial rooftop unit replacement cost? It depends on the building. Tonnage, heating type and efficiency, crane and rigging, curb adapters, electrical, gas, and duct changes, permits, and the number of units all affect the price. We explain each factor in How Much Does a Commercial Rooftop Unit Cost in Colorado Springs?, and the fastest way to a real number is a free on-site RTU assessment.
Commercial HVAC financing through Optimus can spread the cost of a new unit into monthly payments for qualifying businesses, with financing options from $5,000 to $1,000,000. Section 179 may help reduce overall project cost; please consult your tax professional regarding Section 179 eligibility. Details and fine print are in the financing section below.
Once your new unit is in, a maintenance agreement helps it reach the long end of its service life.
Commercial HVAC Financing Through Optimus
A failing rooftop unit doesn't wait for next year's budget. Commercial HVAC financing through Optimus Commercial Financing helps qualifying businesses replace rooftop equipment now while preserving working capital and cash flow, spreading project costs into manageable monthly payments.
- Terms are available for qualifying businesses with financing options from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
- Businesses can explore commercial financing options with no impact to credit scores.
- Section 179 may help reduce overall project cost.*
Commercial financing is offered through Optimus Commercial Financing to qualifying businesses. All applications, rates, and transaction structures are subject to change based on the credit condition of the business applying. We reserve the right to retract or amend this credit offer at any time. *Please consult your tax professional regarding Section 179 eligibility. To learn more about Section 179 tax benefits, please visit irs.gov.
RTU replacement FAQs
How long does a commercial rooftop unit last?
Typically about 15 to 20 years. ASHRAE's equipment life table lists a median of 15 years. Colorado's high-altitude sun, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles can shorten that, and regular maintenance helps a unit reach the longer end.
How do I know whether to repair or replace my RTU?
Lean toward replacement when the unit is in the 15 to 20 year range, keeps breaking down, runs on R-22 refrigerant and has a leak, can't keep the building comfortable, or needs parts that are hard to find. A free RTU assessment gives you an honest side-by-side comparison.
What affects the cost of a commercial rooftop unit replacement?
Tonnage, heating type and efficiency, crane and rigging needs, whether a curb adapter is required, electrical, gas, and duct changes, permits, and how many units are involved. We don't quote without seeing the roof, but the assessment is free.
Do I need a crane to replace a rooftop unit?
Usually, yes. The new unit has to be lifted onto the roof and the old one brought down. We plan the lift around the unit's weight, your building, site access, and your business hours.
Will an RTU replacement shut down my business?
We schedule around your hours and coordinate with your team so the swap happens when it's least disruptive.
Can I finance a new rooftop unit?
Yes. Commercial HVAC financing through Optimus Commercial Financing is available to qualifying businesses, with financing options from $5,000 to $1,000,000. You can apply online from this page.
Which rooftop unit brands do you install?
All major brands, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, York, Amana, Daikin, Goodman, and Rheem.
Free Rooftop Unit (RTU) Assessment for Colorado Springs Businesses
Tell us a bit about your building and we'll reach out to set up a free on-site assessment of your rooftop units.
- Honest repair-or-replace advice
- Replacement, repair & maintenance agreements
- Certified, licensed, OSHA-compliant technicians