Overview Project

It started with a noise complaint. A tenant in a townhouse next to a commercial property kept hearing the rooftop HVAC unit at night. The property owner had looked into it before. No one had found the source. In this case, we were setting the stage for what would become an RTU replacement project.

We got the call.

Finding the Right Unit First

Commercial buildings often run multiple rooftop units, so knowing which one is causing the problem matters before touching anything. In fact, with commercial RTUs you often need careful diagnosis before starting a replacement. We made several visits, including a night inspection when the building was quiet and the noise was actually happening.

The unit in question was an old Carrier running R22 refrigerant — visibly rusted, well past its service life. Ultimately, repairing it didn’t make sense and we recommended an RTU replacement.

What This Replacement Job Required

This wasn’t a straightforward swap. The new RTU was a different size from the old one, which meant fabricating a custom curb adapter. The job also needed a crane, multiple trucks, and direct coordination with the manufacturer — the unit shipped from the factory in Mexico straight to the job site in Duvall.

We pulled the permit through the City of Duvall and passed inspection.

On paper that reads like a list. In practice it means crane scheduling, logistics across multiple crews, custom fabrication, and permit management all have to land on the same timeline. One piece slips and the whole RTU replacement job drags.

Why the Old Unit Wasn’t Worth Fixing

R22 refrigerant was phased out under EPA regulations. It’s no longer produced domestically, so parts and refrigerant are expensive when you can find them at all. An R22 unit showing rust and noise problems is going to keep generating service calls. At some point the cost of keeping it running stops making sense, which is why many property owners choose rtu replacement instead of continued repairs.

New equipment, current refrigerant (R410A), current code compliance. That’s the better outcome for the property owner.

The Result

The new unit runs quiet. The tenant hasn’t had a noise complaint since installation. The property owner has a system under warranty, up to code, with a passed city inspection on file — useful if the property is ever sold or refinanced. Successful RTU replacement means peace of mind for both tenant and owner.

Commercial RTU Replacement in the Seattle Area

We work across King County and Snohomish County — Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Everett, Bothell, and surrounding areas. Commercial rooftop unit replacement, including large equipment with crane access and custom fabrication, is work we do regularly. Contact us for your RTU replacement needs in the Seattle area.

If you have a commercial RTU that’s failing, noisy, or still running on R22, we’ll assess it and give you a clear answer on repair vs. replacement.

Commercial diagnostic fee: $145 — waived with any repair.

Call (425) 380-4300 or visit fusesea.com.