COMMERCIAL RTUS
BUILT FOR
FLORIDA'S HEAT.
Factory-direct commercial rooftop units for restaurants, retail, offices, and multi-unit properties. 3–12.5 ton capacities. Same-day delivery. Save 40–60% off contractor quotes.
What is a Commercial Rooftop Unit?
A rooftop unit (RTU) is a self-contained HVAC system designed for commercial buildings. Unlike split systems that separate the condenser outdoors and the air handler indoors, an RTU houses the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower all in one durable, weather-resistant cabinet that sits directly on your roof.
WHY CAPE CORAL BUSINESSES CHOOSE RTUs
Commercial rooftop units are the backbone of HVAC systems in Southwest Florida's retail strips, restaurants, and office buildings. They deliver consistent, powerful cooling without eating up valuable indoor space. In Cape Coral's humid, demanding climate, RTUs work year-round at full capacity — and our commercial-grade equipment can handle it.
The biggest advantage? Simplicity. No mechanical room needed indoors. Ductwork drops down from the roof. The technician services it from above. And because the unit is designed to be accessed and serviced easily on a roof, maintenance and repairs cost less than indoor split systems.
- Single rooftop unit cools entire building from roof curb
- All HVAC components in one weather-resistant cabinet
- Ductwork runs vertically down from roof through ceiling
- No indoor mechanical room required — saves square footage
- Easy access for service — technician goes up to roof only
- Ideal for strip malls, restaurants, offices, warehouses
- Variable tonnage: 3 ton through 12.5+ ton available
HOW COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP UNITS WORK
Here's the complete picture of how an RTU operates in your Cape Coral building.
Roof Curb Installation
The RTU sits on a prefabricated roof curb that isolates the unit from roof moisture and provides structural support. The curb is weather-sealed and bolted or bracketed to the building's roof deck.
Ductwork Drops Down
Supply and return air ducts run vertically down from the RTU through your building's ceiling and attic, then branch out to serve individual zones or the entire building.
Thermostat Control
Wall-mounted thermostats inside the building control the RTU on the roof. You can use a single thermostat for whole-building control or multiple thermostats for zone-based operation.
Electrical Service
Power runs up from your building's main panel to the rooftop unit. Most RTUs are 460V three-phase (commercial) or 208V single-phase. Commercial electricians pull the rough-in during installation.
Cooling Cycle
The RTU's compressor pressurizes refrigerant, which circulates through internal evaporator coils (inside) and condenser coils (rooftop) to absorb and reject heat continuously.
Easy Roof Access
Technicians access the RTU directly from the roof. No need to enter the building, navigate ductwork, or disassemble indoor equipment. Service calls and repairs are faster and less expensive.
Return Air System
Return ducts pull warm indoor air back through the evaporator coils, where it gets cooled, then the blower pushes cooled air back out through supply ducts to the space.
Constant Operation
In Cape Coral's heat, RTUs run nearly 365 days a year. Our units are built tough with durable scroll compressors, heavy-duty fan motors, and coated coils to handle the constant load.
WHO USES COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP UNITS IN CAPE CORAL
RTUs are the go-to HVAC solution for almost every type of commercial building in Southwest Florida.
Restaurants & Bars
High heat load from kitchens and crowds. RTUs handle the grease, kitchen exhaust interaction, and constant cooling demand. Easy maintenance from roof keeps your kitchen clean.
Retail & Shopping
Strip malls, clothing stores, grocery shops, and small shopping centers rely on single or multiple RTUs. One rooftop unit per zone or entire mall. Quick, affordable maintenance.
Office Buildings
Small to mid-size office buildings often use RTUs instead of more complex split systems. Single rooftop unit = single maintenance point. Open-plan offices love RTU simplicity.
Warehouses & Light Industrial
High-ceiling warehouses and light manufacturing facilities use large-capacity RTUs. They're designed for heavy-duty, continuous operation — perfect for Florida's unrelenting heat.
Churches, Gyms, Community Centers
Large open spaces with variable occupancy. RTUs scale easily. One unit for the whole facility, or multiple units zoned by floor or wing. Easy to upgrade or repair without disrupting operations.
Multi-Unit Commercial Properties
Apartment buildings, condo complexes, and mixed-use properties with shared HVAC. Central RTU on roof cools common areas, while tenants have individual thermostats or zone control.
RTU TONNAGE RANGES & SIZING
Commercial rooftop units come in a wide range of capacities. Proper sizing is critical for efficiency, comfort, and cost.
RTU tonnage determines how much cooling capacity the unit delivers. In Cape Coral's demanding climate, you need to size for peak summer load, not average load. Under-sizing means the unit runs constantly at max capacity and burns out early. Over-sizing wastes money on equipment you don't need.
General sizing rule: 1 ton of capacity per 400–500 square feet of conditioned space for commercial buildings in Southwest Florida. But this varies based on:
- Building type: Kitchens need more tonnage (heat load). Offices need less. Warehouses need massive tonnage.
- Insulation quality: Better insulation means lower cooling load and smaller unit.
- Window exposure: South and west-facing windows = higher heat gain = bigger RTU.
- Occupancy density: Restaurants with 200 guests need more cooling than an empty office.
- Equipment/processes: Industrial facilities with machinery running 24/7 need high-capacity units.
3–4 Ton RTUs
Small retail shops, small offices, or first-floor of multi-tenant building. 1,200–2,000 sq ft. Lower cost, lower energy draw.
5–7.5 Ton RTUs
Mid-size restaurant, medium retail strip, typical office building. 2,000–3,500 sq ft. Most common commercial size. Best balance of power and efficiency.
10–12.5 Ton RTUs
Large warehouse, big-box retail, multi-zone shopping center, high-density office. 4,000–5,000+ sq ft. Heavy-duty operation. Handles extreme heat loads.
15+ Ton RTUs
Industrial facilities, large warehouses, multi-building campuses. Custom sizing. Rare for single-building applications. Requires 3-phase power and structural engineering.
Call us for a free sizing assessment: Tell us your building's square footage, use, and location in Cape Coral. We'll recommend the right tonnage and equipment combo. 📞 (888) 762-1334
TRUSTED RTU BRANDS WE CARRY
Factory-direct pricing on commercial-grade rooftop units from America's leading HVAC manufacturers. Every unit ships with full manufacturer warranty.
Goodman / Daikin
Goodman's commercial rooftop units are the workhorse of American businesses. Durable scroll compressors, heavy-duty construction, and proven reliability in extreme climates. Daikin's inverter-driven RTUs offer variable-speed operation for Cape Coral's year-round heat — adjusting capacity automatically to match demand, cutting energy costs.
Bosch
Bosch RTUs feature inverter-scroll compressors and intelligent capacity modulation. Ultra-quiet operation (important for rooftop work). Tight temperature control and advanced humidity management — critical for commercial kitchens and retail environments. European engineering built for non-stop operation.
Ruud
Ruud commercial rooftop units are built tough for demanding applications. Heavy-gauge cabinet, durable coils with salt-air protection (critical near the Gulf), scroll compressors, and proven track record in Florida. Straightforward, no-fuss operation and easy maintenance.
Day & Night
Day & Night commercial RTUs deliver dependable performance without premium pricing. Carrier manufacturing quality, standard features, and industry-standard components. Good choice for budget-conscious commercial properties that demand solid reliability.
CAPE CORAL COMMERCIAL RTU CONSIDERATIONS
Southwest Florida's climate and building codes create unique challenges for commercial rooftop equipment. Here's what you need to know.
Hurricane Tie-Downs
Cape Coral is in an active hurricane zone. RTUs must be secured to the roof with structural hurricane straps rated for wind speeds. Lee County building inspectors enforce this strictly. Non-compliant installation = failed inspection and fines.
Salt Air Protection
Gulf Coast salt air corrodes unprotected aluminum and copper. Specify RTUs with coated coils (BlueFin, Gold Fin, or epoxy-coated aluminum). Costs more upfront but extends equipment life by 3–5 years. Essential for waterfront properties.
Lee County Permits
HVAC system replacement or new installation requires a permit from Lee County. Your contractor pulls this and schedules inspection. System must meet Florida Building Code (includes 15 SEER minimum) and have structural approval for roof load and wind resistance.
Electrical Code Compliance
Commercial RTUs run on 208V or 460V three-phase power. Licensed electricians must install per NEC code. Roof penetrations must be sealed and flashed. Conduit must be approved for outdoor/wet locations. Backup power (generator) wiring if applicable.
Roof Structural Load
RTUs are heavy — a 10-ton unit weighs 800+ lbs. Roof curb and structural engineering ensure the building can support it. Old flat roofs or aging commercial buildings may need structural reinforcement. Get a structural engineer's stamp before installation.
Energy Code Compliance
Florida Building Code requires minimum 15 SEER for all new HVAC installations. We recommend 16+ SEER for commercial properties — the energy savings pay for the upgrade in 2–3 years with rising electricity costs.
Year-Round Operation
Cape Coral's RTUs run 365 days a year at high capacity. Choose units with durable compressors (scroll or rotary screw), robust fan motors, and high-quality refrigerant. Maintenance is critical — filter changes, coil cleaning, refrigerant check every 6 months.
Humidity & Moisture Control
Southwest Florida's humidity is relentless (75%+). RTUs must include moisture extraction via proper evaporator sizing and drainage. Some commercial buildings add dehumidification coils for kitchens or data centers where humidity control is critical.
YOUR BUSINESS RTU
FAILED AT NOON.
WE DELIVER AT 2PM.
A commercial rooftop unit failure in July is a business emergency. Your restaurant is sweating. Your retail shop is losing customers to the heat. Your office workers are miserable.
Local contractors will sell you a $15,000 package deal — equipment + installation + service calls bundled into one inflated quote. You're stuck. You need cooling NOW.
RTU equipment at your Cape Coral location in about 2 hours.
We stock commercial rooftop units locally in Southwest Florida. Call us, tell us what you need, and we get it delivered to your building — typically within 2 hours. Your commercial HVAC contractor can install it that afternoon.
Tell us your tonnage needs and building type. Or tell us what the contractor quoted. We'll source the exact equipment and beat the price by 40–60%.
Equipment arrives at your Cape Coral business in about 2 hours. Palletized, ready to unload onto your roof curb. No multi-day wait for supplier trucks.
Use your regular commercial HVAC contractor or let us coordinate a local pro. Either way, your business is back online by evening. And you kept thousands in your pocket.
INSTALLATION & COORDINATION
Whether you have an existing contractor or need our help finding a pro, we've got your installation covered.
SEE HOW CAPE CORAL BUSINESSES SAVE
Commercial contractors bundle equipment, labor, service calls, and "markups" into one sky-high quote. Furnace Direct separates equipment from labor — you buy commercial-grade RTUs at factory cost.
| Equipment & Capacity | Typical Cape Coral Contractor | Furnace Direct Equipment Only | You Save (Equipment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Ton RTU, 15 SEER Rooftop unit only |
$6,200 – $8,500 | $2,400 – $3,600 | $2,600 – $4,900 |
| 7.5-Ton RTU, 15 SEER Rooftop unit only |
$7,800 – $10,500 | $3,200 – $4,800 | $3,600 – $6,700 |
| 10-Ton RTU, 15 SEER Rooftop unit only |
$10,000 – $13,500 | $4,200 – $6,400 | $4,800 – $8,100 |
| 12.5-Ton RTU, 15 SEER Rooftop unit only |
$12,500 – $16,800 | $5,600 – $7,800 | $5,900 – $10,200 |
Installation costs vary based on your building's roof condition, existing ductwork, electrical service, and local labor rates. Budget $2,000–$5,000 for commercial RTU installation labor in Cape Coral. Permit fees: ~$200–$400 (Lee County). Electrician rough-in: $1,000–$2,500. Total installed cost is significantly lower with Furnace Direct equipment.
Ready to Get Your RTU?
Call Furnace Direct today. Tell us your building's size and cooling needs. We'll quote you a commercial rooftop unit at factory-direct pricing — and deliver it to Cape Coral in hours, not weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about commercial rooftop units in Cape Coral.
It depends on your square footage, building use, insulation, and window exposure. As a rough guide: 1 ton per 400–500 sq ft. A 2,000 sq ft restaurant might need a 5–7.5 ton unit due to kitchen heat load. A 2,000 sq ft office might only need 4 tons. Call us with your building details and we'll recommend the right size. No charge for sizing consultation.
We stock commercial rooftop units locally in Southwest Florida. Most units ship same-day or next-morning. Delivery typically takes 2 hours from warehouse to your building. For emergency replacements, call us immediately — we prioritize emergency orders.
Yes. Any new HVAC installation or replacement in Lee County requires a permit. Your contractor pulls this and schedules the inspection. The inspector verifies that the RTU meets Florida Building Code (15 SEER minimum), is properly secured for wind resistance, and has correct electrical/ductwork specs. Total permit cost: ~$200–$400.
An RTU houses all components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower) in one outdoor cabinet on your roof. A commercial split system has the condenser outdoors and the air handler indoors. RTUs are simpler, cheaper to install, and easier to service. Split systems offer more flexibility for buildings with limited roof space or where you want to hide the compressor. For most commercial Cape Coral buildings, RTUs are the standard choice.
Yes — if you choose the right unit. Specify RTUs with coated coils (BlueFin, Gold Fin, or epoxy-coated aluminum) to resist salt air corrosion. These cost a bit more but extend equipment life significantly in coastal areas. Standard uncoated coils corrode faster and fail sooner. For any property within 2 miles of the Gulf, we always recommend salt-air-rated RTUs.
At minimum: air filter changes every 30–60 days (more often in dusty/industrial areas), coil inspection every 6 months, and professional service twice yearly (before cooling season and heating season). In Cape Coral's year-round heat, RTUs work constantly — regular maintenance is critical to extend lifespan and prevent expensive repairs. Budget $600–$1,200/year for routine maintenance.
Call us immediately. We maintain emergency inventory of commercial RTUs specifically for hurricane-season failures. We'll deliver equipment same-day if possible. Schedule installation with your contractor for the following morning. Many Cape Coral businesses stock standby RTUs during June–November specifically for this reason. Ask us about emergency service agreements.
Not recommended. Commercial RTU installation requires licensed HVAC and electrical contractors, structural engineering approval, permit coordination with Lee County, and roofing expertise. DIY installation voids the warranty and violates code. Always use a licensed commercial contractor. That said, you can significantly reduce costs by buying equipment from us instead of a contractor's inflated mark-up.
National average is 15–20 years. In Cape Coral's year-round heat and salt air, expect 10–15 years for standard units, or 12–18 years for salt-air-rated units with proper maintenance. Factors affecting lifespan: build quality, maintenance frequency, salt air exposure, system load (how hard it's running), and age of compressor. Higher SEER units often have more efficient compressors and last longer.
All commercial RTUs ship with the manufacturer's full warranty: typically 10 years parts, 5 years labor (if you use an authorized contractor). Goodman, Daikin, Bosch, Ruud — all backed by factory support. Register your equipment within 60 days of installation to activate the full warranty. We'll provide registration links and walk you through the process.