Roof Top Units (RTU) serve as a critical component in managing the climate of commercial buildings throughout British Columbia, offering both heating and cooling solutions from a single, efficiently placed system on the building's roof. CANRO Heating & Cooling, a leader in HVAC installation, service, and repair, is adept at managing all aspects of RTU systems for businesses in areas like Vancouver,
Burnaby,
Richmond, and beyond. Our expertise extends to handling a variety of brands such as Trane, Lennox, and Carrier, ensuring a versatile and custom approach to each client's needs.
The Significance of Professional RTU Installation
Roof Top Unit Installation is a complex process that requires the touch of licensed professionals. At CANRO Heating & Cooling, we simplify this process with precision and efficiency. We employ the use of cranes to place RTUs on roofs safely and effectively, followed by meticulous setup of ducts that connect the unit to various spaces within the commercial premises. Typically, this installation process is completed within a day, minimizing disruption and ensuring that your business can continue to operate smoothly.
Our RTUs are selected for their silence, efficiency, and durability, providing long-lasting service that keeps your premises comfortably heated or cooled. Additionally, for businesses with existing systems, CANRO offers retrofitting services that include the integration of advanced controllers, enhancing the efficiency and operability of the system.
Why Regular RTU Service is Essential
Roof Top Unit Service is another cornerstone of CANRO's comprehensive HVAC solutions. We advocate for the establishment of a regular service schedule following the installation of an RTU. This proactive measure is designed to prevent potential safety hazards, ensure uninterrupted climate control, and mitigate costs associated with extensive repairs or the need for premature unit replacement.
Regular servicing, ideally biannually or at least annually, includes changing filters every four months and conducting thorough inspections to preempt issues before they escalate. CANRO Heating & Cooling's commitment to maintenance from day one allows clients to "set and forget" their RTU systems, confident in the knowledge that their investment is protected.
Expert RTU Repair Services
Should any issues arise with your RTU, CANRO Heating & Cooling is equipped with the tools and expertise to provide rapid and effective
Roof Top Unit Repair. Our technicians utilize advanced tablet technology for diagnostics, allowing for an immediate and accurate assessment of any issues. Following the diagnosis, our clients receive a detailed report outlining the condition of the RTU, available repair options, and associated costs for parts and labor.
All repair work performed by CANRO is guaranteed, with no actions taken without explicit written consent from our clients, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the repair process.
Frequently Asked Questions about RTUs
Will retrofitting my RTU with advanced controllers save on energy costs? It's likely. Factors such as the age of the unit, its current condition, maintenance history, existing controllers, and local climate conditions all play a part in determining potential energy savings, which can range from 20 to 40 percent of RTU energy consumption. CANRO Heating & Cooling offers free consultations to evaluate your current system and provide tailored advice to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
At CANRO Heating & Cooling, we are dedicated to providing top-tier HVAC services across the Greater Vancouver Region, including specialized expertise in Roof Top Units. Our services span installation, regular maintenance, and repairs, ensuring that commercial clients can enjoy optimal indoor climates with minimal hassle. Whether your business is located in
Surrey,
Coquitlam, or any other area within our service range, trust CANRO to deliver unparalleled HVAC solutions.
Expert insights: central A/Cs in Metro Vancouver
Here is how central A/Cs work in the context of Metro Vancouver's climate, codes and homes. Modern central A/C systems in Metro Vancouver run at 15-22 SEER2, with variable-speed inverter compressors that match output to load — eliminating the on/off cycling of older single-stage units.
Vancouver's mild winters (average lows above -5°C and rare deep cold snaps) shape equipment selection differently than colder Canadian cities. CANRO has worked with central A/C systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999, including installations and service calls in Brentwood, Point Grey, Eagle Ridge and Lougheed.
Technical considerations for central A/Cs in Metro Vancouver
Sizing. A/C sizing in Vancouver is typically 1 ton per 600-1,000 square feet depending on insulation, windows, and orientation. Over-sized A/C is the most common error — it leads to short-cycling, poor dehumidification, and premature compressor failure.
Lifespan. A properly maintained central A/C unit lasts 12-15 years. Vancouver's coastal salt air shortens outdoor-coil life — annual coil cleaning is more important here than inland.
Warning signs. A/C issues include warm air from supply registers, water leaks from the indoor coil (clogged condensate drain), refrigerant odour (R-410A leak), and noisy compressor startup.
What CANRO checks during a central A/C service
- Refrigerant charge measurement
- Outdoor coil clean
- Indoor evaporator coil inspection
- Capacitor microfarad test
- Contactor inspection
- Condensate drain and pan inspection
- Blower motor amp draw
- Filter check and airflow measurement
- Thermostat operation test
Why Metro Vancouver homeowners choose CANRO for central A/C work
- Founded 1999 — over 25 years of central air conditioning installations and service calls in Metro Vancouver
- 4.9-star rating from 85+ verified Google reviews
- Direct workers, no subcontractors — the tech who installs your system is the one who answers when you call back
- Free written estimates on installations; transparent diagnostic fee on repairs (credited toward the repair if you proceed)
- TSBC-licensed gas fitter, Red Seal HVAC, WorkSafeBC and liability insured
- Permits filed and inspected on every gas-appliance install (BC Code-compliant)
- Brand specialist coverage: Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars, Weil-McLain, Navien, Rinnai, Bradford White, Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Goodman, Mitsubishi, Daikin, Bosch and more
Central a/c FAQs
Do I really need air conditioning in Vancouver?
Vancouver summers have been getting hotter — the 2021 heat dome saw temperatures over 40°C. Most modern Vancouver homes now install a heat pump (heating + cooling in one) rather than a stand-alone A/C, taking advantage of rebates available for heat pumps but not stand-alone A/C.
How much does central A/C cost in Metro Vancouver?
A typical 2.5-3 ton central A/C added to an existing forced-air furnace costs $5,500-$9,500 installed. A heat-pump conversion (cooling + heating in one unit) is usually a smarter long-term investment given available rebates.
How often should A/C be serviced?
Annual servicing in spring keeps the outdoor coil clean, the refrigerant charge correct, and the indoor evaporator coil and condensate drain clear. Skipping service is the single biggest cause of premature compressor failure.
What size A/C does my Vancouver home need?
A/C sizing in Vancouver is typically 1 ton (12,000 BTU) per 600-1,000 sq ft depending on insulation, windows, and orientation. Over-sized A/C is the most common error — it short-cycles, dehumidifies poorly, and shortens compressor life.
Will R-410A refrigerant be available for my A/C in 5 years?
R-410A is being phased down (not phased out) under EPA AIM rules. Existing R-410A systems can continue to be serviced — refrigerant remains available for the foreseeable future, though prices may rise. New systems installed 2025+ increasingly use R-32 or R-454B with lower global-warming potential.
Why does my A/C leak water inside the house?
Indoor water leaks from central A/C indicate a clogged condensate drain (most common), a failed condensate pump on attic installs, a frozen evaporator coil thawing, or a damaged drain pan. All are repairable in a single service visit.
Book central A/C service in Metro Vancouver
To book central A/C service or get a free written quote for installation, call CANRO at (604) 359-1081 or email info@canroheat.ca. We service all of Metro Vancouver including Brentwood, Point Grey, Eagle Ridge and Lougheed.
This guide was written by the CANRO Heating & Cooling team based on 25+ years of central A/C installation, repair and annual service work across Metro Vancouver. Last reviewed May 2026.
