It’s Craning Day at Pappas Parts & Service, Inc.! That’s right — we’re training and craning at the same time, and today marks a big milestone for our company: our very first commercial RTU replacement since forming Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. in 2025. This project is the start of what we expect to be many more commercial RTU replacement jobs across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, and we wanted to take you behind the scenes to show exactly what a professional commercial RTU replacement looks like from crane lift to startup.
If you own or manage a commercial property, you already know that rooftop units are the backbone of your building’s comfort and food safety systems. When one of these units starts to fail, a fast, properly executed commercial RTU replacement isn’t just a convenience — it’s essential to keeping your business running. In this post, we’ll walk you through our process, share why we’re able to offer premium equipment at competitive pricing, and give you a real look at what our team encountered on this particular job.
A Milestone Moment for Pappas Parts & Service, Inc.
Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. is a Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia commercial and residential HVAC, refrigeration, and food service equipment company. You can learn more about our story and our team on our About Us. Since day one, our goal has been to bring honest pricing, quality workmanship, and dependable service to every job — and this commercial RTU replacement is proof that plan is working.
This project is our very first rooftop HVAC replacement since forming the company, and it’s a job we’re proud to take on. The customer needed a full commercial RTU replacement for a 12.5-ton gas pack unit, and our team was ready to deliver — from the initial site assessment all the way through crane lift and startup.
Why Trane and American Standard Pricing Now Competes With Lower-Cost Brands
One of the biggest hurdles commercial property owners face when planning a commercial RTU replacement is the perception that premium brands like Trane and American Standard cost significantly more than lower-cost alternatives. Thanks to our improved pricing structure, that’s no longer the case when you work with Pappas Parts & Service, Inc.
On this job, our customer discovered something remarkable: we could supply and install this 12.5-ton gas pack for less than they could purchase the equipment directly through Trane’s National Account pricing. That means our customer received a premium, name-brand rooftop unit, professional installation, and full commercial RTU replacement service — all for less than the cost of the equipment alone through other channels.
This is exactly the kind of value we want every customer to experience on every commercial RTU replacement we complete.
For more on the types of systems we install and replace, take a look at our AC Installation & Replacement, where you can see the brands and services we offer for both residential and commercial properties.
| Get a Competitive Quote on Your Next RTU Replacement Curious what a commercial RTU replacement would cost for your building? Our team will walk your roof, review your existing equipment, and give you a straightforward, competitive quote — no surprises. See Our Full Range of Services |
Signs Your Building May Need a Commercial RTU Replacement
Not sure whether your rooftop unit needs a simple repair or a full commercial RTU replacement? Here are some of the most common warning signs we see when we’re called out to evaluate a struggling system:
- Your unit is 12–15 years old or older and repairs are becoming more frequent
- Energy bills have crept up even though usage hasn’t changed
- Uneven heating or cooling throughout the building
- Visible rust, corrosion, or a curb that no longer seals properly
- The unit uses R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out and is increasingly expensive to service
- Loud noises, short-cycling, or the system struggling to maintain set temperatures
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having a technician evaluate whether a repair will hold you over or whether a full commercial RTU replacement is the smarter long-term investment. In many cases — like the job featured in this post — replacing an aging unit with a properly sized, efficient system actually saves money over time through lower energy bills and fewer emergency service calls.
How Long Does a Commercial RTU Replacement Take?
Timelines vary depending on unit size, roof access, and whether a custom curb adapter is needed — as it was on this job. A straightforward commercial RTU replacement with a matching curb can often be completed in a single day. When custom fabrication is required, like it was here, the timeline may stretch to accommodate measuring, fabrication, and a return trip for the crane lift and startup.
Either way, our goal on every commercial RTU replacement is to minimize downtime for your business. We coordinate crane scheduling, equipment delivery, and crew availability so the job moves efficiently from removal to startup, with as little disruption to your operations as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial RTU Replacement
How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?
A qualified technician can inspect your system’s age, refrigerant type, efficiency, and repair history to help you decide. As a general rule, if your unit is older than 12–15 years or facing a repair that costs more than 30–50% of a new unit, a commercial RTU replacement is usually the better long-term value.
Why does curb compatibility matter so much?
The curb is what connects your rooftop unit to the building and keeps water out. A mismatched curb can cause leaks, poor airflow, and structural issues, which is why our team always measures the existing curb — or fabricates a custom one — rather than assuming a new unit will fit an old opening.
Can I get Trane or American Standard equipment without paying a premium?
Yes. Thanks to our improved pricing structure, Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. can often furnish and install premium Trane and American Standard rooftop units at pricing that competes with lower-cost brands — sometimes for less than the equipment alone would cost through other channels.
Do you serve my area?
We serve businesses throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. See our service area list to confirm coverage for your property, or simply give our team a call.
The Challenge: No Data Plate, No Problem
Every commercial RTU replacement comes with its own set of challenges, and this job was no exception. The existing unit on this property was installed on a curb adapter with no data plate — meaning there was no manufacturer information available to confirm the exact dimensions or specifications of the original curb.
Rather than guess, our team took the careful, methodical approach that defines a proper commercial RTU replacement:
1. Safely remove the old unit from the roof using a crane.
2. Measure the original roof curb by hand, on-site, to capture exact dimensions.
3. Have a custom curb adapter fabricated to match those measurements precisely.
4. Crane-lift the new 12.5-ton gas pack into place and confirm a proper, weathertight fit.
5. Complete startup, testing, and final commissioning of the new system.
This kind of attention to detail is what separates a rushed installation from a true commercial RTU replacement done right. Skipping the measurement step or using an ill-fitting curb adapter can lead to leaks, energy loss, and costly callbacks down the road — something we work hard to prevent on every job.
Our technicians positioning the new rooftop unit into place during the crane lift.
Why Professional Craning Matters for Commercial RTU Replacement
A rooftop unit weighing thousands of pounds doesn’t just get carried up a ladder. Every commercial RTU replacement of this size requires careful coordination with a licensed crane operator, precise rigging, and a rooftop crew trained to guide the unit into place safely. On this job, we partnered with Southern Crane & Rigging and their Altec boom truck to handle the lift.
Craning day requires more than just lifting equipment into the air — it requires planning around traffic, power lines, roof access points, and building layout. Our team walks through every one of these details before the crane even arrives, which is one of the reasons our commercial RTU replacement projects go smoothly from start to finish.
Part of the Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. team on-site for this rooftop HVAC replacement project.
What a Full-Service Commercial RTU Replacement Includes
At Pappas Parts & Service, Inc., a commercial RTU replacement isn’t just about swapping one box for another. Our process includes:
- Site evaluation and load calculations to confirm the right unit size for your building
- Sourcing premium equipment at pricing that competes with lower-cost brands
- Custom curb fabrication when existing curbs aren’t a match
- Safe crane lift coordination and rooftop rigging
- Full startup, commissioning, and system testing
- Clean-up and final walkthrough with the customer
If your rooftop unit is nearing the end of its life or you’ve noticed rising energy bills, don’t wait for a breakdown. Explore our Commercial HVAC Repair services to learn how we can help extend the life of your current system, or reach out to discuss a full commercial RTU replacement.
Serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia
Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. proudly provides commercial RTU replacement, HVAC repair, refrigeration, and food service equipment services throughout our region. Check our Service Areas to see if your business falls within our coverage zone — and if you’re not sure, just give us a call and we’ll let you know.
Whether you’re a restaurant, retail location, warehouse, or office building, a properly executed commercial RTU replacement keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and your customers and employees comfortable year-round.
| See More of Our Work Want to see more before-and-after photos, crane lifts, and completed installations? Browse our project gallery to see the kind of craftsmanship you can expect from every commercial RTU replacement we complete. View Our Project Gallery |
Stay Tuned: Crane Lift to Startup
This blog post is just the beginning of the story. We’ll be sharing updates throughout this commercial RTU replacement — from the custom curb fabrication, to the crane lift itself, to final startup and testing. Follow along as we document the entire process and show you exactly what goes into doing a rooftop HVAC replacement the right way.
This is officially the first of many commercial RTU replacement projects for Pappas Parts & Service, Inc., and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this level of quality and value to more properties across our service area.
Ready for Your Own Commercial RTU Replacement?
If your building’s rooftop unit is outdated, inefficient, or on its last leg, now is the time to plan ahead. Our team will handle everything from the initial assessment to the final startup — just like we’re doing on this job.
| Talk to Our Team Today Get honest pricing, premium Trane and American Standard equipment, and a team that treats your commercial RTU replacement like it’s their own building. Contact Pappas Parts & Service, Inc. today to schedule your free consultation. Contact Us Now |
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