Commercial Rooftop Unit Service in Toronto and the GTA

Riverflow HVAC provides light commercial rooftop unit (RTU) service across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Scarborough. We help small businesses, property managers, and building operators keep heating and cooling reliable with professional maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement planning.

What is an RTU? A rooftop unit is a packaged heating and cooling system that sits on the roof and supplies conditioned air to your space through ductwork. Newer RTUs can improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduce unplanned breakdowns – especially when they’re properly maintained and correctly sized for the building.

We service light commercial rooftop units, typically up to 5 tons of cooling. For gas heat sections, we handle a wide range of capacities up to 400,000 BTU depending on the equipment. For larger units, we can coordinate support or provide a referral.

Preventative maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce downtime and extend the life of a rooftop unit. At a minimum, most sites benefit from two visits per year (spring and fall). Depending on the space and usage, filter checks or changes may be needed more often.

Common maintenance items include:

• Filter replacement and basic airflow checks

• Coil inspection and cleaning when needed

• Belts, motors, and moving parts checks (where applicable)

• Basic electrical and operational checks

• Refrigerant performance checks for cooling (where applicable)

• Gas heat safety checks and combustion performance checks (where applicable)

• Drain pan and condensate drainage checks to help prevent water issues (where applicable)

• Clearing debris around the unit and checking the cabinet for water or corrosion

If you manage multiple locations, we can also help you set a simple schedule (monthly, quarterly, seasonal) so nothing gets missed.

RTU repairs and troubleshooting

When a rooftop unit is down, it affects comfort, staff, customers, and sometimes equipment. We troubleshoot and repair most major RTU brands within our light commercial scope, and we focus on accurate diagnosis before recommending parts.

Common issues include:

• No heat or no cooling

• Poor airflow, temperature swings, or uneven comfort

• Unusual noise or vibration

• Nuisance shutdowns and intermittent operation

• Gas heat faults and safety-related lockouts

• Control and thermostat issues

If a repair is straightforward, we’ll outline the plan before moving ahead. If the better answer is a planned replacement, we’ll explain why and give practical options.

When it might be time to replace an RTU

Replacement isn’t always the first answer, but there are a few signs that often point in that direction:

• Repairs are becoming frequent or unpredictable

• Comfort problems persist even after service

• Energy bills are rising without a clear reason

• The unit is older and key parts are failing

• The system is no longer a good match for how the space is being used

If you’re on the fence, we can assess the condition and help you compare repair vs replacement in a practical, budget-aware way.

Rooftop unit replacement and upgrades

We focus on replacement work in existing buildings, from like for like RTU swaps to planned upgrades.

When replacement is the best path, we help with the full process, from planning to commissioning:

• Site review and equipment selection

• Removal and replacement planning

• Crane coordination when required for safe rooftop access and installation

• Start-up checks and a clean, well-documented handoff

We keep disruption as low as possible by planning access, timing, and next steps in advance.

Related rooftop and ventilation equipment

Many buildings have rooftop-related equipment beyond RTUs. Where it fits within our light commercial scope, we can help with planning, troubleshooting, and maintenance support for:

• Make-up air units (MAUs) that support ventilation and building pressure

• Ventilation upgrades, including equipment that helps bring in fresh air more efficiently (where applicable)

• Basic rooftop coordination to help keep heating, cooling, and ventilation working together

If your site needs support beyond our scope, we can help coordinate the right next step.

Commercial infrared and tube heaters

Some light commercial spaces also rely on infrared or tube heaters, especially warehouses, garages, and high-ceiling areas. We can service and maintain these systems and help troubleshoot performance or safety concerns as part of your site’s heating support.

What to expect when you book

Commercial service should be straightforward. We’ll confirm access details, rooftop entry requirements, and site rules ahead of time. On site, you’ll get:

• A clear explanation of what we found

• Practical options for repair or replacement

• Clean workmanship and a tidy work area

• Service notes you can keep for your maintenance records (helpful for property management)

Credentials and workmanship

Gas work is completed by TSSA-certified gas technicians. For systems that involve refrigerant, work is completed by licensed air conditioning technicians (or registered apprentices) following proper procedures for safe handling and commissioning.

For property managers and building operators

We are familiar with access procedures, rooftop entry requirements, and coordinating around tenant hours. If needed, we can provide proof of insurance and WSIB coverage, and we can share clear service notes and photos to support building records and decision-making. Safety and site requirements are followed at all times.

Commercial rooftop unit FAQ

What size rooftop units do you service?
We service light commercial rooftop units, typically up to 5 tons of cooling. For gas heat sections, we handle a wide range of capacities up to 400,000 BTU depending on the equipment. For larger units, we can coordinate support or provide a referral.

How often should an RTU be serviced?
As a baseline, most sites benefit from two maintenance visits per year (spring and fall). Filter service may be needed more often depending on the space and usage.

Do rooftop unit replacements require a crane?
Often, yes. Many RTUs are installed or replaced using a crane for safe lifting and placement. We can coordinate crane planning when required.

Can you help if we have no heat or no cooling?
When scheduling allows, we prioritize urgent no-heat and no-cooling situations and work to restore operation as quickly and safely as possible.

Do you service commercial unit heaters or tube heaters too?
Yes. We can service and troubleshoot common commercial heating equipment such as infrared and tube heaters as part of light commercial support.

Riverflow's Preferred Brands
for New Installations: