National Efficient Rooftop Unit Energy Modeling

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) contracted with Resource Innovations and A2 Efficiency to conduct a modeling study on commercial HVAC efficiency measures for various types of commercial rooftop unit (RTU) equipment. The study sought to understand energy-savings potential across different climate zones and present a comprehensive analysis of these of these measures.  

The research assesses key measures individually and in combination, highlighting their implications for program development, market transformation, and influencing codes and standards. The analysis builds directly on methodology employed in two previous RTU energy modeling studies conducted by NEEA: one with similar measures, simulated predominantly in the Northwest and one to support the CSA P.8 test procedure development. The following buildings, locations, products and measures were selected to inform the study:  

• Seven building types representing the most common applications of packaged RTUs. 

• Eleven locations representing a range of climates to account for varied climate types across the United States. 

• Four RTU HVAC types representing the most common natural gas and electric RTU technologies available. 

• Fifteen different energy efficiency measures or combinations of measures.