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Commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is a building climate control system designed to regulate temperature, air quality, and humidity across large commercial spaces. Unlike residential systems, commercial HVAC is engineered for multi-zone operation, higher occupancy loads, and continuous use — maintaining the standard comfort range of approximately 72°F with 40–60% relative humidity across office buildings, warehouses, healthcare facilities, data centers, and more.

There are six primary types of commercial HVAC systems:

• Packaged Rooftop Units (RTUs) — Self-contained units installed on the roof; ideal for low-rise commercial buildings, retail, and schools

• Split Systems — Separate indoor and outdoor units connected by refrigerant lines; suited for small-to-medium commercial spaces

• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) — One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units with real-time refrigerant adjustment; best for mixed-use buildings requiring simultaneous heating and cooling

• Chilled Water Systems — Centralized chillers circulate chilled water to air handling units; used in large enterprise buildings, hospitals, and universities

• Air Handling Units (AHUs) — Condition and distribute air in coordination with chillers, boilers or condensers; critical for healthcare, clean rooms, and data centers

• Heat Pumps — Air-source, water-source, or geothermal systems that transfer heat via refrigerant or DX system rather than generate it; the most energy-efficient option for buildings with electrification or decarbonization goals

A commercial HVAC system operates through three interconnected processes. Heating is achieved by burning fuel, electric heat strips, or transferring heat via a heat pump. Cooling runs through the refrigeration cycle — a compressor pressurizes refrigerant, the condenser releases heat outdoors, and the evaporator absorbs heat from indoor air. Ventilation uses fans to introduce filtered outdoor air, expel contaminated indoor air, and keep CO₂ levels below 1,000 ppm. All three processes are coordinated by a control system ranging from programmable thermostats to full Direct Digital Control (DDC) platforms.

Heat pump systems — particularly water-source and geothermal configurations — delivers some of the highest efficiency.

A rooftop unit (RTU) is a self-contained, packaged HVAC system installed on a building's roof that integrates the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower into a single weatherproof cabinet. RTUs are the most widely deployed commercial HVAC system type in North America, preferred for their space efficiency, straightforward installation, and ease of maintenance access. They are best suited for low-rise commercial buildings — retail stores, office buildings, schools, warehouses, and restaurants. Buildings with structural limitations or no rooftop access, could be better served by split systems or other configurations.

AAON is committed to commercializing energy efficient technologies to meet the needs and goals of our customers with industry leading air-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps paired with natural gas furnaces can be an energy and cost saving option for many customers, while fully electrified systems may be the best option for some customers.

A DOAS is a separate HVAC system component specifically engineered to supply conditioned fresh outdoor air to a building’s interior. This approach improves Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and overall efficiency by decoupling ventilation from space heating and cooling.

AAON acted as a catalyst for positive environmental change by adopting low GWP refrigerant R-454B ahead of regulatory requirements. This showcases AAON’s commitment to sustainability and provides customers with future-proof technology.

Quality is guaranteed through the rigor of our own state-of-the-art research & development lab, the NAIC, and a final inspection/testing process where every product receives a unit-specific report before shipment.

AAON provides warranties designed to protect your investment. AAON RN series units come with a Limited Warranty lasting 12 months from installation or 18 months from factory shipment, whichever comes first. Compressors are covered for 5 years as standard, with optional extensions available for up to 10 years on compressors alone or the entire unit. Gas heat exchangers carry longer protections — 15 years for Aluminized and 25 years for Stainless Steel — both non-prorated.