Why Rooftop Units Get Plugged (and How to Prevent Costly Repairs)

When your building’s rooftop unit (RTU) struggles to keep up, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s often a sign that something is wrong inside your system. One of the most common culprits? A plugged evaporator or condenser coil.

What Causes Rooftop Units to Get Plugged?

Rooftop units are constantly exposed to outdoor air, which means dust, pollen, cottonwood seeds, leaves, and other airborne debris can get pulled into the coils over time. Without proper cleaning, this buildup creates a layer of insulation that blocks airflow and reduces heat transfer.

Plugged rooftop unit coil

Plugged rooftop unit coil front view

Rooftop unit coil after cleaning

Rooftop unit coil after cleaning 2

The Impact of Plugged Coils

When rooftop unit coils become clogged with debris, your HVAC system has to work harder than designed, leading to:

• Reduced Efficiency: Poor airflow means your system uses more energy to reach set temperatures, driving up operational costs.

• Coil Freezing: Limited airflow can cause coils to ice over, leading to a loss of cooling and sometimes complete system shutdowns.

• Compressor Stress: With restricted heat exchange, compressors run longer and hotter, increasing the risk of expensive repairs or premature failure.

• Comfort Issues: Uneven temperatures, hot and cold spots, and poor indoor air quality all stem from blocked coils.

In some cases, a single plugged coil can cause a failure costing $5,000 or more to repair. Preventing that kind of expense starts with keeping your coils clean.

Owens Companies’ Approach to Rooftop Unit Maintenance

We has options to keep your system operating at peak performance:

1. One-Time Coil Cleaning: If your rooftop unit is already struggling, we can schedule a professional cleaning to restore efficiency and prevent further damage.

2. Preventive Maintenance Plans: With an Owens preventive maintenance plan, we perform regular inspections and scheduled coil cleanings, stopping issues before they start, ensuring reliable cooling, lower energy bills, and longer equipment life.

Our expert technicians have decades of experience servicing commercial HVAC systems throughout the region. We know what to look for, how to clean your equipment safely, and how to keep your system running efficiently year-round.

Don’t wait for a costly breakdown. Whether you need immediate coil cleaning or want a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan, Owens Companies has you covered.

Contact us today to schedule service or request a maintenance quote.