Why Rooftop HVAC Systems Fail Sooner in New England

New England weather does a number on rooftop HVAC systems. The constant shifts from humid summers to icy winters create a cycle of stress that wears equipment out faster than in other regions. At B&B Mechanical Services, we’ve seen it all while handling commercial HVAC services across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. And we’ve noticed that rooftop units tend to show their age much quicker here.

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rooftop HVAC unit with visible frost

Temperature Swings Crack Components

When the temperature shoots up one week and plunges the next, rooftop systems expand and contract in ways that strain metal parts. Over time, this movement causes cracks in coils, seals, and joints. Even the best installations suffer when New England’s weather decides to play tug-of-war with your equipment.

A corroded HVAC rooftop unit with rust streaks

Salt and Moisture from Coastal Air

New England’s salty coastal air accelerates corrosion. When rooftop HVAC units sit unprotected, rust forms on casings, coils, and electrical connections. It sneaks up fast and eats away at performance. For buildings near the water, commercial air conditioning repair becomes more frequent.

A rooftop HVAC unit half-buried in snow and ice

Heavy Snow and Ice Loading

Snowfall blankets rooftops and adds weight that rooftop HVAC systems must bear for weeks. Ice buildup can bend fan blades, crack housings, and cause refrigerant leaks. The worst part is when melting snow refreezes and repeats the cycle until spring.

Rooftop HVAC unit with leaves, branches, and debris piled against condenser fins

Debris from Seasonal Storms

Autumn leaves, spring pollen, and storm debris clog condenser coils faster than most building managers expect. When airflow gets blocked, compressors overheat and fail. And with New England’s unpredictable storms, debris can be a constant battle for anyone managing commercial air conditioning in Massachusetts.

Even though rooftop systems face harsher conditions, regular service keeps them running longer. Many building owners delay inspections until problems show up, but by then damage is already underway. Scheduling routine commercial HVAC services can add years to the system’s life and cut down on emergencies.

B&B Mechanical Services keeps commercial air conditioning repair and service straightforward for businesses across Massachusetts. Let’s keep your rooftop unit ready for whatever the next season throws at it.

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