Daikin 3.5-Ton Rooftop Package Unit Replacement in Pasadena
Cold Cloud Mechanical replaced a 22-year-old rooftop package unit with a new Daikin 3.5-ton gas and electric rooftop package system, sized by Manual J, installed on the existing curb, permitted, inspected, and built around the homeowner’s preference for Daikin equipment.
Replacing a 22-year-old RTU before it became an emergency
This project replaced a 22-year-old rooftop system with a new Daikin 3.5-ton gas and electric package unit for a Pasadena home in the Hastings Ranch area. The homeowner came in with a clear preference for Daikin equipment and a rooftop package configuration.
Pasadena summers in the San Gabriel Valley regularly push past 95°F, while winter conditions still make gas heat useful as a primary heating source. A gas and electric package unit handles both heating and cooling from a single rooftop cabinet, which works well when interior mechanical space is limited or service access is best kept in one location.
Why planned replacement made better sense than another repair
The existing rooftop unit was 22 years old and at the end of its useful service life. At that age, repair spending often chases diminishing returns, especially when the system is running on older efficiency standards and aging components.
The old RTU was past its practical service window
A 22-year-old rooftop unit is more likely to face major component failures, older refrigerant limitations, declining efficiency, and longer parts-sourcing timelines.
The homeowner wanted a controlled install schedule
Planned replacement allowed the project to be scheduled around the homeowner, rather than waiting for a failure during a Pasadena heat wave and replacing the unit under emergency conditions.
What Cold Cloud Mechanical completed
The project included removal of the old rooftop package unit, crane-assisted installation, roof curb preparation, duct connection, gas and electrical work, condensate routing, permitting, and final inspection.
- Removed and disposed of the existing 22-year-old rooftop package unit.
- Set the new Daikin 3.5-ton gas and electric rooftop package unit on the existing curb.
- Connected supply and return ductwork through the roof curb to the existing distribution system.
- Routed condensate through the curb to the roof drain with on-site verification before final routing.
- Ran a new dedicated 240V 40-amp circuit for the rooftop package unit.
- Installed a fused disconnect at the rooftop equipment.
- Connected gas supply for the heating section.
- Pulled the building permit and coordinated final inspection.
- Completed Manual J heat load calculation before equipment selection.
- Retained the existing thermostat at the homeowner’s request.
- Ordered equipment ahead of contract execution to stay ahead of Daikin lead times and keep the installation schedule on track.
Daikin 3.5-ton gas and electric rooftop package unit
The replacement system gives the home one rooftop cabinet for heating and cooling, current-generation equipment, a fresh warranty term, and a permitted installation completed on the homeowner’s schedule.
Daikin DP3UM4208031A
3.5-ton single-stage gas and electric package unit with 14.3 SEER2 efficiency, selected after Manual J sizing confirmed the required cooling capacity.
New 240V 40-amp dedicated circuit
A new dedicated circuit was run for the unit, with a fused disconnect installed at the rooftop equipment.
Routed through curb to roof drain
Condensate was routed through the existing curb to the roof drain, with final routing verified on site.
Heating section connected
Gas supply was connected at the rooftop unit to support the gas heating section of the package system.
A rooftop system that resets service life and simplifies maintenance
Rooftop package units consolidate the entire HVAC system into a single cabinet, which simplifies service access and frees up interior space. Replacing the old unit brings the home onto current efficiency standards and gives the homeowner a cleaner, permitted installation.
The result is a 3.5-ton gas and electric package unit handling both heating and cooling for the home from one rooftop cabinet, installed with the Daikin equipment the homeowner specifically requested.
Before, during, and after the Pasadena rooftop package unit replacement
The photos below show the old rooftop package unit, roof curb preparation, crane lift, new Daikin unit set on the curb, and the completed installation.
Current-generation rooftop heating and cooling from one cabinet
This project gave the homeowner a clean, permitted, inspected replacement on their preferred schedule, with Daikin equipment selected after Manual J sizing confirmed the correct 3.5-ton capacity.
Planned replacement
The homeowner avoided waiting for a major failure and replaced the old 22-year-old unit before it became an emergency project.
Properly sized equipment
Manual J load calculation completed before selection confirmed the 3.5-ton capacity for the home.
Permitted and inspected
The building permit was pulled, the installation was coordinated, and final inspection was completed.
Planning a rooftop package unit replacement?
Cold Cloud Mechanical replaces aging rooftop HVAC systems with properly sized equipment, clean installation, permit coordination, and a project schedule built around the homeowner.