A 20-ton rooftop unit (RTU) typically costs $25,000-$55,000 installed in the United States, with an average near $38,000. The final price depends on equipment efficiency and features, crane access, ductwork changes, electrical work, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-ton RTU equipment | $18,000 | $27,000 | $38,000 | Commercial packaged unit, before installation |
| Installation and startup | $7,000 | $11,000 | $17,000 | Includes standard rigging and connections |
| Typical installed project | $25,000 | $38,000 | $55,000 | Assumes straightforward replacement |
| Installed cost per ton | $1,250 | $1,900 | $2,750 | Total project divided by 20 tons |
What a 20-ton rooftop unit costs installed
For a like-for-like replacement with sound curb, compatible electrical service, and clear crane access, budget about $25,000-$40,000. A higher-efficiency model or a project requiring curb adaptation, controls work, or duct repairs can reach $40,000-$55,000 or more. New construction may cost more if the roof opening, duct transitions, and power connections must all be built from scratch.
Equipment prices vary by manufacturer, cooling efficiency, heating type, and control package. A basic gas-electric unit often lands toward the lower end; a heat-pump configuration, advanced economizer, or integrated controls can raise the equipment quote. Assumptions: U.S. commercial property, standard 20-ton packaged unit, normal roof access, and no major structural work. For a standard replacement, roughly $38,000 is a practical planning figure.
How equipment, labor, and crane charges shape the quote
Contractor estimates usually combine the unit, removal, rigging, connection work, startup, and overhead. The line items below are typical ranges rather than fixed national rates; some bids combine several tasks into one installation charge.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTU equipment | $18,000-$38,000 | 20-ton unit and standard controls | Efficiency, heat type, options |
| Labor | $4,000-$9,000 | Disconnect, set, connect, and startup | Crew hours and access |
| Crane and rigging | $1,500-$5,000 | Lift, placement, and rigging crew | Reach, street setup, lift duration |
| Removal and disposal | $800-$2,500 | Old unit handling and recycling | Roof access and refrigerant recovery |
| Permits and electrical | $500-$4,000 | Permit fees and connection changes | Local code and service condition |
Commercial HVAC labor commonly runs about $100-$175 per technician-hour, with crew size and after-hours scheduling affecting the total. Ask for equipment, labor, crane, disposal, and permit charges to be separated in the written estimate.
Why 20-ton capacity and efficiency change equipment pricing
A 20-ton unit provides about 240,000 BTU per hour of nominal cooling, but the building’s actual load, airflow, and duct design still determine whether that capacity is suitable. Replacement units may need different dimensions or curb adapters even when the tonnage matches. Confirm the model number, voltage, heating type, and curb compatibility before comparing bids.
Efficiency ratings and options can move equipment pricing by several thousand dollars. A basic commercial unit may have a lower purchase price, while higher-efficiency compressors, variable-speed components, economizers, and enhanced controls add cost. Regional energy rules or building requirements may also limit which models can be installed. Compare units with the same capacity, heating configuration, and included options.
How roof access and duct changes affect installation time
A straightforward replacement often takes a crew one to two days on site, not including equipment lead time or permit review. The labor allowance can rise when the unit is difficult to reach, the crane needs a street closure, or the roof opening requires structural attention. A roof more than 40 feet above grade, a long crane reach, or restricted lift hours can add roughly $1,000-$4,000 in rigging or scheduling charges.
Electrical service and duct transitions are other key variables. Upgrading a disconnect, wiring, or breaker can add $500-$3,000; substantial duct or curb modifications may add $1,500-$6,000. Typical schedule: 8-16 crew hours for a simple swap, with additional time for permits, electrical corrections, or roof work. Photographs of the roof, existing nameplate, curb, and electrical disconnect help contractors price access accurately.
What regional labor and crane rates do to the total
Urban areas with high labor costs, tight streets, and expensive crane mobilization can price 10%-25% above a typical suburban replacement. Rural projects may have lower labor rates but higher travel or equipment-delivery charges, often adding 5%-15% when the contractor or crane must travel far. Severe-weather markets can also require scheduling around wind, snow, or heat restrictions.
These differences apply to the project total, not just the unit. Get local quotes that specify whether crane time, permit fees, and disposal are included, and ask whether the estimate changes if the lift takes longer than planned. A local site visit is more reliable than applying a national average to a complex roof.
Which add-ons commonly appear on 20-ton RTU bids
Economizers, smoke detectors, curb adapters, thermostats, and building-management controls may be optional or required by the project. A curb adapter can cost $700-$2,500; an economizer or upgraded controls can add about $800-$3,500, depending on model and integration. New duct transitions, roof flashing, or structural reinforcement are separate work and can raise the quote substantially.
Some projects also require a temporary cooling plan, after-hours work, or a larger crane. Those charges depend on the site and business schedule, so they are best identified before the installation date. Permit and inspection expenses vary by municipality and scope, commonly totaling $200-$1,500 for a standard replacement, though electrical or structural permits may be additional. Check whether each listed accessory is required, included, or an optional upgrade.
Repairing the existing unit versus buying a replacement
Repair can be less expensive when a 20-ton RTU has a limited fault, such as a failed contactor, sensor, or fan motor; common repairs may run $300-$2,500. Compressor replacement or major refrigerant-system work can cost $3,000-$8,000, depending on parts and labor. If the unit has repeated breakdowns, obsolete refrigerant components, or a damaged heat exchanger, replacement may be easier to budget than repeated repairs.
Compare the repair estimate with the unit’s age, operating history, energy use, and warranty status. A newer unit with a repairable control issue does not automatically need replacement, while a costly repair on an older unit may not resolve other reliability problems. Request a diagnosis and written repair scope before treating replacement as the only option.
How to control the 20-ton replacement budget
Keep the scope consistent across at least three bids: same tonnage, heating type, efficiency level, accessories, warranty, removal, and crane assumptions. Ask contractors to identify allowances and exclusions, especially for electrical corrections, roof repairs, and duct modifications. A lower equipment price may not be a lower installed price if rigging or startup is excluded.
Retaining a compatible curb, scheduling during normal working hours, and completing minor access preparation can reduce avoidable charges. Avoid paying for controls or efficiency upgrades that do not match the building’s needs or local requirements. Do not skip permits, refrigerant handling, or safe rigging to reduce the initial quote. Compare the full installed scope and warranty, not the unit price alone.