A 30-ton AC unit typically costs $25,000-$55,000 for the equipment alone, while a complete commercial replacement often runs $50,000-$100,000 or more. The final price depends on system type, building access, ductwork, electrical work, local labor rates, and whether the existing unit can be removed without major repairs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-ton equipment | $25,000 | $40,000 | $55,000 | Unit price before installation |
| Installed replacement | $50,000 | $72,000 | $100,000+ | Typical commercial project |
| Equipment rate | $830 per ton | $1,330 per ton | $1,830 per ton | Equipment only |
| Installed rate | $1,670 per ton | $2,400 per ton | $3,330+ per ton | Includes common labor and setup |
Assumptions: U.S. commercial building, standard-efficiency equipment, ordinary replacement access, and no major duct or structural reconstruction.
What a 30-ton AC replacement costs installed
A 30-ton system supplies about 360,000 BTU per hour of cooling. For a straightforward replacement, buyers commonly pay $50,000-$75,000 installed for a rooftop package unit, including removal of the old unit, crane placement, standard connections, startup, and testing. More complex projects can exceed $100,000.
Equipment-only pricing is usually $25,000-$55,000 for a standard commercial rooftop unit. Higher-efficiency models, corrosion-resistant construction, advanced controls, or a less common configuration can push the unit price above that range. Confirm whether a quote covers the equipment only or the full installed project.
Equipment, crane, and trade work in the quote
Commercial AC proposals may bundle several trades into one total. The following ranges show common cost components; actual line items vary by site and contractor.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-ton unit | $25,000 | $40,000 | $55,000 |
| Installation labor | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 |
| Crane and rigging | $2,000 | $4,500 | $8,000 |
| Electrical and controls | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Removal and disposal | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Permits and startup | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 |
These figures are not always additive: some contractors include rigging, disposal, or commissioning within labor or equipment pricing. Ask for an itemized estimate that identifies exclusions and allowances.
How efficiency, rooftop access, and ductwork shift price
Efficiency and configuration affect both the purchase price and installation scope. A basic commercial unit may cost less than a high-efficiency model with variable-speed components, economizer controls, or integrated building-management features. A premium configuration can add several thousand dollars to the equipment quote.
Site details can matter just as much. A roof more than 30 feet high, a restricted crane setup, or a unit located behind parapets may require additional rigging time. Duct transitions, curb changes, and structural reinforcement can add $2,000-$15,000 or more. Include the unit’s dimensions, electrical requirements, and curb compatibility in the comparison.
How many labor hours does a 30-ton swap take
A simple replacement may take a crew of four to six technicians roughly 10-16 hours on site, often spread across crane setup, removal, placement, connections, and startup. A project involving electrical upgrades, controls integration, or duct modifications may require 20-40 labor hours or several workdays.
Commercial HVAC labor commonly bills at about $85-$160 per technician-hour, with higher rates in expensive metro areas or for specialized controls work. A general estimate is labor hours multiplied by the applicable hourly rate, plus project supervision and mobilization.
Check whether the labor allowance includes commissioning and balancing, not just setting the unit in place.
Regional price differences for commercial rooftop units
Installed bids in high-cost coastal cities and major metros may run 10%-25% above a comparable project in a lower-cost inland market. Differences reflect wages, permitting, insurance, crane availability, and contractor demand. Rural projects can have lower labor rates but higher travel or equipment-mobilization charges.
Climate and local codes also influence the selected unit. Hot, humid markets may need stronger moisture control, while cold regions can require low-ambient operation or heating options that change the equipment specification. Compare quotes for the same capacity, efficiency, controls, and scope rather than comparing totals alone.
When crane fees, disposal, and electrical upgrades apply
Crane costs often fall between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on lift height, street access, setup time, and local traffic-control needs. Removing an old unit can add $1,000-$5,000, especially when refrigerant recovery, difficult roof access, or special disposal requirements apply.
Electrical work is another common allowance. Replacing disconnects or making minor connections may cost $1,000-$3,000; a new circuit, panel work, or controls retrofit can raise that to $5,000-$12,000 or more. Permits and inspections often add $500-$4,000. Request site-specific crane and electrical pricing before approving a fixed total.
Repairing a 30-ton system versus replacing it
A repair can cost $1,500-$8,000 for common component failures, while a compressor replacement or major refrigerant-circuit repair may reach $8,000-$20,000. Repair can make financial sense when the unit is relatively new, the problem is isolated, and the rest of the system is in sound condition.
For an older unit with repeated failures, compare the repair estimate with the installed replacement price and likely future service expense. A replacement may also reduce operating costs if the existing system is inefficient, but savings depend on runtime, energy prices, and the actual efficiency difference. Use the unit’s age, repair history, and measured performance to judge the alternatives.
Ways to lower a 30-ton AC project quote
Keep the scope consistent across bids: specify capacity, efficiency, controls, curb work, crane service, disposal, permits, startup, and warranty. Obtain at least three detailed proposals from contractors experienced with commercial systems. A low bid that excludes rigging or electrical work may not be the lowest completed-project price.
Where practical, schedule replacement before peak cooling season, when contractor calendars may be less constrained. Confirm whether the existing curb, wiring, and duct connections can be reused safely; avoiding unnecessary upgrades can save thousands, but required code or safety work should remain in the scope. Control the specification and verify every exclusion before comparing totals.