A 5-ton rooftop unit (RTU) typically costs $9,000-$22,000 installed, with many straightforward replacements landing near $14,500. Equipment efficiency, crane access, electrical or duct changes, and local labor rates are the main price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed 5-ton RTU | $9,000 | $14,500 | $22,000 | Replacement with standard access |
| Equipment only | $5,500 | $8,500 | $13,000 | Varies by brand and efficiency |
| Installed price per ton | $1,800 | $2,900 | $4,400 | Based on total project price |
| Crane and lift service | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Depends on access and lift duration |
What a 5-Ton RTU Installation Usually Costs
A typical price assumes a commercial packaged unit replacing an existing 5-ton system, reuse of a compatible roof curb, standard thermostat controls, and no major duct or electrical repairs. Installed totals commonly range from $9,000 to $22,000; a basic unit with easy roof access may come in lower, while higher-efficiency equipment and building modifications push the quote upward.
For a like-for-like replacement, budgeting about $12,000-$18,000 is a practical starting point. New construction or a project requiring a new curb, longer duct transitions, or substantial electrical work can exceed $25,000. Assumptions: U.S. commercial property, standard equipment, normal access, and no unusual code upgrades.
How Equipment, Labor, and Crane Charges Shape the Quote
Quotes typically combine the RTU, removal of the old unit, installation labor, lifting equipment, startup, and required connections. Ask whether the price includes disposal, controls, tax, and commissioning; different exclusions can make otherwise similar bids difficult to compare.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-ton RTU equipment | $5,500 | $8,500 | $13,000 | Standard to higher-efficiency models |
| Removal and installation labor | $1,800 | $3,200 | $5,000 | Disconnect, set, connect, and test |
| Crane or rooftop lift | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Access, setup, and lift time |
| Materials and connections | $400 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Wiring, transitions, curb parts |
| Disposal and startup | $200 | $600 | $1,200 | Haul-away and system checks |
Labor often represents roughly $1,800-$5,000 before crane, materials, and disposal charges. Typical labor assumption: 10-18 crew hours at roughly $100-$175 per technician-hour, with regional and company-rate variation.
Which Efficiency, Curb, and Capacity Details Raise the Price
Efficiency and configuration have a larger effect than tonnage alone. A standard-efficiency 5-ton unit generally costs less than a higher-efficiency model with advanced controls or a heat-pump configuration. Confirm that the quoted unit matches the building’s electrical service, supply and return openings, and heating needs.
A curb mismatch or electrical upgrade can add hundreds to several thousand dollars. A curb adapter or transition may add about $500-$2,000; replacing a damaged curb can cost more. If existing wiring is undersized or the disconnect must be changed, electrical work may add $500-$2,500. Capacity should also be checked against a load calculation rather than selected only from the old unit’s label.
Roof condition, duct leakage, and refrigerant-line or control compatibility also matter. For a run of ductwork needing repair, expect added charges based on access and length; small transitions may be included, while extensive rooftop duct replacement can substantially increase the project total.
How Regional Labor and Crane Access Change a 5-Ton RTU Price
Installed prices can vary by roughly 10%-25% between lower-cost markets and high-cost metro areas. Dense urban locations may carry higher labor, parking, permit, and crane expenses; rural locations may have lower labor rates but higher travel or mobilization charges. Local competition and equipment availability can shift quotes in either direction.
Roof access can matter as much as the regional labor rate. A unit reachable by a scheduled standard crane lift may cost $500-$1,200 for lifting, while restricted street access, a long reach, traffic controls, or a second lift can raise that bill to $1,500-$2,500 or more. Confirm whether crane rental and required street permits are included.
How Long Replacement Takes and What Labor Includes
A direct swap commonly takes a crew about 6-10 hours onsite, plus crane setup and startup checks. A job involving curb adaptation, controls, electrical corrections, or duct repairs may take 1-2 working days. Weather, roof access windows, and tenant operating hours can affect scheduling and labor charges.
Compare the described work, not just the quoted labor total. The scope should identify removal, rigging, setting and securing the unit, reconnecting utilities, condensate handling, startup, and thermostat or building-control checks. Ask how overtime, return visits, and testing are billed if work cannot be completed during the planned lift.
When Removal, Permits, and Electrical Work Add Extra Charges
Old-unit disposal may be included or listed separately at about $200-$600; refrigerant recovery and difficult removal can add charges. Permit and inspection fees vary by city, often totaling $100-$1,000 for a replacement, and some jurisdictions require electrical or mechanical code updates. The contractor should verify local requirements before work begins.
Get exclusions in writing before approving the estimate. Common add-ons include a new disconnect, roof-penetration sealing, curb repair, control wiring, condensate modifications, and after-hours work. An electrical service upgrade or extensive roof repair is not usually covered by a basic RTU replacement price.
Three 5-Ton RTU Quotes for Different Roof Conditions
A low-complexity example is a standard-efficiency unit with a compatible curb and easy crane access: equipment at $6,500, labor at $2,200 for about 12 crew hours, and lift and disposal at $900, for a total near $9,600.
A typical replacement might use a midrange unit, a curb adapter, and ordinary urban access: equipment at $8,500, labor at $3,500 for about 16 crew hours, and lift, materials, and disposal at $2,000, totaling about $14,000.
A more involved project with higher-efficiency equipment, electrical corrections, and difficult lifting might include $12,000 equipment, $5,000 labor for roughly 24 crew hours, and $4,000 in lift, electrical, and curb work, for a total near $21,000.
These examples are quote comparisons, not fixed market prices. Their totals depend on equipment availability, tax treatment, permit fees, and whether roof or duct repairs are necessary.
Which Scope Choices Lower the RTU Replacement Price
Request at least three itemized quotes using the same capacity, efficiency level, controls, and warranty terms. A like-for-like replacement can avoid unnecessary duct redesign or premium controls, but only when a contractor confirms that the existing system is properly sized and compatible.
Keep essential safety, code, and startup work in the scope while comparing optional upgrades separately. Scheduling during normal business hours, clearing roof access, and coordinating other rooftop work may reduce labor or lift costs. Avoid choosing solely by lowest bid: check whether removal, permits, crane service, testing, and warranty coverage are included.