Rooftop unit cost per ton typically runs $1,500-$4,500 for equipment and installation, with an average near $2,800 per ton for a standard commercial replacement. Total quotes depend on unit capacity, efficiency, crane access, ductwork, electrical work, and local labor; small or complicated projects can cost more per ton than larger straightforward replacements.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed rooftop unit | $1,500 per ton | $2,800 per ton | $4,500 per ton | Standard commercial replacement |
| 10-ton installed system | $15,000 | $28,000 | $45,000 | Equipment and typical installation |
| RTU equipment only | $700 per ton | $1,300 per ton | $2,200 per ton | Before freight, rigging, and labor |
| Removal and crane work | $1,000 | $3,500 | $9,000 | Depends on roof height and access |
What a 5- to 20-ton rooftop unit costs installed
For a typical commercial building, a complete RTU replacement costs about $12,000-$22,000 for 5 tons, $20,000-$38,000 for 10 tons, and $35,000-$70,000 for 20 tons. These budgets assume standard packaged gas-electric or electric heat equipment, ordinary curb conditions, and a direct replacement without major duct redesign.
For a common 10-ton replacement, budgeting around $28,000 is a reasonable starting point. The per-ton figure is not a flat multiplier: a small 3- to 5-ton unit may cost $2,500-$5,000 per ton installed because mobilization and crane charges are spread across less capacity. A 20- to 30-ton unit can land closer to $1,700-$3,500 per ton when access and scope are uncomplicated.
Equipment-only pricing often falls between $700 and $2,200 per ton. Basic efficiency, standard controls, and common configurations occupy the lower end; high-efficiency compressors, economizers, advanced controls, and specialty heating options raise the price. Freight, curb adapters, startup, and installation are not always included in advertised equipment prices.
Assumptions: U.S. commercial project, standard packaged rooftop equipment, normal weekday scheduling, existing ductwork and utilities suitable for reuse.
How equipment, labor, and crane charges build the quote
A contractor’s estimate usually combines the unit with removal, rigging, connections, testing, and any required code work. Comparing line items helps distinguish a complete installed price from a low equipment-only quote. Amounts below are typical project ranges, not guaranteed charges for every building.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTU equipment | $7,000 | $13,000 | $22,000 | 10-ton standard unit |
| Installation labor | $3,000 | $6,000 | $11,000 | Two to four technicians |
| Crane and rigging | $1,000 | $3,500 | $9,000 | Lift, setup, and roof access |
| Removal and disposal | $500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | Disconnect and haul-away |
| Accessories and connections | $800 | $2,500 | $7,000 | Curb adapter, wiring, gas, controls |
| Permits and inspection | $200 | $700 | $2,000 | Local jurisdiction and project scope |
Labor, rigging, and building connections can add $5,000-$20,000 beyond the unit price. Labor varies with crew size, access, disconnect complexity, and commissioning requirements. A practical labor estimate might be 16-32 technician-hours at $100-$175 per hour, although contractor quotes often bundle labor rather than disclose an hourly rate.
Ask whether the price includes startup, refrigerant handling, electrical reconnection, gas piping, condensate routing, controls integration, permits, and disposal. A quote that excludes these items may appear cheaper but leave substantial costs outside the contract.
Capacity, efficiency, and curb fit shift the per-ton price
Capacity is a major pricing driver, but tonnage must match the building’s load rather than simply reproduce the old nameplate. Moving from a 7.5-ton to a 10-ton system may require larger electrical service, gas piping, duct transitions, or controls. A load calculation and inspection of existing distribution can reveal whether the same capacity is appropriate.
Capacity jumps and roof modifications can change a quote by thousands of dollars. For example, increasing capacity by 5 tons may add roughly $4,000-$12,000 in equipment cost before related electrical or duct work. Units above 20 tons may require heavier lifting equipment and more complex rigging, especially on tall buildings or sites with limited crane setup space.
Efficiency also affects initial cost. A standard-efficiency commercial unit may be near the lower half of the equipment range, while higher-efficiency models can cost 10%-30% more, depending on size and specification. Economizers, variable-speed components, heat recovery, smoke detection, and building automation controls can add hundreds to several thousand dollars per unit.
Curb dimensions matter during replacement. If the new unit does not match the existing roof curb, a curb adapter may cost about $500-$2,500, and custom fabrication or roof work can raise that figure. A deteriorated curb, damaged flashing, or roof penetration repair may add $1,000-$6,000 or more, depending on the roofing system and repair area.
Electrical upgrades can range from $500 for modest reconnection work to $8,000 or more when a new circuit, disconnect, panel capacity, or long conduit run is needed. Gas heat, electric heat, and heat-pump configurations have different utility requirements. Confirm voltage, phase, fuel type, and controls compatibility before accepting a price.
Labor hours and rooftop access determine installation time
A straightforward replacement of a small or mid-size RTU may take one workday, while larger units or difficult sites can require two or more days. A typical crew includes two to four HVAC technicians, with a crane operator and rigging crew present for the lift. Scheduling depends on equipment delivery, weather, building hours, and crane availability.
Every extra lift or access restriction can raise labor and crane charges. A single crane mobilization may cost roughly $1,000-$5,000 for an ordinary commercial site; complex urban staging, street closure, long boom reach, or weekend work can push rigging toward $9,000 or more. The charge may be a fixed minimum rather than a simple hourly rate.
Ask how long the building will be without cooling or heat and whether the contractor can complete the swap in one visit. Occupied facilities may need temporary cooling, after-hours work, or phased installation. These measures protect operations but can add labor premiums, rental equipment charges, or additional mobilization fees.
Labor estimates are most useful when tied to stated tasks rather than a broad “installation” line. The scope should identify disconnection, lifting, curb adaptation, utility connections, startup, control testing, and cleanup. If an estimate lists a labor allowance, ask what happens if site conditions require more hours.
Regional RTU pricing varies with labor markets and access
National averages conceal meaningful local differences. A 10-ton installed replacement might be quoted around $20,000-$33,000 in a lower-cost market with easy access, compared with $27,000-$45,000 in a high-cost metro or a region with more demanding labor and permitting requirements. These are broad comparisons for similar standard equipment and scope.
Urban access and contractor rates can add 10%-30% over a straightforward rural project. Dense downtown sites may need traffic control, a street permit, restricted crane hours, or a longer lift setup. Rural locations may have lower labor rates but higher freight, travel, and mobilization charges when qualified contractors are farther away.
Climate and local code requirements also affect specifications. Hot, humid regions may prioritize cooling capacity and moisture control; cold climates may require more heating capacity, low-ambient features, or additional controls. Coastal areas can favor corrosion-resistant components. A higher initial equipment cost may reflect a legitimate environmental requirement rather than an unnecessary upgrade.
Local quotes should be compared using matching tonnage, efficiency, heating type, curb work, crane assumptions, warranty, and startup scope. A regional percentage alone cannot explain a price difference if one bid includes electrical upgrades or a new curb and another does not.
Three 10-ton replacement quotes show realistic totals
The examples below illustrate how the same nominal capacity can produce different installed totals. Each assumes a 10-ton packaged unit and typical commercial application, but site conditions and equipment specifications differ. Costs are illustrative ranges for budgeting, not bids.
| Project scenario | Equipment | Labor and lift | Other work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct swap, easy roof access | $9,000-$13,000 | $4,000-$7,000 | $1,500-$3,000 | $14,500-$23,000 |
| Higher efficiency, curb adapter | $13,000-$19,000 | $5,000-$9,000 | $3,000-$6,000 | $21,000-$34,000 |
| Restricted lift, electrical changes | $14,000-$21,000 | $8,000-$15,000 | $5,000-$12,000 | $27,000-$48,000 |
The difference comes less from tonnage than from what the building needs around the unit. In the first example, a crew might spend 16-24 technician-hours on removal, placement, connections, and startup. The second may require a fabricated transition and additional controls work. The third assumes difficult rigging and electrical modifications, so its price per ton is higher despite matching capacity.
When reviewing bids, compare the exact model and capacity, included accessories, warranty, crane plan, and exclusions. Check whether each contractor has included tax, freight, permits, roof repair, and disposal. A price comparison is meaningful only when all quotes cover substantially the same work.
Removal, curb work, and controls can add hidden charges
Removal and disposal of an existing rooftop unit commonly costs $500-$3,500, depending on weight, refrigerant recovery, roof access, and hauling distance. If the old unit contains components requiring special handling, or if it cannot be removed in one lift, disposal costs may be higher. Confirm whether refrigerant recovery and haul-away are included.
Roof repairs and control integration are frequent reasons a quote exceeds the equipment allowance. A curb adapter may cost $500-$2,500; roof flashing or patching can add $1,000-$6,000; and integrating a unit with a building management system may range from $500 to $4,000. A new thermostat or basic control setup can cost less, while custom programming can cost substantially more.
Permit and inspection fees vary by municipality and project type, often falling between $200 and $2,000. Some jurisdictions require mechanical and electrical permits, plan review, inspections, or documentation of energy-code compliance. Ask the contractor to state which fees are included and who schedules inspections.
Other potential extras include temporary cooling, new smoke detectors, duct transitions, condensate pumps, gas-line modifications, and after-hours premiums. Have the contractor inspect the roof, electrical panel, curb, and controls before finalizing the price. A written allowance for unknown conditions can prevent disputes, but the amount and approval process should be clear.
Control the installed price without cutting essential work
Start by confirming the required capacity and operating needs. Replacing an oversized unit with the same oversized capacity can waste money and contribute to poor humidity control or short cycling. A load calculation, airflow check, and review of operating schedules help determine whether the proposed size and features are justified.
The most reliable savings come from narrowing scope and comparing equal specifications. Obtain at least three written quotes with the same tonnage, heating type, efficiency target, controls, curb assumptions, and crane plan. Request separate prices for optional upgrades so the base replacement can be compared fairly.
Reuse compatible components only after inspection. A sound curb, serviceable disconnect, and working controls may not need replacement, but keeping damaged or mismatched parts can lead to leaks, failed inspections, or repeat labor. Ask for photos or an explanation when a contractor recommends replacing existing components.
Consider scheduling during a contractor’s less-busy period if the building can safely wait. Emergency replacement during extreme heat or cold may involve rush labor, limited equipment choices, or temporary cooling charges. Planned replacement allows time to confirm dimensions, order equipment, and coordinate the crane rather than paying for avoidable urgency.
Do not reduce cost by skipping commissioning, required permits, refrigerant recovery, or code-compliant electrical work. These tasks confirm safe operation and help protect the equipment warranty. Instead, remove unnecessary add-ons, clarify exclusions, and choose efficiency upgrades based on expected operating hours and utility costs.
Finally, compare lifecycle expense as well as the installed quote. A higher-efficiency unit may be worthwhile in a long operating schedule, but the payback depends on local electricity and gas rates, runtime, maintenance, and actual efficiency difference. Ask for the equipment specification and warranty terms in writing before approving the final price.