Commercial HVAC Cost Calculator
Estimate replacement, installation, repair, or maintenance costs for your commercial property in seconds — then get exact quotes from vetted contractors. Built for property and facility managers, not technicians.
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Estimated project cost
$100,000 – $175,000
Replacement of ~50 tons at $2,000–$3,500 per ton installed for this system type.
Ballpark only — real costs depend on equipment, access, and local labor. Get exact numbers below.
How much does commercial HVAC cost?
Commercial HVAC replacement typically runs $2,000–$8,000 per ton of cooling installed, which works out to roughly $15–$30 per square foot for a standard office or retail building. Packaged rooftop units (RTUs) sit at the low end; VRF systems and chilled-water plants at the high end. Repairs usually run from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and preventive-maintenance contracts run about $120–$280 per ton per year.
What drives commercial HVAC cost
Cooling load (tonnage). Cost scales with capacity. Commercial buildings need roughly one ton of cooling per 300–600 square feet depending on use — a warehouse needs far less per square foot than a restaurant kitchen or data center.
System type. Packaged rooftop units are the most cost-effective for most low-rise commercial buildings. VRF systems and chilled-water plants cost more up front but can be more efficient and flexible for larger or multi-zone properties.
Installation complexity. Roof access and crane/rigging, existing ductwork condition, electrical upgrades, controls integration, and permitting all move the final number. A straightforward like-for-like RTU swap is far cheaper than a system conversion.
Local labor and market. Labor rates, code requirements, and equipment availability vary by region — which is exactly why a real quote from a local contractor beats any calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial HVAC cost?
Commercial HVAC replacement typically runs $2,000–$8,000 per ton of cooling installed, depending on system type — packaged rooftop units (RTUs) are cheapest, VRF and chiller plants the most expensive. For a typical office, that works out to roughly $15–$30 per square foot. Repairs usually run a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; preventive-maintenance contracts run about $120–$280 per ton per year.
How much does commercial HVAC cost per square foot?
For a new or replacement commercial HVAC system, budget roughly $15–$30 per square foot for a standard office or retail building. Denser, heat-heavy spaces (restaurants, data centers, healthcare) cost more per square foot because they need more cooling capacity (tons) per square foot.
How much does it cost to replace a commercial rooftop unit (RTU)?
A packaged rooftop unit installed runs about $2,000–$3,500 per ton. A common 5-ton RTU therefore lands around $10,000–$17,500 installed, including crane/rigging and tie-ins. Larger or higher-efficiency units cost more.
What does a commercial HVAC system cost by type?
Installed cost per ton: packaged RTU $2,000–$3,500, split systems $2,500–$4,000, heat pumps $3,000–$4,500, VRF/VRV $4,000–$6,500, and chilled-water/chiller plants $4,500–$8,000. The system that fits your building depends on size, layout, and zoning needs — a commercial contractor will size it for you.
Is this estimate a quote?
No. This calculator gives an industry-standard ballpark so you can budget and plan. Actual pricing depends on equipment selection, roof or mechanical-room access, ductwork condition, local labor rates, and permits. Use the form to get free, exact quotes from vetted commercial HVAC contractors in your area.
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