These figures are typical South Bay / Central Valley planning bands for light-to-mid commercial scope — not a quote from Precision Heating & Cooling. Site conditions, crane access, and Title 24 path change the number.
Typical cost ranges
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3–7.5 ton like-for-like gas/electric RTU | $14,000–$28,000 | Accessible curb, modest adapter, daytime or light after-hours window. Excludes major structural or duct redesign. |
| 8–15 ton packaged RTU changeout | $22,000–$45,000 | Typical retail / office / warehouse unit. Crane, adapter curb, economizer path, and commissioning drive the spread. |
| Multi-unit bundle (same crane day) | Lower per-unit than solo lifts | Mobilization and street permits amortize across units. Still price each curb and electrical path honestly. |
| Emergency / failed compressor peak season | Premium over planned work | Expedite freight, after-hours labor, and temporary cooling can add a meaningful share of the capital cost. |
What moves the price
- Curb adapters, roofing tie-in, and deck repairs are the most common change-order sources on South Bay roofs.
- Crane access, street permits, and solar/antenna conflicts can rival equipment cost on dense sites.
- Gas pressure, disconnect sizing, and condensate routing must match the new platform.
- Title 24 forms, economizer commissioning, and refrigerant documentation belong in the base bid — not punch list.
- Central Valley peak-load summers favor planning changeouts in shoulder seasons to avoid emergency premiums.
When this guide applies
- An RTU is end-of-life, chronically failing, or on an orphaned parts platform.
- A TI, kitchen expansion, or office densification changes load or duct takeoffs.
- You are bundling several units on one roof to share crane mobilization.
- You need a capital planning number for next fiscal year — not a same-week quote.
Failure modes to avoid
- Budgeting only the equipment invoice and discovering curb/crane costs at award.
- Assuming a drop-in fit without field-verifying curb dimensions and structural capacity.
- Skipping economizer / OA and Title 24 scope so the “cheap” bid fails inspection or comfort.
- Treating a national average as a Bay Area or Central Valley installed number.
FAQs
Is this a quote from Precision Heating?
No. These are typical planning ranges for light-to-mid commercial RTU work in our South Bay and Central Valley markets. A real bid needs a roof survey, curb verification, and schedule assumptions.
Why do crane and curb so often blow the budget?
Many roofs need adapter curbs, roofing tie-ins, or restricted lift paths. Those line items are easy to omit in a lowball bid and expensive to add after award.
Does Bryant equipment cost more than generic RTUs?
Platform and efficiency tier matter more than brand slogans. Precision is Bryant-authorized; we specify what fits the load, curb, and controls — not an invented factory badge from another brand.
Can we phase replacements over multiple years?
Yes — prioritize by remaining life, efficiency, and tenant impact. Bundling lifts still helps when several units share a crane window.
Next step
Ready for a site-specific number? Request a commercial bid — we will survey before we price.