Commercial HVAC Replacement

How Much Does Commercial HVAC Replacement Cost?

Commercial replacement costs vary widely based on system size and complexity, but understanding the factors helps you budget accurately:

• Small Office Buildings Cost $7,000-$15,000: A small office with 2,000-3,000 square feet typically needs a 5-7 ton system. This includes equipment and installation for a standard rooftop package unit or split system serving a single-zone space with straightforward ductwork that doesn't need major modifications.
• Mid-Size Buildings Run $15,000-$30,000: Buildings with 5,000-10,000 square feet need larger capacity systems, often multiple units or zoned systems to handle different areas. Retail spaces, restaurants, or multi-tenant buildings fall here. The complexity of installation drives costs up compared to simple single-unit replacements.
• Large Commercial Projects Exceed $30,000: Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or multi-story buildings require substantial HVAC capacity with multiple rooftop units, complex controls, extensive ductwork modifications, and specialized equipment. These projects can reach $50,000+ depending on building size and system requirements.
• Ductwork Adds $2,000-$6,000: If existing ductwork needs replacement or major modifications to work with new equipment, budget additional costs. Older buildings with deteriorated ductwork or improperly sized ducts benefit from upgrades that improve new system performance and efficiency.
• High-Efficiency Systems Cost More Upfront: Equipment with higher SEER ratings and advanced features like variable-speed compressors costs $3,000-$8,000 more than standard efficiency models. However, energy savings typically offset the premium in 3-5 years through lower monthly utility bills, making high-efficiency systems smart long-term investments.

We provide detailed quotes breaking down equipment, installation, and any additional work needed. Call 337-363-1866 for a replacement estimate.

When Should I Replace vs Repair My Commercial HVAC System?

Nobody wants to spend tens of thousands on replacement if repairs will suffice, but continuing to repair dying systems wastes money:

• Apply The 50% Rule: If repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, replacement usually makes better financial sense. A $6,000 repair on a system that would cost $12,000 to replace puts you in replacement territory, especially if the equipment is over 10 years old and likely to need more repairs soon.
• System Age Over 12-15 Years: Commercial HVAC systems typically last 10-15 years in Louisiana's demanding climate. If yours is pushing or exceeding that age and needs major repairs, replacement delivers better ROI through improved efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage that protects against future failures.
• Frequent Breakdowns Signal Decline: One or two repairs over several years is normal wear. Multiple breakdowns per year mean the system is failing systematically, and each repair just buys a few more months before the next failure shuts down your business and costs you money in emergency service.
• Energy Bills Keep Climbing: Aging systems lose efficiency as components wear and performance degrades. If energy costs have been steadily increasing despite stable usage patterns, your system is working harder and wasting electricity. Modern high-efficiency equipment can cut energy costs 20-40% compared to systems over 10 years old.
• Consider Downtime Risk: Calculate what it costs when your HVAC fails during peak business hours—lost productivity, uncomfortable customers leaving, and inventory damage from temperature swings. That risk often outweighs the cost difference between repair and proactive replacement, which prevents unexpected shutdowns.

We'll run the numbers with you, honestly, and explain whether repair or replacement makes better business sense. Call 337-363-1866 for an assessment.

Commercial HVAC Installation FAQs

How Long Does Commercial HVAC Replacement Take?

Installation timelines vary based on project complexity, but proper planning minimizes business disruption:

• Simple Replacements Take 1-2 Days: Swapping a single rooftop unit or replacing a packaged system in a small office typically takes one to two days from start to finish. We remove old equipment, install the new system, connect ductwork and electrical, test everything, and get you operational quickly.
• Complex Projects Run 3-5 Days: Larger buildings with multiple units, extensive ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or control system integration take longer. We coordinate work to minimize impact on business operations, often working evenings or weekends when your building is less occupied.
• Equipment Lead Times Matter: Once you decide to replace, ordering equipment takes 1-3 weeks for standard systems, longer for specialized or high-efficiency units. Planning ahead during slower seasons gives you more flexibility in scheduling and avoids premium costs for rushed installations during peak demand.
• We Work Around Your Schedule: We understand downtime costs you money. We'll schedule installation during off-hours, stagger work across multiple days if needed, and provide temporary cooling solutions if your business can't operate without climate control while we work.
• Permits & Inspections Add Time: Commercial HVAC replacements require permits and final inspections. We handle all permitting, but factor 1-2 weeks into project timelines for permit approval and inspection scheduling that happens after installation completes.

We provide realistic timelines upfront so you can plan accordingly. Call 337-363-1866 to discuss scheduling.

What Size Commercial HVAC System Do I Need?

Proper sizing is critical—undersized systems can't maintain comfort, oversized systems waste energy, and short-cycle:

• Manual J Load Calculations Required: Professional load calculations account for building square footage, insulation levels, window area, occupancy patterns, heat-generating equipment, and local climate. Guessing based solely on square footage or matching old equipment size often results in improperly sized systems that underperform.
• Business Type Affects Requirements: Restaurants with hot kitchens need more cooling capacity than offices with the same square footage. Warehouses with high ceilings have different needs than retail spaces. Manufacturing facilities with heat-generating machinery require specialized calculations accounting for internal heat loads.
• Louisiana Climate Demands More Capacity: Our extended cooling season and high humidity mean systems work harder than in northern climates. Equipment sized for buildings up north will be undersized here. Proper calculations account for local weather patterns and humidity loads to ensure adequate capacity.
• Future Growth Considerations: If you're planning expansions or increasing occupancy, factor that into sizing calculations now. Installing a slightly larger system costs less than replacing an undersized system years earlier than expected when you outgrow capacity.
• Zoning Improves Performance: Large buildings or spaces with varying occupancy benefit from multi-zone systems that allow independent temperature control for different areas. This improves comfort, reduces energy waste, and gives flexibility for spaces used at different times.

We perform complete load calculations for every replacement to ensure proper sizing. Call 337-363-1866 to discuss your needs.