Commercial HVAC New Construction

How Much Does Commercial New Construction HVAC Cost?

Commercial new construction HVAC costs less than retrofit installations because walls are open and coordination is easier:

• Cost Runs $15-$30 Per Square Foot: Most commercial buildings fall in this range, depending on system complexity. A 5,000 square foot office building might run $75,000-$150,000 for complete HVAC, including equipment, ductwork, controls, and installation.
• Building Type Affects Price: Office buildings with standard occupancy cost less per square foot than restaurants with hot kitchens or retail spaces with high customer traffic. Industrial facilities need specialized systems that handle unique heating and cooling loads from equipment and processes.
• System Complexity Drives Costs: Single rooftop units for simple spaces cost less than multi-zone systems with sophisticated controls. Buildings requiring multiple units, extensive ductwork, or specialized ventilation increase total project costs but deliver the comfort and efficiency your business needs.
• High-Efficiency Equipment Costs More Upfront: Standard efficiency systems save money initially, while high-efficiency models with better SEER ratings add $5,000-$15,000 depending on size. Energy savings typically recover the premium in 3-5 years through lower monthly utility bills in Louisiana's demanding climate.
• Early Involvement Reduces Costs: When we're part of design from the beginning, we identify efficient equipment placement, optimize duct routing, and prevent expensive change orders that happen when HVAC gets figured out late in construction schedules.

We provide detailed quotes early in your project timeline. Call 337-363-1866 for new construction HVAC pricing.

When Should HVAC Be Installed During Construction?

Proper timing ensures smooth installation without delays or conflicts with other trades:

• Design Phase Input Is Critical: We should review architectural plans before construction starts to coordinate equipment locations, duct pathways, electrical requirements, and roof penetrations. Early coordination prevents discovering problems after framing when changes cost significantly more.
• Rough-In Happens After Framing: Once framing is complete and before drywall goes up, we install ductwork, refrigerant lines, electrical connections, and condensate drains within walls and ceilings. This phase requires coordination with electricians, plumbers, and other trades working simultaneously.
• Equipment Installation Near Completion: Final equipment installation happens after the building is weathertight but before final finishes. Rooftop units get craned into place, indoor air handlers get set, and we connect everything to the rough-in work completed earlier.
• Testing & Commissioning Before Occupancy: We test complete systems, balance airflow, verify controls, and commission everything before you take occupancy. This catches any issues while construction teams are still on site, rather than discovering problems after your business opens.
• Lead Times Affect Scheduling: Equipment orders need 3-6 weeks for delivery, longer for specialized or high-efficiency units. Early ordering keeps projects on schedule and avoids premium costs for expedited shipping when timelines get tight.

We coordinate with general contractors and other trades throughout construction. Call 337-363-1866 to discuss project timelines.

Commercial New Construction FAQs

How Do You Size Commercial HVAC For New Construction?

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

• Manual J Load Calculations Required: Professional calculations account for building square footage, insulation levels, window area and orientation, occupancy patterns, heat from equipment and lighting, and Louisiana climate data. Guessing based on square footage alone results in improperly sized systems.
• Business Type Impacts Requirements: Restaurants with commercial kitchens need substantially more cooling than offices with the same square footage. Retail spaces with high customer traffic, manufacturing facilities with heat-generating equipment, and warehouses with high ceilings all have unique requirements affecting proper sizing.
• Future Growth Considerations: If you're planning expansions or increased occupancy, factor that into initial sizing. Installing adequate capacity now costs less than replacing an undersized system years earlier when you outgrow it.
• Louisiana Climate Demands Proper Sizing: Our extended cooling season, high humidity, and temperature extremes mean systems sized for buildings up north will underperform here. Proper calculations account for local weather patterns, ensuring adequate capacity for our demanding climate.
• Zoning Improves Efficiency: Large buildings benefit from a multi-zone system, allowing independent temperature control for different areas. This improves comfort, reduces energy waste, and provides flexibility for spaces used at different times or with varying occupancy.

We perform complete Manual J calculations for every new construction project. Call 337-363-1866 for a sizing consultation.

How Long Does Commercial HVAC Installation Take?

Installation timelines vary by project size, but proper planning keeps construction on schedule:

• Small Buildings Install In 1-2 Weeks: Simple buildings with one or two rooftop units and straightforward ductwork typically take one to two weeks from rough-in through final commissioning. This assumes equipment arrives on schedule and no conflicts with other trades delay work.
• Larger Projects Run 3-6 Weeks: Buildings with multiple units, extensive duct systems, complex controls, or specialized equipment need more time. We phase work across rough-in, equipment installation, and commissioning stages coordinated with overall construction schedules to minimize impact on project timelines.
• Equipment Lead Times Matter: Standard commercial equipment takes 3-6 weeks to arrive after ordering; high-efficiency or specialized systems may take 8-12 weeks. Ordering early during design prevents equipment delays from pushing back entire construction schedules.
• Trade Coordination Prevents Delays: HVAC work overlaps with electrical, plumbing, and other trades during rough-in. Good coordination through regular meetings and clear communication prevents conflicts that cause delays, costing everyone time and money.
• Inspections Add Time: Commercial HVAC requires multiple inspections during rough-in and at completion. We handle all coordination with building inspectors, but factor inspection scheduling into overall project timelines.

We work with your construction schedule to keep projects on track. Call 337-363-1866 or to discuss timing.