Key takeaways
-
Typical cost (per unit): $1,750–$3,200 (new) • $2,050–$3,600 (retrofit)
-
Wider range (site-dependent): $2,100–$3,800 (new) • $1,950–$3,700 (retrofit)
-
Cost split: Equipment ≈ 40–55% • then Parts/Materials • then Labor
-
Average labor: HVAC $300–$500 • Electrical (dedicated circuit) $350–$600
-
Time needed: 3–4 hrs (new) • 4–6 hrs (retrofit)
what you’ll learn
If you manage apartments, hotels, student housing, or small offices, a PTAC install is a line item you can’t guess on. The main thing people ask is: what’s a fair, realistic per-unit price? For most U.S. jobs, plan on $1,750–$3,200 for a new install and $2,050–$3,600 for a retrofit. Site conditions can widen those totals a bit (details below). In this guide, I’ll break every dollar into equipment, parts, and labor so you can compare bids apples-to-apples, spot hidden fees, and plan multi-unit projects without surprises. If you’re new to PTACs and want a quick primer, this explainer is helpful:
What is a PTAC unit? (The Furnace Outlet) You’ll also see where internal links point to The Furnace Outlet’s collections, sizing resources, financing, and support—so you can go from planning to purchase with clear next steps.
The common concern: “Why do PTAC quotes vary so much?”
Price swings usually come from three places: (1) capacity and features of the unit, (2) parts/materials behind the wall, and (3) local labor and electrical work. A 7,000–9,000 BTU heat-pump PTAC with electric backup costs less than a 15,000 BTU model. New construction often needs sleeves, framing, and a new dedicated circuit; retrofits may require removal, sleeve evaluation, and wall repairs. Labor rates change by region and by trade (HVAC vs. electrician). This matters because mixing these variables in one “lump sum” hides where the money goes. Ask for an itemized quote and compare line items across 2–3 bids. Use our product pages (for example, PTAC heat pumps to match equipment to room size and power, then verify parts and labor assumptions with the installer.
Equipment cost (≈40–55% of the total)
Most installs start with the PTAC itself. For heat-pump PTACs with electric backup, typical unit price ranges are:
-
7,000–9,000 BTU: $850–$1,200
-
12,000 BTU: $1,000–$1,400
-
15,000 BTU: $1,300–$1,700
Capacity should match room size and envelope. If you want a quick rule-of-thumb and tables, see our PTAC sizing chart and guide—a solid cross-check before you buy. For broader learning and buyer tips, browse the HVAC Tips blog hub (updated regularly). If your property prefers low-GWP refrigerants, compare R-32 PTAC units.
Budget tip: if you’re ordering 5+ units, ask about volume discounts. Bulk orders reduce per-unit equipment cost and lower mobilization time across floors or buildings.
Parts & materials you’ll likely need
Beyond the chassis, plan for the “behind-the-grille” pieces that make a PTAC safe and durable:
-
Wall sleeve & framing: $250–$400 (typical in new construction)
-
Electrical wiring & breaker (dedicated circuit): $350–$600
-
Rear grille & trim: included with many units or +$50–$90
-
Retrofit extras: $100–$200 for removal, $150–$300 sleeve evaluation, $200–$400 wall patching
Parts vary by wall type (masonry vs. wood), voltage (typically 208/230V in multifamily), and weather exposure. In salt-air or high-wind areas, specify durable grilles and proper sealing to prevent vibration, moisture intrusion, and noise. You can streamline the cart by adding accessories as needed, and use the Sizing Guide to confirm capacity before you lock in materials.
Labor costs and time (HVAC + electrical)
Install labor splits into HVAC and electrical. Plan $300–$500 per unit for HVAC work and $350–$600 per unit for electrical if a dedicated circuit or panel work is required. Time on site averages 3–4 hours per unit for new openings and 4–6 hours for retrofits (removal + sleeve checks + repair). Factors that extend time: difficult runs to the panel, patching oversized sleeves, or coordinating access in occupied rooms. To keep labor predictable, ask for flat-rate install pricing with scope notes (what’s included vs. extra). If you’re comparing systems, this blog walks through PTAC vs. mini-split tradeoffs that also impact labor and future maintenance For planning larger projects, use HVAC Financing and schedule-friendly delivery windows so technicians can move in a logical stack (by floor or wing).
Total installation cost scenarios (putting it together)
Here’s how the numbers stack up when you add equipment + parts + labor:
|
Install type |
Equipment |
Parts & Materials |
Labor |
Total per unit |
|
New construction |
$850–$1,700 |
$600–$1,000 |
$650–$1,100 |
$2,100–$3,800 |
|
Retrofit (replace) |
$850–$1,700 |
$450–$900 |
$650–$1,100 |
$1,950–$3,700 |
For quick budgeting across many properties, we recommend planning around $1,750–$3,200 (new) and $2,050–$3,600 (retrofit) as the “typical” window, with the table above showing how unusual site work can push costs to the edges. To compare alternatives (like through-the-wall ACs), review our collections for through-the-wall air conditioners.
Budgeting and fair pricing best practices
Use this simple checklist before you approve a bid:
-
Request an itemized quote: separate equipment, parts, labor.
-
Get 2–3 bids and compare capacity, warranty terms, and service plans side by side.
-
Ask about volume discounts when installing 5+ units or phasing across buildings.
-
Register warranties promptly; many PTAC warranties include parts and sometimes labor.
-
Preventive maintenance: seasonal cleanings and filter changes extend life to ~15 years.
For capacity questions, these articles can help: PTAC sizing chart, What size PTAC do I need?, and our HVAC Tips hub for ongoing maintenance guides. (The Furnace Outlet) If you want a quick, visual comparison between systems, see PTAC vs. mini-split.
How The Furnace Outlet keeps costs clear (customer-first approach)
Transparent pricing: quotes that show manufacturer cost vs. markup. Flat-rate labor: published rates with no surprise surges. Certified technicians: installs follow manufacturer specs to keep warranty coverage intact. Flexible financing: 12–36 month options through HVAC Financing. Pre-install walkthrough: confirm voltage, sleeve condition, and structural support before any drilling. To shop and compare, browse PTAC heat pumps.
Need quick guidance or documents? Check the Help Center,
A simple, expert-approved planning flow (with example budget)
Use this flow to keep multi-unit projects on time and on budget:
-
Size the rooms (area, insulation, sun exposure). Cross-check with the PTAC sizing chart and “What is a PTAC” overview for context.
-
Pick the unit (BTU + heat pump with electric backup). Shop PTAC heat pumps.
-
Confirm parts (sleeve, grille, dedicated circuit).
-
Lock labor scope (flat rate + who handles wall patching).
-
Run the math for one sample unit, then multiply.
Example (new install, mid-size unit): $1,250 equipment + $800 parts + $850 labor = $2,900 per unit.
If you’re remote, upload photos to get a fast, accurate scope using Quote by Photo. For ongoing learning, bookmark the HVAC Tips blog hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PTAC install really cost? Most new installs land between $1,750–$3,200 per unit; retrofits are usually $2,050–$3,600, with site conditions pushing higher or lower.
Do I need a dedicated circuit? Most jobs do. That is why electrical labor is broken out separately.
Can I reuse my old wall sleeve? Sometimes. A sleeve evaluation in retrofits checks fit, integrity, and weather seal before reuse.
How long does one unit take to install? About 3–4 hours new, 4–6 hours retrofit.
Heat pump or electric heat only? Heat-pump models with electric backup give efficient heat in mild weather and reliable backup below the heat-pump balance point.
What if I’m choosing between PTAC and mini-split? Read our comparison post and consider noise, aesthetics, and service access along with install cost
Where can I get help? Start with the Help Center or send photos via Quote by Photo.
