Introduction:
Ever walked into a commercial building that feels like a walk-in freezer in July? Or worse — a stuffy, humid office where the AC struggles harder than your Monday motivation?
Yeah. Commercial HVAC is a different beast.
Whether you’re searching for:
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commercial air conditioner price
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commercial AC unit comparisons
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pricing for small rooftop heating and air conditioning units
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or costs on 5 ton commercial HVAC units
…it’s overwhelming. Manufacturers give you model numbers and efficiency specs, but rarely give you simple answers like:
“How much will this actually cost me?”
Don’t worry — I’ve got you.
In this guide, I’m going to break down:
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What affects the cost of commercial air conditioning units
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Realistic price ranges for different commercial HVAC sizes
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How to compare commercial AC heat units
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When a 3 ton commercial AC unit is enough — and when to go 5 tons
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What brands are worth it (and which are just hype)
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Why the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle is a strong ROI option for small commercial installations:
👉 https://thefurnaceoutlet.com/products/goodman-3-ton-14-5-seer2-r32-bundle
Chapter 1 — Commercial HVAC is NOT residential HVAC
If residential HVAC is your economy car, commercial HVAC is your diesel dually truck:
✅ Built to handle bigger spaces
✅ Designed for long run times
✅ Requires higher air volume
✅ Regulated differently for efficiency ratings
A commercial air conditioning unit is designed to run nearly nonstop during business hours — sometimes 24/7 in server rooms or restaurants.
That’s why the price of commercial air conditioning units ranges more widely.
| Commercial Application | Typical Equipment | Typical Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Retail / boutique shops | 3 ton commercial air conditioner | $4,200–$7,500 |
| Restaurants | 5 ton commercial AC heat units | $7,500–$12,000 |
| Medium warehouses | 7.5–20 ton rooftop packaged units | $12,000–$45,000 |
*Pricing varies by location, brand, ductwork, and electrical requirements.
Chapter 2 — The real reason the cost varies so much
Commercial HVAC isn’t priced like residential HVAC because:
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Complex installation
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Electrical requirements
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Roof penetration permissions
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Zoning and city code compliance
Residential HVAC usually involves one or two contractors.
Commercial HVAC involves:
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HVAC contractor
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Electrician
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Crane operator (rooftop installs)
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City permitting office
👀 Yep. A crane.
Rooftop units (RTUs) — often called commercial AC heat units — are extremely common because:
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They save indoor square footage
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Noise is kept outside
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They are easier to service for technicians
Chapter 3 — What affects commercial AC pricing?
Here are the biggest cost drivers:
| Cost Factor | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Unit tonnage (size) | Higher cooling capacity = higher cost |
| Efficiency rating | Higher SEER2 = lower energy bill but higher up-front cost |
| Type of unit (RTU, split, heat pump) | Heat pumps cost more but offer heating + cooling |
| Location | Rooftop installs require crane + rigging |
| Controls | Commercial thermostats & zoning impact cost |
One of the best resources on commercial HVAC sizing is the ACCA Manual N guide, used by contractors for commercial load calculation. Their standards are recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as the correct method.
Read here: ACCA Commercial HVAC Design Standards
Chapter 4 — How many tons does your building need?
Commercial HVAC capacity is measured in tons.
| Square Footage (Commercial) | Approx. HVAC Tonnage |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 sq ft | 3 ton commercial AC |
| 1,500–2,500 sq ft | 4–5 ton |
| 2,500–4,500 sq ft | 7.5–10 ton |
| 4,500–7,500 sq ft | 12.5–20 ton |
Chapter 5 — Price Breakdown by Size
✅ 3 Ton Commercial AC Unit Price
Best for small offices, salons, retail spaces.
📌 Typical cost: $4,200–$7,500 installed
✅ 5 Ton Commercial Air Conditioning Unit Price
Most common size for small restaurants or small commercial buildings.
📌 Typical cost: $7,500–$12,000 installed
Total installed pricing includes:
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Unit cost
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Crane rental (if rooftop)
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Electrical work
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Thermostat controls
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Start-up commissioning
Chapter 6 — Commercial Rooftop Units (RTUs)
RTUs combine:
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Furnace or electric heat
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Evaporator coil
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Air conditioner condenser
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Supply + return blower
All in one cabinet.
Great resource: Energy Star — Efficient Commercial HVAC Purchasing
They note that commercial HVAC energy usage can account for 35–40% of a building’s total energy bill.
Chapter 7 — Comparing Brands
Top commercial air conditioner brands include:
| Brand | Strength |
|---|---|
| Goodman | Best price-to-performance value |
| Trane | Premium brand, high reliability |
| Carrier | Known for commercial rooftop units |
| Lennox | Efficiency leader, more expensive |
When manufacturers talk “commercial aircon price,” they are usually referring to:
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SEER2 or IEER efficiency
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Warranty terms
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Ton capacity
Goodman often wins because you get the same internal components as big-name brands without the premium markup.
Chapter 8 — The Pillar Product (mentioned once only)
For small commercial installs where efficiency matters, the bundle below is affordable and powerful:
👉 Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 AC + Air Handler Bundle
(https://thefurnaceoutlet.com/products/goodman-3-ton-14-5-seer2-r32-bundle)
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Quiet operation
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Uses R-32 refrigerant (future-proof and eco-friendly)
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Strong commercial suitability for small spaces
Chapter 9 — Commercial heat pump vs AC + heat unit
Commercial AC heat units (gas + AC combo) cost more initially, but save on heating costs.
Helpful source: U.S. Department of Energy Commercial HVAC Guide
Chapter 10 — Maintenance costs (yes, commercial service is pricier)
Be ready for:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual commercial maintenance | $350–$1,200 |
| Coil cleaning | $300–$800 |
| Blower motor replacement | $800–$2,500 |
Reliable industry numbers:
HomeAdvisor — Commercial HVAC Cost Guide
Chapter 11 — Efficiency (SEER2 vs IEER)
Residential efficiency = SEER2
Commercial efficiency = IEER
IEER measures performance under real operating conditions, not just peak conditions.
ASHRAE is the governing body that defines commercial HVAC efficiency standards:
ASHRAE Commercial HVAC Standards
Conclusion — Savvy Mavi’s Recommendation
If you’re pricing commercial HVAC, remember:
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Start with tonnage needs
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Compare IEER efficiency
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Consider installation complexity
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Commercial = more expensive but longer lifespan
And yes, that Goodman 3 Ton R-32 system is a smart buy when value matters.
The smartest HVAC buyer isn’t the one who spends the least —
It’s the one who invests in the system that lowers operational costs over time.
