RTU Replacement
& Upgrades

When to Replace Your Rooftop Unit (And What It'll Cost)

Here's something most HVAC companies won't tell you upfront: RTU lifespan in North Texas is 12-15 years, not the 20 years you'll read in manufacturer brochures. Those numbers are based on national averages. Our 100°F+ summers mean your rooftop unit runs 2,400+ hours per year just on cooling — that accelerated runtime wears out compressors, contactors, and capacitors much faster than systems up north.

There are clear signs your RTU is on its way out. Watch for the compressor cycling more than 6 times per hour — that short-cycling kills efficiency and accelerates wear. If your electric bills are up 20% or more year over year with the same usage, your system is losing efficiency fast. Still running R-22 refrigerant? That's a ticking time bomb — production stopped in 2020, and a single recharge now costs $800-$2,000. Visible rust on the cabinet means moisture is getting where it shouldn't, and internal components aren't far behind.

Let me break down what RTU replacement actually costs in North Texas right now:

• 3-ton unit: $6,500-$10,000
• 5-ton unit: $10,000-$16,000
• 7.5-ton unit: $14,000-$22,000
• 10-ton unit: $18,000-$30,000
• 15-ton unit: $25,000-$45,000
• 20-ton unit: $35,000-$65,000

Don't forget to budget for crane costs, which add $2,000-$5,000 for rooftop access depending on building height and unit weight. If your existing curb adapter doesn't match the new unit, that's another $500-$1,500 for modifications.

The number one mistake I see: businesses waiting until the RTU dies completely, then paying emergency pricing — a $3,000-$5,000 premium over planned replacement — plus all the lost revenue during the 3-5 days of downtime while we source equipment and coordinate the crane. Plan your replacement for October through March when contractors are less busy and pricing runs 10-15% lower. Your future self will thank you.