Plan an RTU replacement around five items beyond the unit: crane mobilization ($1,500 to $4,500), curb adapters ($800 to $3,000), electrical upgrades ($500 to $3,500), permits, and tenant downtime. Typical installed costs run about $9,000 to $14,500 for 5 tons and $14,000 to $24,000 for 10 tons.
Technical Consideration
Typical RTU replacement costs
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 5-ton RTU installed | $9,000 – $14,500 |
| 10-ton RTU installed | $14,000 – $24,000 |
| 20-ton RTU installed | $24,000 – $41,000 |
| Crane mobilization | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Curb adapter | $800 – $3,000 |
| Electrical upgrades | $500 – $3,500 |
| Temporary cooling rental | $500 – $2,500 / week |
Published U.S. ranges for planning only, not Wilmington quotes. Your written price depends on diagnosis, access, equipment, permits, and timing. Sources: Oxmaint – RTU replacement cost 2026.
Should the new unit match the old size?
Not automatically. Occupancy, layout, and envelope may have changed since the original install.
Ask for a load review.
What about the curb?
New units often have different footprints; a curb adapter avoids re-roofing but adds cost.
Inspect roof condition around the curb at the same time.
How do we limit tenant disruption?
Schedule swaps for spring or fall, early mornings, or weekends, and communicate shutdown windows in advance.
Temporary cooling may be needed for critical spaces.
What should commissioning include?
Airflow, refrigerant charge, economizer operation, controls schedules, and alarms.
Get a written commissioning report.
Related services in Wilmington
- Rooftop Unit (RTU) Repair & Replacement in Wilmington, DE
- Commercial HVAC Repair & Maintenance in Wilmington, DE
- Smart Thermostats, Zoning & Controls in Wilmington, DE
Local verification resources
Before authorizing work, use the Delaware license lookup. For projects that may require approval, consult the City of Wilmington permit information or the authority serving the property.