I have an A/C, Heater package unit on the roof of my condo in Southern California. My unit works but my neighbor's unit just kicked the bucket and it is being replaced.
The estimates she got varied from $7k to $12k. She picked the $7k unit, 3 ton. Our package units (condo built in 1986) are Rheem 2.5 ton, gas for heater and electricity for the A/C. I have a 40A breaker for it inside my condo. I know we need a crane to do the work (the unit are two stories, garage on bottom, condo on top) so that adds to the installation cost. Besides the electrical and gas connection there is a water drain (PVC) that need to be removed/connected to the old/new unit.
I see some package units from Goodman are about $3k shipped. Other brands are about the same price. Assuming the crane is about $500. Where is the rest of the expense? Does it really cost $2k – $3k to connect the electricity, gas and water drain?
I know my numbers are not exact … taxes are unavoidable…lol. BTW no rebates being used. I'm wondering because I'm thinking of replacing my unit myself. I can do the electrical, gas and pvc without a problem. I can contract a crane but maybe I'm missing something? Does the weight of the unit keeps it in place or is it screwed on?
Oh the price does not include any modification to the base where the old unit is placed.
UPDATE: Added a picture of my unit
Best Answer
I would look into renting a “reach forklift”, or boom lift forklift, suitable for rough terrain. They have names like Gehl, SkyTrak, JLG & Genie. The last one I rented was $250/day with a delivery charge of $75.00. A crane requires a certified crane operator which goes for $100/hr in my state with a minimum rate; that’s for just the operator. So the forklift saves big time. (They go up to 40+feet, depending on model.)
As far as the charge for connections, that is off topic, but I can say on a condo it would require a licensed electrician at a minimum in my state, possibly adding the required 120v receptacle as well, as I don’t see that. Possible changes in mounting, power, gas, drains all add time.
With commercial properties, like condos, we usually have to meet current code when there is a change (your neighbor going from 2.5 ton to 3 is a change).
So as far as cost, there may be multiple trades required in your state and some other changes we don’t know about. So the cost may sound steep to me, but I did not bid the job and don’t know all your local requirements. The more requirements, the higher the cost.