Buyers typically pay $1,800-$30,000 for a make up air unit and installation depending on capacity, heating option, and site work. This article lists typical make up air unit cost ranges, per-unit rates, major quote components, and practical ways to lower the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone MUA Unit (equipment only) | $800 | $4,000 | $12,000 | Ranges by capacity and heating type |
| Installed System (small commercial) | $1,800 | $8,000 | $25,000 | Includes ducting, controls, labor |
| Large Commercial Install (complex) | $5,000 | $15,000 | $60,000 | Multiple openings, rooftop curb work |
| Per CFM Installed | $4 per cfm | $10 per cfm | $20 per cfm | Assumptions: Midwest labor, standard filters, normal access. |
Content Navigation
- Typical Make-Up Air Unit Pricing For Commercial And Residential Jobs
- Cost Breakdown By Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, And Delivery
- How Capacity (CFM) And Heating Type Change The Quote
- Practical Ways To Lower Make Up Air Unit Price On Installation
- Regional Price Differences: What To Budget In Urban, Suburban, And Rural U.S.
- Installation Time, Crew Size, And Typical Labor Hours To Expect
- Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
Typical Make-Up Air Unit Pricing For Commercial And Residential Jobs
Most buyers see total installed prices between $1,800 and $25,000 for single-unit jobs; equipment-only prices are roughly $800-$12,000.
Equipment-only costs: $800-$12,000 depending on capacity and heating. Installed small commercial job: $1,800-$8,000 for 1,000-3,000 cfm with basic rooftop curb and duct connection. Larger restaurant or industrial systems: $8,000-$60,000 when multiple ducts, makeup air heating, controls, and curb adapters are needed. Per-cfm installed averages $10 per cfm with ranges $4-$20 per cfm based on complexity.
Cost Breakdown By Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, And Delivery
Expect materials and labor to consume the bulk of the quote; permit and delivery fees are smaller but can be material for rooftop jobs.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600-$9,000 (unit, filters, controls) | $750-$8,000 (installation crew) | $200-$3,000 (rigging, hoist) | $0-$1,200 (local permits/inspections) | $50-$1,000 (crating, old unit disposal) |
Assumptions: labor hours = 8-80; hourly_rate = $75-$125 per hour depending on region and crew.
How Capacity (CFM) And Heating Type Change The Quote
CFM and heating option (electric, gas, heat-pump) are the largest technical drivers: capacity scales price roughly linearly; heating multiplies it.
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- Under 1,000 cfm: $1,000-$4,000 equipment only; $1,800-$6,000 installed.
- 1,000–5,000 cfm: $3,000-$12,000 equipment; $5,000-$25,000 installed.
- Above 5,000 cfm: $10,000-$60,000+ installed depending on staging and ductwork.
- Heating option impact: add $500-$2,500 for electric heaters; $1,500-$6,000 for direct-fired gas; $3,000-$12,000 for packaged heat-pump or custom gas train and controls.
Practical Ways To Lower Make Up Air Unit Price On Installation
Control scope and site prep to reduce price: simplify duct runs, use existing curbs, and choose simpler heating options when safe.
- Reuse existing curb and duct if code allows to save $500-$3,000.
- Opt for electric strip heat for small capacities where allowed rather than custom gas trains to save $1,000-$4,000.
- Schedule off-season installation to reduce rush premiums—savings of 5–20% possible.
- Obtain 3 comparable quotes and ask for line-item pricing to identify high markups.
Regional Price Differences: What To Budget In Urban, Suburban, And Rural U.S.
Expect coastal metro areas to be 10–35% higher than Midwest/rural markets due to labor and permit costs.
Typical deltas: Midwest baseline. Northeast and West Coast urban projects often run +15–35%. Southern and rural markets commonly run -5–15% from baseline. Rooftop crane work in dense cities can add $2,000-$10,000 compared with ground-level installs.
Installation Time, Crew Size, And Typical Labor Hours To Expect
Typical installation takes 4–40 crew-hours depending on complexity, which directly affects labor cost.
- Simple swap: 4–12 hours, 1–2 techs, $300-$1,500 labor.
- Moderate install (new duct, curb): 12–32 hours, 2–3 techs, $900-$4,000 labor.
- Complex rooftop multi-duct or fabrication: 32–120 hours, 3–6 techs, $2,400-$15,000 labor.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
Concrete examples help compare line items and realistic totals for budgeting.
| Example | Specs | Labor Hours | Per-Unit Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Retail Swap | 800 cfm, electric heat | 6 hrs | $7 per cfm installed | $3,600 |
| Restaurant Make-Up Air | 3,500 cfm, gas-fired heating, new curb | 36 hrs | $12 per cfm installed | $42,000 |
| Light Industrial Addition | 6,000 cfm, heat-pump, rooftop crane | 80 hrs | $10 per cfm installed | $60,000 |
Assumptions: prices include materials, basic controls, and standard access; specialty scopes add to totals.
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Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.