Big Spaces, Big Units, Bigger Planning
A 20-ton RTU delivers about 240,000 BTU per hour of cooling. Units in the 15-25 ton range serve warehouse zones, big-box retail, distribution centres and large open floors across Scarborough, Mississauga and Brampton. The calls we get usually start with a zone that will not cool, a dual refrigeration circuit unit running on one circuit, or an old large unit that has reached the end.
At this size, the mechanical work is only part of the job. Weight, crane reach, structure and electrical capacity all have to be planned before anything is ordered.
What Makes Large RTU Installs Different
Structural engineer review
A 20-ton unit can weigh several thousand pounds. When it is heavier than the unit it replaces, or goes in a new spot, a structural engineer review comes first, with reinforcement designed and installed before the lift.
Crane rigging
Crane rigging for large units needs the right crane class, spreader bars and a lift plan. Industrial sites usually lift from the yard; sites on City of Toronto roads need ROW permits, which we file.
Dual circuits and controls
Large units typically carry two refrigeration circuits for redundancy and staging. DDC controls tie the unit into your BAS for schedules, alarms and demand control.
How Much Does a 20-Ton RTU Cost?
| Size | Installed | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 ton | $32K-$58K | 7-10 days |
| 25 ton + large | $55K-$95K | 2-3 wks |
Rebates are per ton, so large high-efficiency units can capture meaningful Save on Energy incentives. Adding a supply fan VFD can cut fan energy further; see VFD upgrades.
Quick Answers
Can one 20-ton unit replace two 10-ton units? Sometimes, but redundancy matters. Two units mean one failure does not take the whole space down. We weigh both options.
What about the electrical service? Large units may need a bigger disconnect or service upgrade, which our ESA-licensed crew handles and lists on the quote.
Our Scarborough 20-ton job went in after a structural check, with permits, lift and startup on the dates promised. See Scarborough for more on phased industrial retrofits, and 10-ton rooftop units for mid-size floors, or compare every size of commercial rooftop unit in Toronto we supply.
