Buyers typically pay $5,000-$45,000 for a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) depending on capacity, zoning, and installation complexity. This article summarizes DOAS cost drivers, per-unit pricing, and realistic ranges to help U.S. buyers budget for equipment and installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small DOAS Unit + Basic Install | $5,000 | $12,000 | $20,000 | Single zone, 1-2 tons, simple duct tap |
| Medium Commercial DOAS (3-6 tons) | $12,000 | $25,000 | $40,000 | Multiple zones, energy recovery, moderate labor |
| Large/Custom DOAS (7+ tons) | $30,000 | $45,000 | $85,000 | High-efficiency ERV, rooftop curbs, controls |
| Controls/Commissioning | $800 | $2,500 | $8,000 | Advanced controls raise price |
Typical Total and Per-Ton Prices for DOAS Installations
Most U.S. projects fall into a $5,000-$45,000 total price band, or about $1,200-$6,000 per ton depending on complexity and accessories.
Assumptions: Assumptions: standard commercial labor rates, moderate access, typical ERV option included where noted.
Typical small DOAS (1–2 tons): $5,000-$20,000 total, $2,500-$10,000 per ton. Typical medium DOAS (3–6 tons): $12,000-$40,000 total, $2,000-$6,500 per ton. Large or custom rooftop DOAS (7+ tons) with high-efficiency ERV and controls: $30,000-$85,000 total, $4,200-$12,000 per ton.
Breakdown of Major Quote Components for a DOAS Project
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500-$30,000 (unit, ERV, filters) | $1,000-$15,000 | $500-$5,000 (rigging, crane) | $100-$2,000 | $100-$1,200 |
Materials and labor typically account for 70%–90% of the total DOAS price, with rigging/roof work and controls adding the largest single extras on rooftop installs.
Labor examples: small retrofit 10-20 hours at $75-$125 per hour; commercial rooftop requiring crane and crew 40-120 hours at $75-$125 per hour.
How System Capacity, ERV Selection, and Duct Runs Drive Price
Increasing capacity, adding energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs), or long new duct runs raises quotes significantly—expect step changes at 3 tons, 6 tons, and 10+ tons.
Numeric drivers: adding an ERV typically adds $2,000-$8,000; new ductwork costs $4-$12 per sq ft of conditioned area or $10-$25 per linear ft for trunk runs. If total system capacity rises above 6 tons, labor and structural support often add $5,000-$15,000 more.
Site conditions: rooftop curb and crane may add $2,500-$12,000; multistory shaft work or fire/smoke dampers add $1,200-$6,000.
Practical Ways To Reduce DOAS Price Without Sacrificing Performance
Control scope, choose standard efficiency ERV options, perform prep work, and schedule off-peak install dates to shave thousands off a DOAS quote.
- Keep unit sizes near common capacities (3, 5, or 10 tons) to avoid custom pricing.
- Opt for factory-mounted controls instead of fully custom BAS when budgets are tight.
- Complete site prep (clear roof access, provide power stub) to reduce contractor labor hours.
- Bundle DOAS with HVAC replacement projects to lower mobilization and permit fees.
Regional Price Differences and What To Expect Across the U.S.
Expect 10%–30% price variation by region: highest in urban West Coast and Northeast, lowest in parts of the Midwest and South.
Typical deltas: West Coast and Northeast +15%–30%; Sun Belt and Mountain West about ±0%–10% of national average; rural areas may be -5%–15% but add travel fees. Labor-rate examples: $95-$125/hr in high-cost cities vs. $65-$90/hr in lower-cost regions.
Common Add-Ons, Fees, and Hidden Costs To Budget For
Include $500-$12,000 extra for common add-ons like commissioning, controls integration, roof curbs, crane time, and permit upgrades.
| Add-On | Typical Range | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioning | $800-$4,000 | New systems, energy code compliance |
| Rooftop curb & flashing | $500-$3,500 | Rooftop installations |
| Crane or rigging | $1,000-$8,000 | Large rooftop units or tight access |
| Controls integration | $1,200-$8,000 | Connecting to BAS or advanced scheduling |
Three Real-World Quote Examples Buyers See in the Field
Concrete examples help translate ranges into likely bids for small, medium, and large projects.
| Scenario | Specs | Labor Hours | Per-Unit Rates | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Office | 2-ton DOAS, ERV, duct tap | 12 | $3,500 per ton | $8,500 |
| Retail Space | 5-ton DOAS, new duct trunks, basic controls | 48 | $4,800 per ton | $24,000 |
| School Gym | 12-ton rooftop DOAS, ERV, curb, crane, BAS link | 120 | $5,000 per ton | $60,000 |
Assumptions: quoted totals include materials, typical labor, basic permitting, and local delivery; specialty site work may increase totals beyond shown ranges.