How Much Does Drain Pan Restoration Cost?
If your commercial HVAC system has seen better days and you are starting to notice water around the unit, rust, standing moisture, moldy odors, or damage near the air handler, your drain pan may be part of the problem. The drain pan is responsible for collecting moisture from your HVAC system and safely directing it away from the unit. When it starts to fail, water can leak into the air handler, damage surrounding components, and create a much larger repair issue for your facility.
One of the first questions facility managers and maintenance directors ask is “how much does drain pan restoration cost?” While every unit is different, restoring a drain pan is usually far more cost-effective than replacing the entire pan or paying for repairs after the system has completely failed. This guide will explain the cost of refurbishing a drain pan, what impacts pricing, and why drain pan restoration is usually the better option for commercial HVAC systems.
The Average Cost Of Drain Pan Restoration
Because there are so many different variables that go into the cost of drain pan restoration, it can range from just $300 to $20,000+, depending on the size, access, and condition of the unit.
The good news is that, in most cases, restoring the existing drain pan is still significantly less expensive than full replacement or dealing with major air handler damage after the pan fails.
Below we break down some of the factors that go into the cost of a drain pan restoration
The Cost Of Drain Pan Restoration Depends On The Unit Size
One of the biggest factors that determines the cost of refurbishing a drain pan is the size of the HVAC unit. A small PTAC-style unit or smaller commercial unit may only cost around $300 or more to restore, depending on the condition of the pan. These smaller jobs usually require less coating product, less labor, and less time.
For a 20-ton commercial unit, the drain pan refurbishment cost may fall around $1,500 to $2,000. For a larger 50-ton unit, the commercial HVAC drain pan repair cost may be closer to $3,000 to $5,000 or more. When you get into large walk-in air handler units, the cost can rise significantly because there is more surface area to clean, repair, coat, and protect. We’ve even once worked with a facility that had units that were over 25 feet across by 12 feet tall. For units this large, the cost to refurbish the drain pans can go all the way up to around $20,000. This shows that size is definitely one of the biggest factors behind the price of restoring drain pans.
Structural Damage And Corrosion Increase Restoration Costs
The condition of the drain pan also has a major impact on the cost of refurbishing it. If the pan only needs cleaning, sealing, and coating, the restoration will usually be much more affordable. But if there is severe rust, cracking, holes, or weakened metal, the project becomes more involved.
A rusted HVAC drain pan repair may require additional surface preparation before coatings can be applied. If the pan has lost structural integrity, sheet metal repair may be needed before the restoration can continue. In some cases, PROAC may need to work with a sheet metal expert to repair or rebuild damaged sections before sealing and protecting the pan. This might add anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in extra costs. But even when this additional repair work is needed, restoration is still often the better option.
Having Multiple Drain Pans Restored At Once Can Lower Refurbishment Costs
If you have several HVAC units across your facility that need servicing, fixing multiple drain pans at the same time will help to lower the overall commercial HVAC drain pan repair cost per unit. Because the crew is already on site and prepared to do the job, they can save time and resources by doing them on the same day.
For example, one crew may be able to start preparing for another pan while one coating is drying. This saves time and makes the overall project more efficient. For hospitals, schools, manufacturing plants, and large commercial buildings with several air handlers, doing all the work at once might make the cost of renovating a drain pan more reasonable for the entire facility.
What Happens When You Don’t Refurbish Your Drain Pans?
Delaying your facility’s HVAC drain pan repair might lead to substantially larger costs later on. If a drain pan becomes damaged, it can seep water into the air handler, which can damage the insulation, lead to corrosion and rust, and even allow for mold and bacteria to grow. Not only are these things a safety risk, but the water damage can lead to lower overall system performance and, in some cases, cause the entire system to break down.
Refurbishing a drain pan is usually far less expensive than correcting substantial air handler damage once the pan has fully failed. By addressing the issue early, you take care of your HVAC system and prevent a costly system shutdown.
Reduce Future Drain Pan Restoration Costs With Proactive HVAC Maintenance
The best way to reduce future drain pan restoration costs is through regular HVAC maintenance. When your air handler is inspected and cleaned consistently, technicians can catch early signs of drain pan wear before the damage becomes severe. Drain pan coatings and repair products are designed to last a long time, especially in a protected air handler environment. With proper maintenance, a restored drain pan can often last for the life of the unit. Services like these all help keep the system running well and reduce the chance of expensive future repairs.
Get A Drain Pan Restoration Estimate From PROAC
Every drain pan is different, which means every drain pan restoration job costs differently based on the size, condition, and other characteristics. In most cases, PROAC can refurbish and restore commercial drain pans without the need for full replacement, helping your facility save money and extend the life of your HVAC system.
If your facility is dealing with issues with your drain pan or other parts of your HVAC system, PROAC can help. Our team provides professional drain pan restoration, air handler restoration, air quality testing, mold remediation, and other commercial HVAC maintenance services to keep your building working for you.
Contact PROAC today to schedule an inspection and get a quote for your drain pan restoration project.