HVAC is typically 20–30% of a Bengaluru office fit-out budget — and the most complained-about system when it underperforms. This guide covers system types, tonnage calculation, 2026 pricing, and what to watch out for when specifying HVAC for a Bengaluru office.
Split AC Systems are best for small offices up to 1,000 sq ft. Low upfront cost, independent units, but not suitable for concealed installation.
Ducted Split Systems are best for medium offices of 1,000–5,000 sq ft. Single outdoor unit per zone, concealed indoor unit with ducted supply/return, uniform air distribution, and suitable for false ceiling installation.
VRF/VRV Systems are best for large offices of 5,000+ sq ft. Multiple indoor units per outdoor unit with individual room temperature control. Energy efficient at part load with higher upfront cost but lower running cost.
Rule of thumb for Bengaluru's climate: open plan office needs 1 tonne per 120–150 sq ft; server rooms need 1 tonne per 40–60 sq ft (24x7); conference rooms need 1 tonne per 80 sq ft; cafeteria/pantry needs 1 tonne per 100 sq ft. For a 5,000 sq ft open plan office, expect 30–40 tonnes total. Always get a proper heat load calculation done by a qualified HVAC engineer.
| System | Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mount split | 1.5 TR | Rs 45,000–65,000 |
| Ducted split | 3 TR | Rs 1.1L–1.6L |
| Ducted split | 5 TR | Rs 1.6L–2.4L |
| VRF outdoor unit | 8 HP | Rs 2.2L–3.5L |
| VRF indoor cassette | 1 TR | Rs 28,000–45,000 |
Brands: Daikin, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Voltas, Blue Star — all widely serviced in Bengaluru.
Server room or data centre requiring precision cooling; 24x7 operation needing higher-grade equipment; complex ductwork routing through structural obstructions; long refrigerant pipe runs (VRF pipes over 30m add cost); building management system integration; and noise-sensitive spaces.
Undersized tonnage (office never reaches set temperature in peak summer); poor diffuser placement (cold spots and hot spots); no return air grilles (system works overtime); no drain slope (condensate backs up and causes ceiling leaks); single-phase power for 3+ TR units (trips circuit breakers); and no isolation valves.
HVAC must be coordinated with false ceiling height (indoor units need 300mm clearance minimum), electrical panel (dedicated circuits and MCBs per outdoor unit), plumbing (condensate drain routing), and fire safety (smoke detectors on return air ducts). A contractor who handles HVAC, electrical, and false ceiling in one contract eliminates coordination gaps.
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Free Pre-Lease Audit WhatsApp UsFor a standard ducted split or VRF system, budget Rs 150–300 per sq ft for supply and installation. Premium systems with BMS integration run Rs 300–450 per sq ft.
For 5,000 sq ft, a VRF system is typically more efficient and offers individual room control. Upfront cost is higher by 15–20% but running costs are lower.
Quarterly service for filters and coil cleaning. Annual deep service including refrigerant check and drain cleaning. In Bengaluru's dusty environment, 6-weekly filter cleaning is recommended for busy offices.
Daikin and Mitsubishi are the most specified for premium VRF. Blue Star and Voltas offer competitive pricing and strong service networks across Bengaluru.
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