The average price of a 5-ton HVAC system is between $5,892 and $37,313. The unit itself costs approximately $17,927. The cost to install the HVAC unit (labor cost) is approximately $2,472. Keep in mind: prices vary based on the brand or model of the unit you select, the installation company you hire and fluctuations in market pricing.
When your existing HVAC system can no longer meet your home’s cooling demands, or if you’ve significantly expanded your living space, upgrading to a larger capacity system becomes necessary. A 5-ton air conditioner represents a substantial cooling solution designed for larger homes. Understanding the tonnage requirements is crucial, as air conditioner capacity is measured in tons, indicating how much heat the system can extract from your home per hour. The appropriate tonnage depends on your home’s total square footage, insulation quality, and local climate conditions.
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5-Ton HVAC Replacement Costs by System Type
Larger homes, which often require 5-ton systems, tend to have more complex HVAC needs than smaller residences. The substantial cooling capacity means these systems typically serve homes with multiple zones, extensive ductwork, and varying heating requirements across different areas. System type selection becomes even more critical at this capacity level, as the equipment represents a significant investment that will impact your home’s comfort and energy costs for decades.
This table explores the average cost for different types of 5-ton HVAC systems.
| System Type | Average Cost* | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| AC & Gas Furnace | $13,059 | $6,500–$28,583 |
| AC & Electric Furnace | $11,604 | $5,892–$25,306 |
| Heat Pump & Air Handler | $12,879 | $6,425–$28,177 |
| Dual-Fuel | $16,935 | $8,118–$37,3136 |
| AC-Only | $11,975 | $6,047–$26,141 |
5-Ton HVAC System Costs by SEER2 Rating
Energy efficiency becomes increasingly important with 5-ton systems due to their substantial power consumption. Higher SEER2 ratings can translate into significant long-term savings on utility bills, making the additional upfront investment worthwhile for many homeowners. The difference between a standard efficiency and a high-efficiency 5-ton system can result in hundreds of dollars in annual energy savings, especially in climates with extended cooling seasons.
Generally, a unit with a higher SEER2 rating costs more than a unit with a lower rating. Get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for a 5-ton AC and gas furnace combo based on SEER2 in the table below.
| SEER2 | Average Cost* | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.4 | $11,865 | $20,741 | $11,664 |
| 13.4 | $12,280 | $21,448 | $12,070 |
| 14.3 | $12,957 | $22,602 | $12,733 |
| 15.2 | $12,883 | $22,476 | $12,661 |
| 16.1 | $16,467 | $28,583 | $16,168 |
How Much Do Other HVAC Systems Cost by Tonnage?
System costs increase dramatically as tonnage requirements grow, particularly beyond the 3.5-ton threshold. This jump reflects not only larger equipment sizes but also the commercial-grade components often required for high-capacity residential systems. Many 5-ton installations may require specialized equipment, enhanced electrical service, or even multiple smaller units working in tandem to achieve optimal performance.
This table breaks down the average cost of an HVAC system by tonnage.
| Tonnage | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | $8,448 | $4,853–$18,657 |
| 2 tons | $8,551 | $4,940–$18,854 |
| 2.5 tons | $8,551 | $4,940–$19,051 |
| 3 tons | $8,654 | $5,026–$19,051 |
| 3.5 tons | $8,654 | $5,026–$19,249 |
| 4 tons | $13,136 | $5,762–$37,017 |
| 4.5 tons | $13,290 | $5,892–$37,313 |
| 5.5 tons | $17,927 | $10,572–$39,286 |
| 6 tons | $17,927 | $10,572–$39,681 |
| 6.5 tons | $18,133 | $10,745–$39,681 |
How Do I Know The Right Tonnage for My House?
Large homes requiring 5-ton systems require a careful sizing analysis that extends beyond simple square footage calculations. While the basic rule of thumb suggests dividing square footage by 600, homes in the 3,000-square-foot range or larger often have unique characteristics that significantly impact cooling loads. Multi-story layouts, cathedral ceilings, extensive glass areas, and varying sun exposure throughout the day all influence the actual tonnage requirements.
Therefore, the approximate tonnage needed for a 3,000 square foot house is about 5 tons. Gain a better understanding of how tonnage and square footage relate to each other using the table below.
| Square Footage Range | Tonnage of HVAC System |
|---|---|
| 600–1,000 square feet | 1.5 |
| 1,001–1,300 square feet | 2.0 |
| 1,301–1,600 square feet | 2.5 |
| 1,601–1,900 square feet | 3.0 |
| 1,901–2,200 square feet | 3.5 |
| 2,201–2,600 square feet | 4.0 |
| 2,601–3,200 square feet | 5.0 |
How Do I Know If I Need Multiple Systems?
Large homes often benefit from multiple smaller systems rather than one oversized unit. This approach offers better temperature control, improved efficiency, and redundancy in case one system requires repairs. Many homes requiring 5 tons of cooling capacity are excellent candidates for dual-system installations, such as separate units for upper and lower floors or main living areas versus bedrooms.
- Large square footage: If your home exceeds 3,000 square feet, you may want to consider multiple units. Even a high-tonnage zoning system can struggle to keep a larger home cool.
- Multiple floors: Generally, your HVAC unit can keep up with a multi-story home with a zoning system, but if you want constant heating and cooling without having to worry about alternating between areas of the home, multiple units may be a good option.
- Specific room requirements: If you have specific rooms that are hotter or colder (i.e. if you have large appliances running in one room), it may be a good investment to consider multiple systems.
FAQs
How long will a 5-ton HVAC installation take?
The installation of a 5-ton system typically requires 2–3 full days, amounting to roughly 16–24 hours of labor. The need for larger equipment, more complex ductwork, and potential electrical upgrades leads to longer installation periods than those for smaller systems. If your home has two systems, anticipate an installation timeframe of about 4 to 5 days.
What’s the typical lifespan of a system?
Generally, HVAC systems have a lifespan of 15–20 years. However, larger systems might experience somewhat shorter lifespans because of their greater complexity and longer operating hours. It is important to familiarize yourself with the warranty on your system and any workmanship guarantees from your contractor in case your HVAC unit fails before reaching its expected lifespan.
How much is just a new 5-ton AC unit for a 3,000 square foot home?
If you’re replacing an existing 5-ton AC unit in your home, you can expect to pay around $11,975 for an AC-only system.
Does replacing or installing central air increase home value?
Yes, several sources, including Angi and Realty Times, indicate that replacing your HVAC unit could lead to a 5-10% increase in your home’s value. High-capacity systems are especially valuable in luxury home markets, where buyers expect comprehensive climate control.
How We Calculated Our HVAC Replacement Cost Estimates
Replacing an HVAC system is a large investment. Throughout this article, we estimated what it would cost to replace a 5-ton HVAC system. Keep in mind: These are estimates intended to help you understand what a project like this might cost. You should get quotes from at least two companies to understand the true costs in your area.
We collected unit prices and the average cost of labor to calculate a total estimated price to replace a 5-ton HVAC system. For unit costs, we collected wholesale prices for air condensers, electric furnaces, gas furnaces, evaporator coils, heat pumps, and air handlers from three sources, including: AC Direct, HVACDirect.com, and Buy Comfort Direct. We calculated prices for the total system using various combinations of unit costs. We also added an estimated retail markup. For labor, we researched the average time it takes to replace an HVAC system and multiplied this by the average cost of labor.