Key Takeaways
- A 5-ton AC costs $16,312 on average, and most units fall between $11,271 and $24,756.
- 5-ton systems generally fit homes 2,900–3,100 square feet, but have a pro size your unit.
- Your total may increase by up to $6,600 if you add duct repairs, alterations, and permits.
A 5-ton AC system costs an average of $16,312, based on our cost data, including primary equipment and installation labor. Most people pay somewhere between $11,271 and $24,756, depending on the unit’s efficiency rating, the AC brand, installation complexity, and the local cost of labor. You may see additional costs of up to $6,600 for permits, new thermostats, and ductwork installation, depending on your location and existing AC setup.
A “5-ton” AC has a cooling capacity of 60,000 British thermal units (BTUs) and is usually an ideal size for a home that’s between 2,900 and 3,100 square feet. Sizing your AC system appropriately for your home is crucial because an underpowered unit will work overtime to cool your space, and an oversize unit can cycle on and off rapidly. Both of these will limit your system’s lifespan, increase maintenance costs, and make breakdowns more likely.
Understanding what affects the cost of a 5-ton AC system will help you budget accurately and account for add-ons, added labor, and components that you may specifically need for your home.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
5-Ton AC Cost by SEER2 Rating
If you’re in the market for a new AC system, you’ll want to look into Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) ratings, which are an updated version of SEER ratings. These ratings signify the efficiency of air conditioning systems. A higher SEER2 rating means a more energy-efficient and, usually, more expensive unit.
There are three tiers of AC energy efficiency:
- Standard efficiency: between 13.0 and 15.1 SEER2
- High efficiency: between 15.2 and 17.0 SEER2
- Premium efficiency: 17.1 SEER2 or higher
Note that SEER2 requirements vary by region. New central ACs in the Southeast and Southwest require a minimum rating of 14.3 SEER2. Lower-rated units, such as those with a 12.4 SEER2 rating, are no longer widely available due to updated federal efficiency standards.
For a 3,000-square-foot home with a 5-ton AC and gas furnace system, costs typically break down as follows based on SEER2 rating:
| SEER2 Rating | Average System Cost | System Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12.4 | $15,552 | $11,614–$22,319 |
| 13.4 | $16,093 | $12,004–$23,026 |
| 14.3 | $16,977 | $12,642–$24,180 |
| 15.2 | $16,881 | $12,573–$24,055 |
| 16.1 | $21,557 | $15,946–$30,162 |
While a unit with a higher SEER2 rating usually costs more, it’s likely to save you money over time. More efficient central air conditioners use less energy to cool an equivalent amount, so higher efficiency ratings will mean lower cooling bills, which can offset the higher upfront cost over time. Higher efficiency ratings also lead to more uniform temperatures, even when outside temperatures vary widely, and greater indoor comfort.
We recommend choosing units that have a SEER2 rating of 15.2 or higher, which is the minimum requirement to qualify for the ENERGY STAR program. You may notice in the pricing chart above that the cost comes down a bit once you reach a rating of 15.2 SEER2. This is both because ENERGY STAR models are the most popular and widely available and because homeowners begin qualifying for energy efficiency rebates at that efficiency level.
5-Ton AC Cost by System Type
The AC system type you choose can greatly affect your costs, too, even if you’re not upgrading your heating equipment at the same time. The air handlers and ductwork in your home vary based on your heating system, and tying in your new central air system can get more or less complicated based on the system type.
It’s most common to pair a central AC with a gas furnace or electric furnace because they’ll already have ductwork installed, but you can also add central AC alongside a heat pump system or a dual-fuel system — or you can install AC by itself if you live in a southern region and don’t require heat.
The table below highlights the average costs of a 5-ton AC system by type of HVAC system in a 3,000-square-foot home.
| HVAC System Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| AC & gas furnace | $17,412 |
| AC & electric furnace | $15,472 |
| Heat pump & air handler | $17,172 |
| Dual fuel system | $22,580 |
| AC system only | $15,967 |
You can also install three types of central AC units: those with single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed compressors. Single-stage AC units are more primitive, as they are either cooling your living space or they are off. Two-stage ones offer high-speed and low-speed settings. Variable-speed compressors can operate at multiple speeds to reduce cycling and give you better control over your interior temperatures.
On average, you’ll pay around 30% more for a variable-speed unit upfront, although the increased efficiency can provide energy savings over time.
What Else Impacts the Cost of a 5-Ton AC Unit?
You can get a good idea of the cost to install a 5-ton air conditioning unit by considering the efficiency rating you need and the type of system you install, but you should also take into account the following factors for the most accurate estimate.
Labor and Installation Factors
On average, homeowners pay $3,090 for the labor to install a 5-ton AC unit, but your total labor cost could fall anywhere between $2,079 and $6,709. Prices vary based on the local cost of living, your home layout, how accessible your equipment is, and how far your refrigerant lines need to travel between your indoor air handler and your outdoor condenser.
You may need to add $3,000 to $6,000 to your total to account for ductwork repairs or alterations, especially if you have existing ductwork that’s leaking or needs replacement. If you don’t currently have ductwork in your home, expect to add between $7,000 and $15,000 to your total to install ductwork, according to cost data from RSMeans, a price estimator database for contractors.
Equipment Cost Breakdown
The equipment you need to install a 5-ton AC costs an average of $13,222, though you could pay anywhere between $3,814 and $32,577. This number varies based on the SEER2 rating, the equipment brand, and the heating system you’re pairing it with.
Optional Add-Ons
While you already have an HVAC technician on-site to install your 5-ton AC unit, you may want to consider some add-on products to get the most out of your system. Below are some costs for typical add-ons to help you budget for a complete AC package:
- Thermostat installation: $39–$217
- Electrical panel upgrades: $1,200–$2,000*
- Zoning systems: $1,500–$8,500*
- Permit fees: $250–$400
- Whole-home air purifier: $419–$4,962*
*Costs are from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Labor and permit fees vary widely by region and local municipality. Get three quotes for installation from local contractors to get a better idea of the average prices in your area.
Brand and Quality
Finally, the brand and quality of your AC unit can swing your pricing above or below the average. Premium AC brands will tend to last longer, but they also cost more upfront. For example, a Lennox AC costs $9,000, on average, while a more budget-friendly option from Goodman costs half that, according to our cost guides.
| Brand | Average Unit Cost | Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | $5,500 | $4,600–$8,000 |
| Goodman | $4,500 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Lennox | $9,000 | $5,000–$13,000 |
Is a 5-Ton AC Unit Right for Your Home?
A 5-ton AC system is generally a good fit for homes that have 2,900 square feet of living space or more. However, as you move above 3,000 square feet, you may need to choose a unit with a higher efficiency rating for ideal performance or even pair two AC units together. In both cases, your AC installation costs go up as your home size increases.
Several factors contribute to selecting the ideal size AC for your home, including your ceiling height, local climate, and lifestyle. While you can use the general numbers above to estimate your AC size and costs, you should always defer to a professional who can do a Manual J load calculation and determine what’s right for your specific property.
Installing the wrong size AC can lead to a whole host of issues, including AC short cycling, overheating and motor burnout, humidity problems, and uncomfortable temperatures in your living area. Hiring a pro can help avoid these issues.
How To Save Money on a 5-Ton AC System
A 5-ton AC unit can cost up to $39,286 in extreme cases, so your total can quickly push you beyond your budget. You can keep your costs from getting out of hand by using the following money-saving tips.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Some HVAC contractors will upcharge equipment, charge more for labor, or tack on additional fees to increase profit. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least three local HVAC technicians. Make sure the pros provide estimates for similar systems, and pay close attention to the brand and SEER2 ratings for a fair comparison.
Look for Rebates and Incentives
The federal government, your state government, your local municipality, and even your local utility companies may offer rebates and incentives that can save you money on the installation. You’ll usually start seeing incentives for SEER2 ratings of 15.2 or above, and you may find better rebates for even higher ratings. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for incentives available in your area.
Schedule Offseason Installation
HVAC technicians are usually busiest in the spring and the fall as homeowners prep for the more extreme temperatures. Scheduling your installation for the summer or early winter can save you money, as lower demand often results in lower labor costs.
Next Steps
A 5-ton AC system is a major investment, costing an average of $16,312, according to our data. When you’re budgeting for your installation, be sure to consider system efficiency, your home size and layout, and the complexity of the installation, as these factors will all affect your pricing.
Contact at least three local HVAC pros for estimates and ask that they break out the costs by equipment, labor, and add-ons. Make sure each pro visits your home in person and completes a load calculation to determine the right AC size for your space. Look out for other red flags, too, such as lowball bids, estimates that don’t include permits, and contractors who provide estimates over the phone.
Finally, think about long-term savings when replacing and caring for your AC system. High-efficiency units cost more upfront but often pay for themselves and even save you money over time due to lower running costs. Similarly, signing up for a routine maintenance plan might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can extend your system’s life, improve efficiency, and avoid breakdowns during the peak cooling season.
How We Get Our HVAC Cost Data
Unless otherwise specified, the prices in this article are based on average costs to install a 5-ton AC system in a typical U.S. home and are meant to give you an idea of what to expect. Actual costs will vary based on your home’s size, the type of system you choose, and local labor rates.
To estimate these costs, we reviewed wholesale prices for HVAC equipment — including condensers, evaporator coils, air handlers, heat pumps, and both gas and electric furnaces — from AC Direct, HVACDirect.com, and Buy Comfort Direct. We then calculated system totals using different combinations of components, factored in typical retail markups, and added labor based on the average time it takes to replace a system.
Every home is different, so we strongly recommend getting quotes from at least two licensed HVAC contractors in your area to get a more accurate estimate.
FAQs About 5-Ton AC Units
How many square feet does a 5-ton AC unit cool?
A 5-ton AC unit is usually best for a home with between 2,900 and 3,100 square feet. However, many factors influence AC sizing, including the unit’s efficiency, your climate, your lifestyle and temperature preferences, and ceiling height. It’s best to have a licensed HVAC contractor complete a Manual J load calculation on your home to determine what size AC system you need.
What’s the average lifespan of a 5-ton unit?
A 5-ton AC unit will usually last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, but the lifespan depends on many factors. Most importantly, AC lifespan will usually be shorter in more extreme climates because the system will need to work harder to maintain your desired temperature.
Many major central air conditioning brands, including Lennox, Carrier, and Trane, provide warranty coverage for five to 10 years. You can extend the lifespan of your equipment by performing preventative maintenance and keeping up with scheduled repairs.
Is it worth getting a unit with a higher SEER2 rating?
Choosing a higher SEER2 rating is usually worth it because more efficient ACs use less energy to cool your home and will save you money on cooling bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, investing in an AC system with a SEER2 rating of 28 will save you an average of nearly $2,000 over the system’s lifetime, excluding energy efficiency rebates and HVAC tax credits.
What brands make the best 5-ton AC units?
Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are some of the best AC brands for 5-ton AC units, in our opinion. They all offer premium SEER2 ratings of 20 or higher. AC units from these companies operate at low noise levels to minimize living space disruptions, and they all have a good reputation for quality and equipment durability.
Carrier is our top pick if you want an AC that offers quiet operation, as its units have sound ratings as low as 51 decibels (dB), which is 10 dB below normal conversation. Trane and Lennox are the better options if you want to prioritize efficiency, as both manufacturers offer SEER2 ratings of 22.0 or higher.
