Running a business comes with plenty of challenges—from managing staff and inventory to keeping customers happy. One thing you don’t want to leave to chance is comfort inside your commercial space. Whether you own a retail shop, office, restaurant, or warehouse, the right air conditioning system makes all the difference in employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and even the longevity of your equipment.
That’s why many small to mid-sized businesses consider the Daikin 5 ton packaged air conditioner—a unit that combines power, reliability, and straightforward installation. But is it the right fit for your commercial building?
In this guide, Tony walks through sizing tips, layout considerations, pros and cons, and real-world scenarios so you can confidently decide if a 5 ton packaged AC system is the right choice for your business.
📐 What Does “5 Ton” Mean in Air Conditioning?
Before we get into business applications, let’s break down the term “5 ton.”
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1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTUs/hour
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5 tons = 60,000 BTUs/hour
So, a 5 ton packaged AC can remove 60,000 BTUs of heat per hour from your building.
👉 But don’t confuse “tons” with the physical weight of the unit—it’s purely a measure of cooling capacity.
For reference:
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1,500–2,500 sq. ft. homes typically use 3–4 tons of cooling.
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Light commercial spaces like restaurants, offices, or small retail shops often fall in the 4–7 ton range, depending on load requirements.
This makes the 5 ton packaged unit a sweet spot for small-to-medium businesses that want robust cooling without overspending on oversized systems.
🏭 What Is a Packaged Air Conditioner?
Unlike split systems (with separate indoor and outdoor components), a packaged unit houses all major components—compressor, condenser, evaporator, and fan—in a single cabinet.
Key benefits of packaged systems:
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Space saving: Installed on the rooftop or ground pad.
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Simpler installation: No separate indoor air handler.
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Durable: Designed for commercial-grade performance.
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Easy maintenance: All components in one unit.
Businesses often choose packaged systems when indoor space is limited or when a rooftop installation is more practical.
👉 Daikin’s packaged AC lineup is a leading choice for commercial buyers thanks to its reliability and wide service network.
📊 How to Know If a 5 Ton Packaged AC Fits Your Business
1. Square Footage Coverage
A common rule of thumb is 20 BTUs per square foot in commercial settings. However, commercial load calculations are more complex because of occupants, lighting, kitchen equipment, and electronics.
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Offices: 1 ton per 300–400 sq. ft.
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Restaurants: 1 ton per 150–200 sq. ft.
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Retail: 1 ton per 250–350 sq. ft.
So a 5 ton packaged AC could cover:
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1,500–2,000 sq. ft. restaurant space
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2,000–2,500 sq. ft. retail shop
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2,000–3,000 sq. ft. office
2. Occupant Load
More people = more heat load. For example, a busy restaurant dining room with 80 customers generates far more heat than a law office with 20 employees.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends adding 400–600 BTUs per person when calculating loads .
3. Business Type
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Restaurants: Kitchens produce heavy heat loads → 5 tons may cover dining only, not kitchen.
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Offices: Computers, copiers, and conference rooms add load but usually manageable.
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Retail: High foot traffic requires more cooling, especially near entrances.
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Warehouses: Often need zoning or multiple units due to large open areas.
🧮 Manual J Load Calculations vs. Rules of Thumb
While rules of thumb are handy, they’re not enough for a serious business investment.
Professional HVAC contractors use Manual J (residential) and Manual N (commercial) load calculations to precisely determine capacity. These calculations consider:
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Square footage
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Ceiling height
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Window size and orientation
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Insulation quality
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Occupancy levels
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Equipment and lighting loads
👉 You can read more about Manual J & N load calculations here from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Tony’s advice: Don’t skip the load calc. Oversizing leads to short cycling (higher energy bills), while undersizing leaves your employees sweating.
🏢 Commercial Layouts: Where a 5 Ton Packaged AC Works Best
🛒 Retail Stores
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Example: 2,500 sq. ft. clothing shop with 40 customers.
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A 5 ton packaged AC can handle moderate customer loads.
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Zoning may be needed if store has storage or fitting rooms with different cooling needs.
🍽️ Restaurants
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Dining rooms up to 2,000 sq. ft.
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Kitchens often need separate exhaust and cooling systems.
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Many restaurant owners pair a 5 ton packaged AC with an additional unit for back-of-house.
💼 Office Buildings
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Small offices (2,000–3,000 sq. ft.) with 20–40 employees.
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Conference rooms may require additional cooling.
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Rooftop placement frees up indoor space.
🏭 Warehouses / Light Industrial
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Works well for loading areas, offices within warehouses, or zoned workspaces.
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Not ideal for cooling large open warehouse floors unless paired with multiple units.
👉 Energy Star’s commercial AC guidance is a great resource for businesses evaluating system types.
💡 Pros & Cons of a 5 Ton Packaged AC
✅ Pros
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All-in-one system → faster installation.
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Commercial-grade durability.
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Works for a wide range of business layouts.
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Rooftop-friendly design saves indoor space.
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Available in gas/electric, heat pump, or cooling-only models.
❌ Cons
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May be oversized for very small shops.
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Single-stage models less efficient in part-load conditions.
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Rooftop placement requires crane and roof reinforcement in some cases.
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Noise can carry if installed near outdoor customer areas.
💵 Cost Considerations for Businesses
1. Equipment Cost
A 5 ton packaged AC (like the Daikin model) typically ranges $5,500–$8,000 for equipment.
2. Installation Cost
Labor and install costs:
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Ground-level install: $2,500–$4,000
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Rooftop install with crane: $4,500–$7,000
👉 Total installed cost = $8,000–$15,000 depending on complexity .
3. Operating Costs
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Energy efficiency depends on SEER2 rating.
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A 13.4 SEER2 unit is standard efficiency under new 2023 regulations .
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Businesses can expect $200–$500/month in cooling costs depending on climate and usage.
🌡️ Can a 5 Ton Packaged AC Handle Extreme Heat?
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Hot Climates (Texas, Florida, Arizona): Works for small commercial spaces, but oversized demands may require two units.
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Mild Climates (Pacific Northwest, Northeast): One 5 ton often handles a full small business space efficiently.
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Cold Climates: If heating is required, consider a gas/electric packaged unit or heat pump model.
👉 Check Climate Zone Maps from DOE before finalizing system size.
🔧 Maintenance Requirements for Business Owners
A packaged system requires routine commercial-grade maintenance to keep warranties valid:
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Monthly: Filter replacement.
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Quarterly: Inspect belts, coils, and refrigerant lines.
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Annually: Professional inspection and coil cleaning.
👉 Learn more at EPA’s HVAC maintenance best practices for energy-efficient operation.
Tony’s advice: Preventive maintenance saves thousands by avoiding emergency breakdowns in the middle of summer.
🔄 Alternatives to a 5 Ton Packaged AC
Not every business is a perfect match for a 5 ton packaged unit. Consider alternatives if:
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Your space is smaller than 1,500 sq. ft. → Split system or ductless mini split may be better.
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Your building has zoning needs → Multiple smaller units offer flexibility.
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You want maximum efficiency → Look at high-SEER2 rooftop systems.
👉 Compare options at ACCA’s Commercial HVAC Buyer’s Guide for best practices.
✅ Conclusion: Is a 5 Ton Packaged AC Right for You?
For many small-to-medium businesses, a 5 ton packaged AC is the perfect balance of size, power, and value. It’s especially suited for:
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Retail stores (2,000–2,500 sq. ft.)
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Restaurants (dining areas up to 2,000 sq. ft.)
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Offices (2,000–3,000 sq. ft.)
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Warehouses with zoned offices or loading areas
Tony’s bottom line:
“If your business falls in that sweet spot of 2,000–3,000 sq. ft. and you want a durable, all-in-one solution, a 5 ton packaged unit like the Daikin model is worth serious consideration. Just don’t skip the load calculation—make sure it’s truly the right fit before you buy.”
In the next topic we will know more about: SEER2 Explained: What 13.4 Means for Light Commercial Buyers
