Introduction: Why a 5-Ton R-32 AC and Furnace Combo?
When you’re heating and cooling a larger home — typically 2,500 to 3,500 square feet or more — a 5-ton AC and gas furnace combo is one of the most common go-to solutions. The goal is straightforward: comfortable, even temperatures year-round with dependable performance and sensible energy use.
But not all 5-ton systems are created equal. The refrigerant in your AC condenser, your furnace’s AFUE efficiency, and the right SEER2 rating can make a big difference in how much you pay on energy bills and how long the system lasts.
That’s where R-32 refrigerant shines. It’s the next-generation refrigerant that’s less harmful to the environment and packs more cooling power per pound than the older R-410A refrigerant. In this guide, I’ll help you make sense of all of these elements, so you can make the most informed buying decision.
What Is a 5-Ton AC and Gas Furnace Combo?
First off, let’s clear up some basics.
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Tonnage: 1 ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. So a 5-ton AC provides 60,000 BTUs per hour, enough to efficiently cool large spaces.
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Gas Furnace: Paired with the AC, the gas furnace is your heat source. Efficiency is measured by AFUE — the percentage of fuel energy that converts directly into heat. Modern gas furnaces range from 80% up to 97% AFUE or higher.
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Air Handler/Coil: Finally, an evaporator coil or an air handler will circulate conditioned air properly.
When you pick a matched combo like those offered at The Furnace Outlet, you’re choosing components designed to work together for optimal efficiency and performance.
Why R-32 Refrigerant Is a Game-Changer
This is where a lot of buyers’ ears perk up. Refrigerant choice matters — a lot.
R-32 refrigerant is an A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerant that’s becoming the standard for new HVAC systems. Why?
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🌍 Lower global warming potential (GWP) — R-32 has a GWP of 675, compared to 2,088 for R-410A.
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⚡ More energy efficient — It requires less refrigerant for the same cooling capacity.
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🧊 Excellent heat transfer — That means better cooling and less strain on your compressor.
And best of all? Systems built for R-32 tend to last longer and save you money. Check out this EPA overview on refrigerant transitions for more background.
(More on R-32 refrigerant — check out my article, “Mark’s Energy-Saving Strategies for Your 5-Ton R-32 AC and Gas Furnace,” which is part of this buying guide series.)
Efficiency Metrics: SEER2 and AFUE Made Easy
When you shop for a 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo, you’ll see two big numbers pop up all over the spec sheets:
✅ SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
This rates the AC’s cooling efficiency over a typical cooling season. Modern 5-ton R-32 ACs range from 14 SEER2 up to 18+ SEER2. The higher the number, the more efficient — which means lower cooling bills.
✅ AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
This tells you how efficiently the furnace converts gas into heat. An 80% AFUE furnace is the baseline, but high-efficiency models offer 90–97% AFUE or better. That can add up to serious heating savings.
And remember — a more efficient combo might cost more up front, but you’ll earn it back in utility savings over the lifespan of the system. Here’s a great resource from the U.S. Department of Energy on furnace efficiencies.
(More on SEER2 and AFUE? Check my article “Mark Explains SEER2 and AFUE: What These Numbers Mean for 5-Ton R-32 Systems.”)
Picking the Right BTU and Capacity for Your Home
Let’s talk sizing. Installing a 5-ton combo into a too-small home is one of the most common mistakes — and it’s one that can lead to short cycling, high energy bills, and humidity problems.
Your HVAC contractor will do a load calculation (commonly called a Manual J). Factors include:
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Home square footage
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Insulation levels
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Window type and placement
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Climate region
If you want to dig deeper into Manual J guidelines, check out this article on load calculation basics at ACCA.org.
(And for a plain-English version of all this? Read my article, “Mark’s Advice: How to Size a 5-Ton AC & Furnace Combo for Maximum Efficiency.”)
Installation and Setup Considerations
Great equipment is one thing — great installation is another. Even the most efficient system won’t live up to its specs if it’s installed incorrectly.
When shopping for a 5-ton R-32 combo, be sure to:
✅ Get a properly sized return and supply duct system — Poor ductwork can choke your system.
✅ Choose a reputable HVAC pro — Look for licensing, insurance, and a good track record.
✅ Allow for proper clearances — Both inside and outside units need proper spacing for airflow.
✅ Make sure refrigerant lines are installed properly — Too long, too short, or improperly insulated lines will affect performance.
If you want to dig deeper into the setup process, check this article from This Old House that outlines a typical AC installation checklist.
(And my article, “Mark Answers Common FAQs About Installing a 5-Ton R-32 AC and Furnace Combo,” lays it all out in detail.)
Cost, Rebates, and Energy Savings
A new combo like this is an investment — often in the range of $7,000–$10,000 installed, depending on features, your region, and the complexity of the job.
The good news?
✅ Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to high-SEER2 and high-AFUE equipment.
✅ Federal tax credits may also apply — especially for energy-efficient combos.
✅ Energy savings can knock 20–40% off your utility bills every year.
Before buying, check with local programs and utility companies, and visit EnergyStar.gov for up-to-date tax credit information.
(And don’t miss my article, “Mark’s Energy-Saving Strategies for Your 5-Ton R-32 AC and Gas Furnace,” for more detailed savings hacks and pro tips.)
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice with Confidence
When you’re choosing a 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo, you want a setup that will last 15+ years, keep you comfortable, and save you money — all without hurting the planet. This is one of the most important home investments you can make, so it pays to do your homework.
That’s exactly why I created this series — to help you look past the marketing and make the most informed, practical choice for your family and your budget.
💡 Ready to explore the best 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combos? Visit our pillar page and shop the top models at The Furnace Outlet. You can also jump into the other articles in this series to get all the guidance you need.
Here’s to making a smart, confident purchase — you’ve got this.
