When I Almost Bought the Wrong HVAC System
Let me tell you a quick story. A few summers ago, I was knee-deep in HVAC research. Our home’s old AC was loud, leaky, and wildly inefficient. We were sweating through family dinners while my energy bills skyrocketed.
As a mom who prides herself on being a savvy shopper (hello, spreadsheets and coupons!), I wasn’t going to just buy the first thing I saw. But when a contractor suggested a 5 ton package unit, I paused.
I had never heard of a self contained AC unit before. Wasn’t every air conditioner “contained”? What’s the difference between a 5 ton package unit and a split system? Was 5 tons too much for our home?
After some deep research—and I mean EnergyStar.gov and HVAC forums at 2 a.m. kind of deep—I ended up buying a Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle. But I learned a lot along the way, especially about package AC units.
So if you're in that “Do I need a package unit or split system?” phase, grab a cup of something warm and read on. I’ve got you covered.
What Is an A C Package Unit?
Let’s start with the basics.
A package AC unit, or self contained HVAC system, is a single cabinet that houses:
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The condenser (outdoor cooling unit)
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The evaporator coil
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And often, the blower and heat elements too
Everything is tucked into one neat metal box that usually sits on the roof or side of your home, or even on a concrete pad behind it.
Unlike split systems—where the condenser and air handler are installed separately—a package unit is fully integrated. Think of it as the “all-in-one desktop computer” of the HVAC world.
According to HVAC.com, these are most commonly used in commercial spaces, mobile homes, and some residential homes with limited indoor space.
How Does a 5 Ton Package Unit Compare?
So why was my contractor recommending a 5 ton package unit?
Well, our house is just over 1,900 square feet. But we’re in the South, and during peak summer, the sun roasts our roof. He was worried a 3 ton split system wouldn’t keep up—especially since we were dealing with older ductwork and limited insulation.
Now here’s the thing: 5 tons = 60,000 BTUs of cooling power. That’s usually enough for homes in the 2,500–3,000 sq ft range, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Sizing Guide.
Going oversized can cause short cycling, high humidity, and even premature equipment wear. So I pushed back.
After a Manual J Load Calculation (yes, that’s a real thing—and you can ask your contractor to run one), it turned out a 3 ton unit was perfect for our square footage and insulation level. Had I gone with the 5 ton package unit, I would’ve spent more upfront and gotten worse comfort.
Lesson? Bigger isn’t always better.
Pros and Cons of AC Package Units
Here’s the breakdown I wish I had seen in one place:
✅ Pros of a C Package Units
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Space-saving – Everything’s outside, freeing up interior closet space.
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Easy installation – All components are in one cabinet. Faster installs.
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Cost-effective in commercial or manufactured homes – Especially when rooftop placement is required.
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No refrigerant lines between units – Less chance of line set leaks.
❌ Cons of Package Units
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More exposure to the elements – Being outside 24/7 leads to quicker wear and tear.
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Higher maintenance – They’re harder to access for service, especially on roofs.
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Less efficient in colder climates – Can require backup heat.
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Can be noisier – All fans and compressors are outside in one box.
According to Trane, package systems are ideal for homes without the space for a split install, or for manufactured homes where a rooftop setup is common. Otherwise, most homeowners opt for a split system for better longevity and customization.
What About a 5 Ton Self Contained AC Unit?
Let’s zoom in on the term “5 ton self contained AC unit.” That’s basically just industry speak for:
A 60,000 BTU package system that includes all necessary components in a single outdoor box.
These are common in places like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, where rooftop installations are standard and space is at a premium.
They’re also used in modular homes, mobile homes, and large single-story houses where crawl space or attic space for ducts is limited.
But again, unless you need 5 tons of cooling or you’re restricted on install space, don’t assume a self-contained system is the better move. According to Modernize, split systems are generally more flexible, durable, and efficient in residential setups.
So Why I Went With a 3 Ton Split System Instead
After weighing all of this, I circled back to what mattered for our home:
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Square footage: 1,900 sq ft
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Climate: Hot but not desert-level
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Indoor space: We had a utility closet and attic for air handler
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Energy goals: I wanted something efficient, eco-forward, and affordable
That’s why I landed on a Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 system. It’s not a package unit—it’s a split system—but here’s why that worked better for me:
✅ It uses R-32 refrigerant, which has one-third the GWP of R-410A
✅ It hits the sweet spot on SEER2 efficiency without the premium price
✅ It arrived pre-matched with the air handler and condenser, simplifying install
✅ It met all the new 2023 SEER2 regulations for Southern zones
Most importantly—it keeps our home cool without short cycling and with better humidity control than an oversized package unit would’ve offered.
When a 5 Ton Package Unit Actually Makes Sense
There are situations where a 5 ton package AC unit is the right move:
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You’re replacing a rooftop unit and want a drop-in replacement
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You live in a mobile home with limited indoor install options
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You have a larger home (2,500–3,000+ sq ft) with high ceilings
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You’re in a dry, hot climate where short cycling is less of a concern
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You want to minimize interior equipment clutter
Some high-efficiency 5 ton units even come with inverter-driven compressors, which help mitigate the problems of oversizing. Check out offerings like Carrier’s Infinity® 5 Ton Packaged System if you’re curious about premium options.
Final Shopping Tips for the HVAC Savvy
If you're trying to decide between an AC package unit and a split system, here’s what I recommend:
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Run a Manual J load calc (your installer should offer this)
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Don’t oversize—it won’t cool better, and it’ll cost more long term
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Consider refrigerant—R-32 is where the market’s going
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Check SEER2 ratings—14.5 SEER2 is the new baseline in many states
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Think about your install location—Rooftop? Yard? Utility closet?
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Ask about warranties and shipping logistics if buying online
Whether you’re eyeing a 5 ton self contained AC unit or a humble 3 ton split system, what matters most is matching the system to your home’s needs—not just going bigger because it sounds more powerful.
Final Thoughts from Samantha
To me, choosing an HVAC system isn’t just a mechanical decision—it’s a comfort, budget, and sustainability decision.
So yes, I researched package systems. I learned how they work, when they’re awesome, and when they’re overkill. But in the end, I went with what fit my family and my house—not what the salesperson thought I should buy.
If you're still weighing options, start with your home's size, layout, and climate. From there, the right choice—whether it’s a 5 ton package unit or a 3 ton split system—will practically choose itself.
Need help navigating refrigerants, sizing, or SEER2? I’ve got a few more guides in the works. Let me know what you want to see next—I'm here to help you shop smarter, sweat less, and save big. 🧊
