Hey there, folks—Samantha Reyes here, your friendly HVAC navigator. If you’re reading this, you’re exploring serious HVAC options: 5 ton package units, or even bigger beasts like 20 ton Trane package units. Whether you manage a small business, a commercial property, or multi-tenant space, selecting the right HVAC system is critical—not just for comfort, but for energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and long-term value.
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
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What a “package unit” means (and when it’s a smart choice)
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Typical Trane 5 ton package unit price and what goes into that cost
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What a 20 ton Trane package unit costs and where you’d use it
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Efficiency, controls, and installation challenges
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How to compare package units to split/commercial systems
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A buying checklist
I’ll reference the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 System, as a lower-capacity contrast for smaller commercial or mixed-use spaces.
🏗️ What Is a Package HVAC Unit & When to Use One?
A package unit (sometimes called a packaged rooftop unit, RTU, or gas-electric packaged unit) houses all major components—compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, fan, and heating section—inside one outdoor cabinet. You don’t have an indoor air handler or furnace unit. The air is distributed via ductwork directly from the rooftop (or ground-level) system.
When package units make sense:
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You have limited or no indoor mechanical space (no basement, attic, or closet)
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You want simplified servicing (all components accessible outdoors)
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Rooftop placement is practical and cooling loads are large
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The building layout favors a central system
Trane’s commercial rooftop units (RTUs) are sold under lines like Foundation and Precedent, spanning 3 to 25 tons capacity. Trane’s RTU lineup offers a variety of configurations for different commercial needs.
In contrast, split systems (indoor + outdoor) are common in residential or smaller commercial setups, but for 5‑ton and especially 20‑ton scale, package units often win on ease of deployment.
📏 Trane 5 Ton Package Unit: Where’s It Used & What It Costs
Use Cases for 5 Ton Package Units
A 5 ton package unit is in the “small commercial / large residential” category:
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Restaurants, small retail shops, small office buildings
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Multi-use buildings (mixed commercial/residential)
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Sites that need both cooling and optional heating in one unit
Trane offers packaged rooftop units in the 2–5 ton range under its RTU and Foundation lines. Trane Foundation rooftop units are designed for quick replacements in light commercial settings.
Equipment Cost & Market Listings
Pricing depends on the configuration (cooling-only, gas/electric, heat pump) and efficiency:
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Unit only: $4,000–$8,000+
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Packaged rooftop with heating: $7,000–$12,000+
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Installed cost (with ductwork & electrical): $12,000–$20,000+
HVAC professionals note that the SEER rating, electrical setup, and roof access often drive significant cost differences. For real-world pricing insight, HVACDirect provides detailed listings for 5-ton systems.
🏢 Scaling Up: The 20 Ton Trane Package Unit
Typical Use Cases
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Large commercial buildings
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Schools, shopping centers
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Multi-tenant office spaces
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Heavy-load zones like restaurants and theaters
Trane’s Precedent rooftop units cover 3 to 25 tons. Trane Precedent RTUs are engineered for high capacity and energy efficiency.
Pricing examples for a 20 ton Trane package unit vary widely:
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Base unit: $20,000–$37,000 depending on features and condition
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Installed cost (with ductwork, electrical upgrades, and crane lifts): $35,000–$60,000+
The significant difference from 5-ton units is due to weight, electrical demands, and installation logistics, including roof reinforcements and variable-speed controls.
⚙️ Efficiency, Controls & Features
Efficiency, controls, and modern technologies are key for long-term savings and performance:
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Single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed compressors
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Integrated building management systems (BMS)
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Low-GWP refrigerants for environmental compliance
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Economizer functions for free cooling when outdoor conditions allow
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Smart thermostats and zoning for optimized comfort
Trane’s packaged units with Symbio 700 controls help reduce energy use while maintaining comfort across multiple zones. Learn more about Trane’s energy-saving technologies for commercial applications.
🔀 Comparing Package Units vs Split Systems
Package units shine for:
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Simplicity (all components in one cabinet)
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Rooftop installation freeing up interior space
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Easier retrofit replacements
Split systems offer:
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Modular upgrades
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Redundancy (one module fails, others can run)
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Flexibility in layouts
For larger commercial applications, especially 20 ton loads, packaged systems are usually the most efficient and manageable solution. Energy Star offers guidance on selecting commercial-grade HVAC equipment and efficiency standards.
🧰 Smart-Buyer Checklist
Before you commit to a Trane package unit:
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Conduct a Manual J load calculation to ensure proper sizing
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Compare efficiency tiers for energy and long-term savings
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Check warranty and service plans
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Confirm control system compatibility with your building
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Assess installation logistics, including roof access and crane requirements
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Look for utility rebates or incentives
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Project lifecycle costs including maintenance and energy
✅ Final Thoughts
When choosing HVAC for commercial spaces:
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5 ton units are perfect for small commercial applications
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20 ton units meet the needs of large facilities
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Don’t focus on tonnage alone—consider efficiency, controls, and installation requirements
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Pairing smaller commercial spaces with systems like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle can help you compare cost-per-ton and energy savings
With the right system, you protect comfort, operational efficiency, and long-term costs.
