Split System or Package Unit? Why 3 Ton and 5 Ton AC Units Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system and you’ve got a browser full of tabs that say things like “A C package unit vs split system,” I feel for you. You’re in the middle of the HVAC decision-making matrix—and there’s a lot of noise out there.

One of the biggest questions I get from homeowners and property managers alike is this:

“Should I go with a 5 ton package unit or a split system like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle?”

And it’s a fair question.

Both setups have their place. But the wrong choice—especially in terms of tonnage, install layout, and efficiency—can cost you more in both the short and long run.

So, let’s dig into the real-world pros and cons of package units, especially the 5 ton self contained AC unit, and compare them to the classic split system setup. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just the truth from someone who’s installed both under crawlspaces, on rooftops, and behind duplexes more times than I can count.

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What Is an A C Package Unit, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics.

An A C package unit—also called a packaged HVAC unit—is a single cabinet that houses everything you need for heating and cooling. That includes the:

• Compressor

• Condenser coil

• Evaporator coil

• Air handler

• (And if it's a combo unit) Gas furnace or electric heat strips

Everything lives in one outdoor unit—usually placed on a slab, roof, or concrete pad.

When Are Package Units Common?

They’re often used in:

• Mobile homes

• Commercial buildings

• Ranch homes with limited indoor space

• Rooftop installations

And they’re especially popular in the Southwest and Southeast, where basements are rare and attics can get hotter than a truck bed in July.

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How a Package Unit Compares to a Split System

Now, let’s compare that to a split system, which is what most homeowners think of when they picture central AC. In a split system:

• The condenser and compressor sit outside

• The evaporator coil and blower are installed inside—usually in an attic, crawlspace, or closet

The components are connected by refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. Split systems give you more flexibility in terms of placement, maintenance, and upgrades.

So, which one’s better?

Well… that depends.

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Pros and Cons: 5 Ton Package Unit vs Split System

Let’s break it down for folks comparing something like a 5 ton self contained AC unit to a split system (which includes the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle).

✅ Pros of Package Units

• All-in-one install: Quicker and easier for contractors

• Lower upfront install cost in some cases

• Great for tight indoor spaces (no indoor air handler or coil needed)

• Easy rooftop access for multi-family or flat-roof homes

❌ Cons of Package Units

• Exposed to outdoor conditions year-round (rain, snow, UV)

• Typically louder than split systems

• Limited upgrade flexibility (you can’t just swap the coil or furnace)

• Lower energy efficiency than high-SEER split systems

• Harder to maintain in winter, especially if roof-mounted

Meanwhile, split systems—especially modern R-32 systems with variable-speed compressors—offer better indoor comfort, longer system life, and quieter operation.

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Is Bigger Always Better? When to Consider a 5 Ton Package Unit

Let’s address the elephant in the HVAC room: tonnage.

If you’ve got a large home (2,500+ sq. ft.), or a light commercial space, a 5 ton package unit may seem like the simplest way to cover all your bases.

And sometimes, that’s true.

Here’s when a 5 ton A C package unit makes sense:

• You have an open floor plan, minimal ductwork runs, and easy access to a slab or rooftop

• Your home or building has limited attic or crawl space access

• You want a system that can heat and cool in one box, with minimal components indoors

• You're replacing an existing package unit and want to match the footprint

But remember: oversizing your AC is just as bad as undersizing it.

Oversized units short cycle. They don’t run long enough to dehumidify. They wear out faster. They spike your energy bills.

Need help figuring out your size? Energy Vanguard has a great piece on why load calculations are critical. Spoiler: square footage is only part of the equation.

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Comparing Efficiency: Package Unit vs 3 Ton Split System

Most 5 ton package units clock in at 13.4–14.3 SEER2, depending on configuration. This is acceptable, but nowhere near the efficiency of modern split systems with inverter technology or advanced coils.

Take Goodman’s 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 split system. That system:

• Uses R-32, a refrigerant with 68% lower GWP than R-410A

• Features a factory-matched air handler, which prevents system mismatches

• Operates at a higher SEER2 rating, which means lower energy bills

• Includes an all-aluminum coil, making it more resistant to corrosion

If you’re considering the environmental impact, R-32 systems are also easier to maintain and require less refrigerant by weight, thanks to its higher efficiency.

Not sure about the differences in refrigerants? The EPA breaks down R-32 vs. R-410A.

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Real-World Example: Rooftop 5 Ton Package Unit in Commercial Applications

Let’s say you’re outfitting a small warehouse or retail space—about 2,000–2,400 sq. ft.

In this case, a 5 ton self contained AC unit might be the right call. You’d mount it on the roof, run ducts through the ceiling, and get heating and cooling from one compact, serviceable unit.

But for homes?

Unless it’s a retrofit or you’re replacing an old rooftop package system, I’ll usually lean toward recommending a split system. You’ll get better control, quieter performance, and more flexibility if you want to upgrade your furnace, add a zoning system, or go with inverter technology later.

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How Much Does a 5 Ton Package Unit Cost?

Pricing varies depending on fuel type (gas/electric, electric only, heat pump), brand, and efficiency, but here’s a ballpark:

Forbes Home offers a deeper breakdown of HVAC unit pricing, including install factors like ductwork, crane rental (for rooftops), and permit costs.

Remember: these units weigh 350–600 pounds, so if it’s going on a roof, plan for crane access, which can add $300–$700 to your bill.

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Maintenance Considerations for Packaged Units

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people installing a 5 ton self contained AC unit and then never touching it again.

That’s how you end up with a $9,000 rust bucket on your roof in five years.

Here are my pro tips:

• Clean coils every spring

• Check filters monthly (especially in dusty environments)

• Inspect the blower motor and electrical boards for wear

• Seal ducts where they connect to the unit—air leaks kill efficiency

• Cover it in winter (if not roof-mounted) to reduce UV and debris exposure

Need help planning your annual maintenance routine? This Old House has a great checklist.

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Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s the truth:

There’s no “best” system. There’s only the right system for your space, climate, and budget.

✅ A 5 ton A C package unit is great for:

• Flat-roofed buildings

• Mobile homes

• Tight indoor layouts

• Simple installs with quick turnaround

✅ A 3–5 ton split system is better if:

• You want quieter indoor operation

• You care about energy savings

• You plan to upgrade or zone in the future

• You want lower exposure to outdoor elements

If you’re leaning toward a residential upgrade, the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle is one of the smartest moves you can make. You get high performance, low environmental impact, and a factory-matched system that’ll serve your family for years.

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Bonus: Can You Get a Hybrid System?

Yep. Some systems now combine the simplicity of a package unit with the efficiency of inverter technology or dual-fuel capabilities.

Ask your installer about inverter-driven package systems or dual-fuel units that switch between heat pump and gas heat based on outside temperature. These aren’t always listed on retailer sites but can be sourced through distributors.

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Got questions about system selection, rooftop installs, or R-32 refrigerant? Hit me up—I’m always glad to help folks make informed decisions that keep them cool and comfortable.

— Jake Lawson, HVAC Pro & Straight Shooter