Split System vs. Package Unit: Why the Goodman 3 Ton R-32 Bundle Wins for Most Homes

Let’s Get to It: What’s an A C Package Unit, and Do You Really Need One?

Alright, I get this question all the time:

“Tony, should I get a split system or a package unit?”

It’s a fair question, especially when you’re staring down a $6,000+ HVAC bill. Here’s the short answer:

• If you’re in a manufactured home, small commercial building, or have zero attic space, a package unit makes sense.

• But if you’re in a typical residential home with existing ductwork, a split system—like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32—is usually more efficient, easier to service, and better for long-term value.

So let’s dig into it. We’ll cover what a 5 ton package unit is, when to consider a 5 ton self-contained AC unit, and why for 90% of homeowners, the split system setup wins hands down.

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What Is an A C Package Unit, Anyway?

A package unit—or packaged HVAC system—is exactly what it sounds like: all your components are in one big metal box.

• Compressor

• Condenser

• Coil

• Blower fan

• Sometimes even a gas furnace or heat pump

• All pre-assembled and shipped as one unit

That box usually sits on your roof, ground slab, or a crawl space pad, and ducts connect right into it from the outside.

Compare that to a split system, which separates the outdoor condensing unit from the indoor air handler or furnace.

👉 If you’re a visual learner, Trane has a great overview of package vs. split systems here.

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When Does a 5 Ton Package Unit Make Sense?

Let’s say you’ve got a:

• Commercial space or office suite

• Mobile home

• Home with no attic or closet space

• Rooftop HVAC design

• Ducts that are already tied into an old package unit

That’s when a 5 ton package unit can save you some headaches.

These beasts offer:

• Simple plug-and-play installs (assuming ductwork lines up)

• Quicker service times (techs can access everything from one spot)

• All-in-one cooling and heating (electric, gas, or heat pump)

If you're in the desert Southwest, where it's 110 degrees in July, a 5 ton self contained ac unit can slam cold air into your building fast—especially in flat-roof buildings with rooftop installs.

👉 For example, check out Carrier’s rooftop package units, which are widely used in strip malls and apartment complexes.

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But Here’s the Catch With Package Units…

Package units burn out faster in harsh conditions. Why?

• Everything’s exposed to sun, rain, snow, and wind

• Heat buildup inside the box is tougher to dissipate

• Servicing usually requires roof access

• Efficiency is often lower than split systems at the same price point

That’s why, unless your building layout demands a 5 ton self contained AC unit, I usually steer homeowners toward a split system. You’ll get:

• Better airflow control

• Higher SEER2 ratings

• Quieter operation indoors

• Easier access for service and upgrades

• Less heat exposure to components

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Let’s Talk About the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Split System

Now we’re getting to the good stuff.

The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 system is what I recommend for:

• Mid-sized homes (1,500–2,000 sq ft)

• Homeowners replacing older R-22 or R-410A systems

• Folks who want better energy efficiency without overspending

• People prepping for the refrigerant shift toward R-32

This split system includes:

• ✅ A 3-ton outdoor condensing unit (GLXS4BA3610)

• ✅ A 3-ton air handler (AMST36CU1300)

• ✅ A factory-charged R-32 refrigerant system

• ✅ Multi-speed blower for balanced airflow

• ✅ 14.5 SEER2 rating (which meets 2023 DOE standards)

Now, I know some folks out there are thinking:

“Why go with a 3 ton split system when I could just put a 5 ton package unit on the roof and call it done?”

Simple: because bigger isn’t always better.

Unless your home is 2,500+ square feet and you’ve got verified airflow to support a 5 ton load, you’re wasting money on oversized equipment. And that leads to short cycling, higher electric bills, and premature breakdowns.

👉 For an official explanation of sizing, check out Energy.gov’s central air sizing page.

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How R-32 Beats R-410A in Split Systems

Here’s where the Goodman really wins.

R-32 refrigerant is:

• 🌿 More eco-friendly (one-third the global warming potential of R-410A)

• ⚡ More efficient (better heat transfer = lower operating cost)

• 🧰 Easier to reclaim and recycle

• 💨 Lower charge volume, which makes for cleaner installs

And Goodman didn’t just slap it in there—they built the coil design, expansion valves, and controls around R-32’s properties.

That’s not something you’ll find in most 5 ton AC package units, which are still stuck in the R-410A zone or waiting for retrofit parts.

👉 Want the science behind R-32? Here’s Daikin's official R-32 fact sheet.

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Installation: Split vs. Package

Installing a split system like the Goodman bundle?

• ✔ Outdoor unit goes on a slab or bracket

• ✔ Indoor air handler goes in attic, closet, or basement

• ✔ Copper line set runs refrigerant between the two

• ✔ Thermostat and electrical tie into your breaker panel

Installing a package unit?

• ✔ Lift it into place (rooftop or slab)

• ✔ Seal and attach ductwork

• ✔ Tie into electrical and gas or heat pump control

• ✔ Verify airflow and pressure drop through a single enclosure

Split systems require a little more planning, but give you flexibility for future upgrades (like adding a heat pump, zoning, or smart controls). Plus, indoor components stay protected from the weather—which means longer system life.

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How They Stack Up: 3 Ton Split System vs. 5 Ton Package Unit

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Final Take from Tony

Look, I’m not here to badmouth package units—they have their place. But if you’re a homeowner trying to replace an old clunker and want better comfort, efficiency, and longevity, the Goodman 3 Ton R-32 Split System is tough to beat.

Here’s why:

• ✅ It’s properly sized for most homes

• ✅ It’s efficient, quiet, and cost-effective

• ✅ It uses R-32, the refrigerant of the future

• ✅ You’re not paying for capacity you don’t need

• ✅ And it gives you room to expand with zoning, heat kits, or smart thermostats

Unless you’ve got rooftop-only access or you’re outfitting a 3,000 square foot commercial space, a 5 ton package unit just isn’t the right tool for the job.

👉 Check out the Goodman 3 Ton R-32 Bundle here—and give your cooling setup the upgrade it deserves.

And hey—if you’re still not sure which way to go, reach out. I’ll shoot straight and help you make the right call based on your home’s layout, your budget, and your long-term plans.

Stay cool out there—Tony Marino