What Exactly Is a 5 Ton Furnace?
When homeowners or contractors say “5 ton furnace,” they’re generally referring to a furnace designed to handle a heating and cooling load equivalent to 60,000 BTUs per hour. The “ton” in HVAC terms corresponds to the ability to cool or heat 12,000 BTUs per hour — so a 5 ton system equals 60,000 BTUs.
In practical terms, a 5 ton furnace is typically paired with a 5 ton air conditioner outside. Together, these form a matched system that efficiently heats and cools larger homes or commercial spaces—usually in the 2,500 to 3,500 square foot range, depending on insulation and climate.
Breaking Down the 5 Ton Furnace Cost
Everyone wants to know: What’s the going rate on a 5 ton furnace?
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Basic 5 ton gas furnaces usually start at around $2,500 to $3,500 for equipment only.
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Add in installation, ductwork adjustments, and other materials, and the total price commonly ranges between $6,000 to $10,000.
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Higher efficiency models, such as those with 96% AFUE ratings or variable speed blowers, can push the cost to $10,000 to $14,000 installed or more.
Costs can fluctuate significantly depending on your region, contractor, and home specifics. You can check out pricing benchmarks on sites like HomeAdvisor’s furnace cost guide or Angi’s furnace replacement cost overview.
Why Size Matters: Matching Your 5 Ton Furnace to Your Home
A 5 ton furnace isn’t automatically “better” than a 3 or 4 ton unit. Oversizing leads to short cycling, inefficient fuel usage, and wear on your system. Undersizing results in poor comfort and excessive runtime.
Proper sizing involves a Manual J load calculation, which considers:
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Square footage
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Insulation quality
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Window sizes and types
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Local climate zone
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Occupant habits
A properly sized 5 ton gas furnace will run efficiently and reliably for years, delivering even heating without the noise and stress of short cycling.
What Is a 5 Ton AC Unit Gas Furnace Combo?
When you hear “5 ton AC unit gas furnace,” it refers to a split system where a 5 ton outdoor air conditioner pairs with a 5 ton gas furnace indoor.
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The outdoor unit cools your air by removing heat.
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The furnace heats your air using natural gas combustion.
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Both are controlled through a central thermostat and ductwork system.
This combo is the most common setup in colder climates where gas heating is economical and reliable. These systems can be configured with single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed blower motors and compressors, impacting cost and comfort.
What Does a 5 Ton Gas Furnace Look Like in Real Life?
In practical terms, a 5 ton gas furnace is a sizable indoor unit, often installed in a basement, utility room, or attic. It includes:
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A heat exchanger to transfer heat from gas combustion to the air
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A blower fan to push heated air through your ductwork
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Safety features like flame sensors and limit switches
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An efficient gas valve and ignition system for reliable operation
Most modern 5 ton furnaces are designed to be energy efficient, with AFUE ratings between 80% and 98%, meaning they convert most of the gas they burn into heat for your home.
Comparing 5 Ton Furnace Cost Across Brands
Not all 5 ton furnaces are created equal. Brand reputation, warranty terms, efficiency ratings, and features all impact cost.
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Goodman is known for value-packed furnaces with solid warranties and dependable performance. Their 5 ton gas furnaces generally come at the lower end of the price spectrum.
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American Standard and Trane offer premium models with advanced humidity control and variable speed blowers, but prices tend to be higher.
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Lennox and Carrier also feature premium models with smart tech integrations and industry-leading efficiency—but often with the highest price tags.
For detailed brand-by-brand comparisons and price breakdowns, see EnergyStar’s furnace buying guide and HVAC.com’s furnace reviews.
What Efficiency Ratings Should You Expect?
The most efficient furnaces today have AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of 95% to 98%. That means almost all the gas consumed turns into usable heat.
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Basic furnaces might be in the 80% to 85% AFUE range.
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Mid-tier models hit around 90% AFUE.
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High-efficiency models (like Goodman’s GSXC96) push close to 98% AFUE.
Higher efficiency means better fuel savings and often a more comfortable home, but it comes with higher upfront costs.
What To Expect From a 5 Ton AC Unit Paired With a Gas Furnace
Pairing a 5 ton air conditioner with a 5 ton gas furnace offers:
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Consistent climate control year-round
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Efficient energy use when both units are properly matched
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The ability to upgrade components individually if desired (like swapping out the AC condenser without replacing the furnace)
Most manufacturers recommend installing matched systems for optimal performance, warranty coverage, and efficiency.
Installation Realities: What You Need to Know
Installation matters—big time.
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Ductwork condition impacts your system’s ability to heat and cool effectively.
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Improper sizing or installation can cause short cycling, poor airflow, and noisy operation.
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HVAC contractors often charge $1,500 to $3,000 or more for installation labor on a 5 ton furnace and AC system.
If your home’s ductwork is old or leaky, plan for extra costs to repair or replace it.
How to Choose the Right 5 Ton Furnace for Your Needs
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Get a Manual J load calculation to verify sizing
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Consider efficiency ratings—higher AFUE means more fuel savings
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Ask about warranties and service plans
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Discuss installation scope with your HVAC professional
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Evaluate fuel costs in your area (natural gas, propane, etc.)
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Compare brands based on price, features, and installer reputation
How Goodman’s 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle Fits Into This Picture
If your home doesn’t truly require a full 5 ton furnace or AC, Goodman’s 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle offers a highly efficient, affordable alternative. Its modern refrigerant (R-32) and solid construction provide excellent comfort without the premium price tag of some 5 ton units.
Final Thoughts from Jake Lawson
A 5 ton furnace and AC unit gas furnace system is a big investment but absolutely necessary for many larger homes and commercial spaces. Knowing your 5 ton furnace cost ahead of time, and understanding what impacts that price, is crucial.
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Choose a reputable brand
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Match sizing carefully
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Opt for higher efficiency if your budget allows
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Make sure your installer knows their stuff
And if you want to save upfront while maintaining efficiency, don’t overlook solid alternatives like Goodman’s 3 ton bundle.
Stay cool, stay warm, and stay smart.
