If there's one thing I’ve learned in 20+ years of HVAC—commercial or residential—it’s this:
Nobody wants to play “Guess the Price” with HVAC equipment.
Especially when we’re talking about big-ticket commercial equipment like a Trane 5 ton package unit or even a massive 20 ton Trane package unit. These aren't weekend project purchases. They’re major investments, critical to a building’s comfort, energy performance, and operating budget.
And yet, most contractors dance around the numbers…
“We’ll need to come out and give an estimate.”
“Prices vary depending on installation conditions.”
“It depends.”
Sure, it does depend—but that doesn’t mean we can't talk real numbers, explain what affects pricing, and help you understand what you're paying for.
So today, I’m laying it out—Tony Marino style:
-
The REAL cost of a Trane 5 ton package unit
-
What determines Trane 20 ton package unit price (commercial job-level info)
-
What contractors don’t tell you
-
When Goodman or other brands can save thousands without losing performance
-
How to determine the right size for your building
And yes—we’ll compare Trane pricing with other reputable HVAC manufacturers so you can make an informed decision. Because spending $25,000+ on equipment without understanding what you're getting is just bad business.
First: What is a Trane Package Unit?
A package unit is exactly what it sounds like: the entire HVAC system (compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, and sometimes heater) is packaged into one outdoor cabinet.
You’ll see them on rooftops, concrete pads outside retail buildings, restaurants, offices, warehouses—you name it.
Package units make sense when:
-
There’s no space indoors for a furnace or air handler
-
Maintenance techs need rooftop access (industrial or retail)
-
The space already has ducting designed for packaged systems
Types of packaged units include:
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| AC only package unit | Cooling only (common in data centers, retail) |
| Gas/electric package unit | AC + gas furnace in one unit (very common commercially) |
| Heat pump package unit | All-electric heating/cooling (good for mild climates) |
Trane is popular because it’s reliable, built like a tank, and has commercial-grade build quality.
But that reputation comes with a price tag.
How Much Does a Trane 5 Ton Package Unit Cost?
Let’s start with the size most people ask me about:
✅ Trane 5 Ton Package Unit Price (Equipment Only)
| System Type | Unit Only (Typical Range) | Installed Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Ton Trane AC Package Unit | $6,800 – $9,200 | $12,500 – $18,000+ |
| 5 Ton Trane Gas/Electric Package Unit | $7,500 – $10,500 | $14,000 – $20,000+ |
| 5 Ton Trane Heat Pump Package Unit | $7,800 – $11,800 | $14,500 – $22,000+ |
That’s not a typo.
A5-ton Trane package unit can hit $20,000 installed once you factor in crane lifts, duct transitions, electrical work, and permitting.
Trane is considered “premium” in pricing, which is confirmed by national HVAC pricing guides like the data available at HomeAdvisor, which tracks average HVAC installation costs across the U.S.
How Much Does a 20 Ton Trane Package Unit Cost?
This one separates the homeowners from the commercial buyers.
✅ Trane 20 Ton Package Unit Price (Equipment Only)
| System Type | Unit Only (Typical Range) | Installed Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Ton Trane Package Unit | $21,500 – $34,000 | $38,000 – $75,000+ |
Yep. Seventy-five grand is real.
Here’s why:
-
Crane lifts can cost $1,500–$8,000 depending on building height.
-
Electrical service upgrades and disconnect work may be required.
-
Ducting transitions are custom-built in many rooftop applications.
-
The unit itself weighs over 1,000 lbs (sometimes 1,500+).
Commercial equipment requires subcontractors, permits, multiple trades, and safety compliance—something most homeowners don’t realize.
To put this into context, the Department of Energy notes that commercial HVAC systems are significantly more complex and expensive due to capacity, efficiency regulations, and integrated control systems.
Brand Comparison: Trane vs. Goodman vs. Carrier (Commercial Units)
Many people ask me:
“Tony, is Trane worth the extra money?”
Short answer: Sometimes.
Long answer: Depends on your priorities.
| Brand | Reputation | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trane | Durability, high efficiency | $$$$ | Long-term commercial use |
| Carrier | Balanced performance and price | $$$ | Retail, light commercial |
| Goodman | Best value, same refrigerant tech | $$ | Budget-driven commercial installs |
Goodman may not have the “luxury name,” but the units are dependable, easier to service, and parts cost less.
For example, The Furnace Outlet sells a Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle (AC + air handler system) here →
https://thefurnaceoutlet.com/products/goodman-3-ton-14-5-seer2-r32-bundle
The price difference between Goodman vs Trane can be $3,000–$10,000 per unit.
What Affects Trane Package Unit Pricing?
1. Unit Size
Bigger capacity = higher cost.
A 20 ton Trane package unit costs dramatically more than a Trane 5 ton package unit because it requires heavier mechanical lift, higher electrical demand, and larger duct transitions.
2. Heat Type
Gas/electric models cost more than straight AC.
3. Efficiency
Higher SEER2 or IEER ratings increase costs.
According to ENERGY STAR, higher efficiency HVAC systems can dramatically reduce operating cost and energy usage over time
4. Controls
Commercial buildings often require integration with:
-
Building automation systems
-
Smart dampers
-
Remote monitoring
Maintenance & Longevity (Real Talk)
Trane units shine in longevity and build quality.
But here’s the part most contractors won’t admit:
“Over the lifetime of the system, the cost of ownership matters more than the cost of installation.”
And maintenance plays a huge role.
Regular maintenance can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, according to the Department of Energy, which emphasizes maintenance as a key factor in HVAC efficiency.
When Does It Make Sense to Choose Trane?
✅ Rooftop application
✅ Large building / heavy commercial use
✅ Long-term ownership
✅ Energy efficiency is a priority
When Should You Consider Other Brands?
✅ Short-term lease or building resale
✅ Smaller commercial spaces
✅ Budget-driven projects
✅ You want lower future repair bills
A replacement compressor on a Trane can cost 30–50% more than a comparable Goodman or Carrier part.
How to Buy a Package Unit Without Getting Ripped Off
Here’s what I tell my commercial clients:
Always request quotes that separate equipment, labor, crane costs, and controls.
Some installers hide profit margins by bundling everything.
Also ask:
“Can you quote an alternate brand at the same capacity?”
This alone can save $8,000–$20,000 on commercial installs.
Final Thoughts from Tony Marino
If your contractor says:
“We can only install Trane.”
Run.
Real pros offer options and explain them.
Trane is a fantastic product—especially in harsh commercial environments where downtime is expensive and reliability matters. But sometimes, you don’t need “bulletproof” commercial equipment when a well-built, value-focused system will do the job.
If you're considering a Trane 5 ton package unit or a 20 ton Trane package unit, I’m always happy to help you compare options.
