About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
5 Ton AC Unit: Powerful Cooling for Large Homes
A 5 ton AC unit is a high-capacity air conditioning system designed to cool large homes ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet. With a cooling capacity of 60,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, these units provide consistent comfort and efficiency for expansive living spaces or homes with high cooling demands.
For homeowners seeking long-term comfort and efficiency, a 5-ton air conditioning unit offers the power needed to manage wide-open floor plans and high ceilings without compromising on energy performance.
What Is a 5 Ton Air Conditioner?
A 5 ton air conditioner is typically the largest residential cooling system available, designed to remove 60,000 BTUs of heat from your home every hour. The "ton" refers to cooling capacity, not physical weight, meaning this unit is engineered to handle substantial heat loads efficiently.
How does a 5 ton AC work?
By utilizing a sophisticated refrigeration cycle, the system circulates refrigerant to absorb indoor heat and expel it outside. This process ensures your home remains consistently cool, even during the hottest days of the year. For a deeper dive into the mechanics, learn more about how air conditioning works.
How Many Square Feet Does a 5 Ton AC Cool?
Generally, a 5 ton air conditioning system is ideal for homes between 2,500 and 3,000 square feet. However, square footage is not the only factor in determining the right size.
To determine what size air conditioner you need, you must consider several variables:
- Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings increase the volume of air that needs cooling.
- Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, potentially affecting size requirements.
- Climate: Homes in hotter regions require more powerful cooling to maintain comfort.
Consulting with a local Bryant dealer ensures you get the precise size for your specific layout and needs.
Why Choose a Bryant 5 Ton AC Unit?
Invest in comfort and technology with a Bryant 5 ton units, such as the Evolution™ Extreme Variable Speed Air Conditioner 191VAN, which leads the industry in innovation.
- High Efficiency: With SEER2 ratings up to 21, you can significantly reduce energy bills and your carbon footprint.
- Variable-Speed Technology: The 191VAN uses inverter air conditionerr technology to operate between 25% and 100% capacity. This allows for precise, whisper-quiet cooling that adapts to changing conditions.
- Humidity Control: When paired with the Evolution™ Connex™ Control, these units offer superior humidity management for a healthier indoor environment.
- Durability: Built with heavy-gauge sheet metal and a louvered cabinet, our units are designed to withstand the elements and protect internal AC parts like the coil.
5 Ton AC Cost and Installation
The cost of a 5 ton AC unit generally ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the model, efficiency rating, and smart features.
Installation Factors
Total AC installation costs can range from $8,000 to $14,000. Several factors influence the final price:
- Complexity: Difficult access or custom mounting requirements.
- Ductwork: Modifications to existing ducts to handle increased airflow.
- Location: Local labor rates and permitting fees.
For a detailed breakdown, explore our HVAC pricing guide.
Smart Financing And Incentives
Connect With A Bryant Dealer
Choosing the best air conditioner is about finding the perfect match for your home's layout and your energy goals. A professional central air conditioner installation is critical to ensuring your 5 ton unit operates at peak efficiency from day one.
Ready to elevate your home's comfort? Connect with a local Bryant dealer today to discuss your options and secure a central air conditioner that delivers reliable performance for years to come.
Discover Bryant Air Conditioners
A Bryant air conditioner offers reliable performance, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling technology to keep your home comfortable year-round. With high SEER2 ratings, Bryant units provide cost-effective operation, helping reduce energy bills while delivering powerful cooling. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, and quiet operation enhances home comfort. Plus, Bryant’s smart thermostat compatibility and industry-leading warranties make it a trusted choice for homeowners seeking efficient, dependable cooling solutions.
5 Ton AC Unit FAQs
A 5-ton air conditioner can cool about 2,400 to 3,000 square feet, depending on insulation, window size, and climate zone.
Installation typically costs $8,000 to $14,000, depending on efficiency rating, ductwork, and labor.
Most 5-ton AC units last 12 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Proper sizing and coil cleaning extend that lifespan.
Residential systems above 5 tons often require custom installation and may use multi-zone or dual-unit setups.
A 5-ton AC unit provides 60,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power per hour. It is designed to handle significant heat loads in large residential spaces.
No, professional installation is critical. A central air conditioner requires precise refrigerant handling, electrical work, and duct integration to ensure safety and efficiency.
Learn More About Air Conditioners
- Learn about AC sizes: 2 ton, 3 ton, 4 ton
- Find out how long do AC units last?
- Discover the difference in a heat pump vs air conditioner
- Find out what temperature to set air conditioner in summer
1To the original owner, when product is used in an owner-occupied residence, a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration of your new equipment. Warranty period is 5 years if not registered within 90 days. Jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year parts limited warranty. See warranty certificate for complete details.
2Unit replacement limited warranty is not available to subsequent owners. The limited warranty period is five years if not registered within 90 days except in jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.
