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Comprehensive Guide to 5 Ton Heat Pumps

A 5-ton heat pump is a heating and cooling system designed for large homes, typically covering 2,400 to 3,000 square feet or more.. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or installing a heat pump for the first time, understanding the sizing considerations, and costs of a 5-ton heat pump will help you make the best choice for your comfort and budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 5-ton heat pumps.

What Is a 5-ton Heat Pump?

A 5-ton heat pump refers to the system’s capacity to heat and cool a home by transferring a specific amount of heat per hour. In HVAC terms, one “ton” equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. Therefore:
  • 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs per hour
  • 5 tons = 60,000 BTUs per hour
This means a 5-ton heat pump can move 60,000 BTUs of heat energy each hour. Since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, a 5-ton unit is typically ideal for larger homes or spaces, usually covering about 2,400 to 3,000 square feet. Selecting the right tonnage is essential to ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance throughout the year.

Deciding If You Need A 5-Ton Heat Pump

Whether a 5-ton heat pump is the right fit for your home depends on factors like square footage, climate, and insulation quality. While BTUs per square foot offer a useful estimate, they should be considered a general guideline. Here’s a basic overview:
  • Moderate climates: About 20 BTUs per square foot
  • Hot climates: Between 25 and 30 BTUs per square foot
  • Cold climates: Around 30 to 35 BTUs per square foot
A 5-ton heat pump (60,000 BTUs) is typically suited for homes between 2,400 and 3,000 square feet. For the most accurate sizing, it’s best to consult a local Carrier dealer who can perform a professional load calculation.
Infographic explaining what a 5-ton heat pump is, including heating and cooling capacity, heat transfer, and the definition of a ton in BTUh.

Calculating What Size Heat Pump You Need

  1. Measure your home's total square footage. Calculate the area of each room by multiplying length by width, then add all room areas together to find the total square footage.
  2. Multiply by the recommended BTUs per square foot based on your climate. For example, a 3,000 sq. ft. home in a moderate climate:
  • 3,000 sq. ft. × 20 BTUs = 60,000 BTUs needed.
  • Divide by 12,000 (since 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs):
  • 60,000 ÷ 12,000 = 5 tons.
 
This suggests that a 5-ton heat pump would likely be the right fit. Keep in mind that factors such as insulation quality, ceiling height, window types, and number of occupants also influence the ideal system size, so a professional assessment by your local Carrier dealer is recommended to determine if you need a 2-ton heat pump, 3-ton heat pump, 4-ton heat pump, or 5-ton heat pump.

5-Ton Heat Pump Cost

The price of a 5-ton heat pump is set by your local HVAC dealer overseeing the heat pump installation. Costs can vary depending on factors such as your location, home size and layout, regional climate, and the specific heat pump model selected. For a detailed breakdown, visit our heat pump pricing page or request a personalized quote from your local Carrier dealer. Be sure to explore available rebates and federal tax credits for high-efficiency heat pumps that may help lower your total investment.
a carrier dealer installs 5-ton heat pump

Work with a Carrier Dealer to Choose the Perfect Heat Pump Size

Carrier offers heat pumps in a variety of sizes to accommodate different home layouts and climate conditions. Your local Carrier dealer will help determine the best fit by performing a Manual J load calculation—a trusted industry standard created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). This detailed evaluation takes into account factors such as insulation, square footage, and sunlight exposure to ensure your heat pump delivers maximum comfort and efficiency. Reach out to your local Carrier dealer today to begin the process.

5 Ton Heat Pump FAQs

A 5-ton heat pump is used to provide heating and cooling for large homes, delivering powerful temperature control for areas around 2,400 to 3,000 square feet.
A 5-ton heat pump can typically heat and cool homes between 2,400 and 3,000 square feet, depending on factors like insulation and climate. It’s best to have your local Carrier dealer determine the right size heat pump for your home.
The installed cost of a 5-ton heat pump usually ranges from $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the model, efficiency, and local installation rates. For an accurate quote, reach out to your local Carrier dealer. Check out our heat pump cost guide.
5-ton heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems like furnaces or electric resistance heaters, especially in moderate climates, as they transfer heat rather than generate it.

Explore Carrier Heat Pumps

Choosing a Carrier heat pump offers reliable performance and energy efficiency, making it an excellent long-term investment for both heating and cooling needs. With advanced technology and a strong reputation for durability, Carrier heat pumps provide optimal comfort while helping to lower heating and cooling bills. Our commitment to sustainability and quiet operation can help enhance your overall home environment. Explore Carrier's line of heat pumps today.

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About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Carrier, where he develops informative, straightforward content to help homeowners better understand heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. His writing is focused on empowering homeowners to make confident, well-informed choices about their home comfort systems.
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