5-Ton Rooftop Units: The Workhorse Size of Light Commercial HVAC
Five tons, nominally 60,000 Btu/h, is the most common packaged rooftop size in light commercial work, and it sits on an important boundary. It is the largest size still rated under the SEER2 and EER2 system for equipment below 65,000 Btu/h, and it is the largest size in this tree where single-phase models are still offered. The units on this page carry rated capacities from about 55,000 to 60,000 Btu/h depending on series and configuration. Step up one size to 6 tons and the rating method, the voltage options, and the selection of high-static and higher-efficiency configurations all change.
Typical 5-ton applications include retail tenant spaces in strip centers, small restaurant dining rooms, fitness studios, church fellowship halls, office suites, and individual zones on larger buildings that use multiple packaged units. Because so many buildings were originally designed around 5-ton rooftop units, it is also one of the most common replacement sizes we quote.
This page shows every 5-ton packaged unit we stock in one place. To browse by configuration across all sizes instead, see Gas/Electric Rooftop Units, Heat Pump Rooftop Units, or Air Conditioner Rooftop Units.
Sizing Checks Before You Commit to 5 Tons
Do a load calculation. For a rough cross-check, light commercial space is often estimated at something like 300 to 500 square feet per ton, which would put a 5-ton unit on roughly 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Restaurants, gyms, salons, and other high-occupancy or high-internal-load spaces can need considerably more capacity per square foot, and lightly occupied storage or warehouse office space considerably less.
- Replacing a 5-ton unit: Check what the tenant actually does now. A former retail space converted to a fitness studio or a restaurant may need more than the original equipment. A former high-density use converted to offices may need less.
- Five tons versus six: If the load lands between sizes, remember that moving to 6 tons means three-phase only, a different efficiency rating system, and usually a larger cabinet and curb. It is not just one more ton.
- Airflow: At a typical design point around 350 to 400 CFM per ton, a 5-ton unit moves roughly 1,750 to 2,000 CFM. That is a lot of air for duct systems in older buildings. Check the external static pressure and the fan performance table, and consider whether the unit's blower can deliver design airflow without excessive noise or energy use.
- Latent load: In humid climates, part-load dehumidification can be as important as peak capacity. Two-stage units help keep the coil cold longer at part load.
Ratings: The Last Size on SEER2 and EER2
Every 5-ton unit on this page is rated in SEER2 and EER2, whether single-phase or three-phase. IEER, the integrated part-load metric used for commercial equipment of 65,000 Btu/h and above, begins at the 6-ton size. That difference matters when you compare a 5-ton and a 6-ton unit for the same job, because the numbers are not on the same scale.
On these listings, SEER2 ranges from 13.4 on the Daikin DP3, Daikin DFG, and the Rheem RACCYB, RGECYB, and RHPCYB, up to 16.4 on the Daikin DHH two-stage heat pump, with the Daikin DHG and DHC at 16.2. Listed EER2 values range from 10 to 12. The Daikin DRG listing is an older R-410A unit marketed with a 14 SEER rating, which is a pre-2023 metric and not directly comparable to SEER2. Confirm current ratings and compliance for that model on the manufacturer's documentation before you quote it.
Some product pages show the DOE regional compliance status for the listing. Check it against the installation location, particularly for the R-410A models.
Voltage Choices at 5 Tons
Single-phase is still available here, but it is the end of the line for single-phase in this tree. Voltages on the listed 5-ton units:
- 208/230V single-phase: Daikin DSG, DHG, DSC, DHC, DSH, and DHH; Rheem RACCYB.
- 208/230V three-phase: Daikin D-series, DP3, DFG, and DRG; Rheem RACCYB, RGECYB, and RHPCYB.
- 460V three-phase: Daikin D-series, DP3HM, and DFG; Rheem RACCYB, RGECYB, and RHPCYB.
- 575V three-phase: Daikin DSG, DHG, DSC, DHC, DSH, and DHH.
A 5-ton single-phase compressor and blower draw substantial current. On a small building with single-phase service, check panel capacity and service size against the minimum circuit ampacity for the exact model. Where three-phase power is available, it is generally the better choice at this size. Pull MCA and maximum overcurrent protection from the product page for each model rather than assuming from another series.
Gas Heat Inputs on 5-Ton Gas/Electric Units
At 5 tons you have the widest spread of heat inputs in the smaller tonnages, from a light 70,000 Btu/h up to 140,000 Btu/h. Options listed on this page:
- Daikin DSG: 80,000, 90,000, 100,000, 115,000, and 140,000 Btu/h
- Daikin DHG: 70,000, 80,000, 100,000, 115,000, and 140,000 Btu/h
- Daikin DP3GM: 80,000 and 120,000 Btu/h; DP3UM (ultra low NOx): 80,000 Btu/h
- Daikin DFG (R-410A): 90,000, 115,000, and 140,000 Btu/h
- Rheem RGECYB: 75,000 and 120,000 Btu/h
The high-input options are useful in colder climates and on spaces with heavy ventilation air in winter. In mild climates, a lower input usually provides steadier heat and keeps temperature rise in range. Ultra low NOx versions of several Daikin DSG and DHG models are available here for jurisdictions that regulate burner emissions. If the project calls for electric heat on an air conditioner or heat pump, find the matching kit on the Commercial Electric Heat Kits page.
Refrigerant: R-32, R-454B, and Legacy R-410A
Current-production units on this page use A2L refrigerants: R-32 on the Daikin D-series and DP3, and R-454B on the Rheem CYB units. A2L refrigerants have lower global warming potential than R-410A and carry a mild flammability classification. Work on them should be done by technicians trained in A2L practices with tools rated for A2L service, following the manufacturer's installation instructions and the mechanical code your jurisdiction has adopted. Refrigerant detection, charge limits, and clearances can depend on the model and the code, so read the installation manual before you set the unit.
The Daikin DFG and DRG listings are R-410A. They can make sense for a like-for-like swap on a site committed to R-410A service, but supply is limited. Confirm stock before you quote a date.
Cabinet and Curb Planning
Five-ton units are frequently built on a larger cabinet than the 3-ton and 4-ton models in the same series, and cabinet sizes vary between manufacturers. On a replacement:
- Get the curb drawing for the exact model and compare the footprint, height, and supply and return openings to the existing curb.
- If you are changing manufacturers, plan on a curb adapter until the drawings prove you do not need one.
- Verify unit weight against roof structure and confirm crane capacity at the required reach.
- Check gas, power, and condensate connection locations against the existing rooftop runs.
Curbs, adapters, economizers, and related accessories are on the Rooftop Unit Accessories page.
Economizers and Ventilation
At 60,000 Btu/h nominal, a 5-ton unit is above the economizer capacity threshold in many editions of ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC for climate zones where economizers are required. Exceptions and local amendments exist, and hot-humid climate zones are often treated differently, so check the adopted code and the mechanical plans. Where an economizer or outdoor air damper is needed, order the accessory made for the specific series so the controls and damper fit correctly.
The 5-Ton Lineup at a Glance
| Brand | Series | Type | Voltages Listed | Efficiency (as listed) | Refrigerant |
|---|
| Daikin | DSG | Gas/Electric, single-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 13.7 SEER2 / 11 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DHG | Gas/Electric, two-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 16.2 SEER2 / 12 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DSC | Air Conditioner, single-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 13.7 SEER2 / 11 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DHC | Air Conditioner, two-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 16.2 SEER2 / 12 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DSH | Heat Pump, single-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 13.7 SEER2 / 11 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DHH | Heat Pump, two-stage | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3, 575V-3 | 16.4 SEER2 / 12 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DP3 (DP3GM, DP3UM, DP3HM) | Gas/Electric and Heat Pump | 208/230V-3; DP3HM also 460V-3 | 13.4 SEER2 / 10 EER2 | R-32 |
| Daikin | DFG | Gas/Electric, multi-position | 208/230V-3, 460V-3 | 13.4 SEER2 / 11 EER2 (confirm on spec sheet) | R-410A |
| Daikin | DRG | Gas/Electric, multi-position | 208/230V-3 | 14 SEER (legacy rating; confirm on spec sheet) | R-410A |
| Rheem | RACCYB | Air Conditioner | 208/230V-1, 208/230V-3, 460V-3 | 13.4 SEER2 / 10 EER2 | R-454B |
| Rheem | RGECYB | Gas/Electric | 208/230V-3, 460V-3 | 13.4 SEER2 / 10 EER2 | R-454B |
| Rheem | RHPCYB | Heat Pump | 208/230V-3, 460V-3 | 13.4 SEER2 / 10 EER2 | R-454B |
Ratings above are taken from the product listings in this category. Confirm the rating for the exact model number on the manufacturer's spec sheet or AHRI certificate before relying on it for a rebate, bid, or code compliance form.
Choosing Among the 5-Ton Options
Sort by power first, then heat source, then efficiency. For a single-phase building, the choices are the single-phase Daikin D-series models and the Rheem RACCYB. For budget three-phase replacements, the Daikin DP3 and Rheem CYB series are the straightforward picks, and most DP3 listings at this size show two-stage compressor operation. Where the owner wants lower operating cost or better part-load humidity control, the Daikin DHG, DHC, and DHH two-stage units carry the highest SEER2 ratings on the page. If the load calculation comes in above 5 tons, the 6 Ton Rooftop Units page covers the next size up, with the rating and voltage changes described above; if it comes in lower, compare with 4 Ton Rooftop Units.
Ordering Notes
- Quote and order by the full model number. Heat input, voltage, and NOx option are built into the model code.
- Order the curb or curb adapter, economizer, and controls with the unit so the set day is not held up.
- Rooftop units arrive by freight. Have a dock or request liftgate service, and note any damage on the delivery receipt.
- Five tons is the busiest size in season. Ask about current availability early, and allow extra time for 460V and 575V models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 tons the largest rooftop unit available in single-phase?
In this category tree, yes. The 5-ton Daikin DSG, DHG, DSC, DHC, DSH, and DHH and the Rheem RACCYB are listed in 208/230V single-phase. The 6-ton units we carry are three-phase only.
Why can't I compare a 5-ton SEER2 rating with a 6-ton IEER rating?
They are different metrics with different test conditions. SEER2 applies below 65,000 Btu/h, and IEER applies at 65,000 Btu/h and above. Compare EER values for a closer, though still imperfect, comparison.
Can I still buy an R-410A 5-ton rooftop unit?
This page includes Daikin DFG and DRG listings that use R-410A. Availability is limited, and compliance depends on the unit and installation, so confirm stock and documentation before quoting.
What is the largest gas heat input at 5 tons?
140,000 Btu/h, offered on Daikin DSG, DHG, and DFG listings at this size. Check temperature rise against design airflow before selecting the high-input option.
Does a 5-ton rooftop unit need an economizer?
In many climate zones and code editions it does, but exceptions and local amendments apply. Check the adopted energy code and the project's mechanical plans.
Which 5-ton units have two-stage cooling?
The Daikin DHG, DHC, and DHH series are listed as two-stage, as are most of the Daikin DP3 listings at this size. The Daikin DS series and Rheem CYB units are listed as single-stage.
