Shopping for a new air conditioning system or furnace can be stressful. If you're trying to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's common to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
Surely the most efficient equipment provides the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
It’s not quite that simple.
High efficiency isn't the only thing you should consider when it comes to new air conditioner installation or installing a new furnace. While many homeowners focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is equally, if not more important for your home's comfort and your energy bills.
Proper sizing also influences humidity control and lasting performance. The best HVAC system for your home delivers energy efficiency and proper sizing.
In thisblog, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why proper HVAC system sizing is so important and why trusted HVAC experts consider both when helping you select the best HVAC system for your home.
What Does a High SEER Rating Actually Mean?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), shows how effectively an air conditioner cools your home over a typical cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using testing methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Nearly all new air conditioners have a SEER2 efficiency rating, simply because this is the new rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is rated by AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Similar to cooling efficiency ratings, higher AFUE ratings indicate a high-efficiency HVAC system that uses less electricity to heat your home than lower-rated systems under standardized laboratory testing.
However, high ratings don't necessarily guarantee lower utility bills. Actual heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on more than just efficiency ratings, including the installation quality, the state of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, HVAC system sizing. Even the highest-efficiency system cannot deliver peak performance if it is oversized or smaller than needed for the home.
Why Correct HVAC System Sizing Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a higher-capacity air conditioner or furnace will work the best or that they should simply replace their old HVAC system with a unit of the same capacity. In reality, new heating system installation or air conditioner replacement should be selected based on your home's true heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the size of the previous unit.
That's why reputable technicians conduct an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before suggesting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation analyzes many variables that impact your home's heating and cooling load, including:
- Home square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and placement
- Home insultation levels
- Drafts and air leakage
- Area climate
- Household occupants
- Heat generated by appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs through longer cooling cycles to cool your home consistently while pulling out excess humidity. That means more even temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. It also helps the equipment to run more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can shorten its lifespan or lead to more repairs and higher repair costs.
When your heating or cooling system is the right size for your home, you get improved comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized HVAC Equipment
It might be tempting to buy the most energy efficient, highest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that’s rarely a good investment.
HVAC systems that are too large or undersized can create indoor comfort challenges, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Drawbacks of Oversized HVAC Systems
An oversized air conditioner or heating system may heat or cool rapidly, but that doesn't mean it works well.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
- High indoor humidity: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove enough moisture from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms become too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- Additional equipment wear: Even though the system heats or cools your home fast, those repeated on-and-off cycles can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Drawbacks of Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system has a different set of problems:
- Long run times: The system stays on for extended periods trying to reach the thermostat setting, which also causes additional wear.
- Trouble reaching the thermostat setting: Your home may not feel comfortable during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Increased energy consumption: Running almost constantly can increase energy costs.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder in extreme temperatures, increasing component strain and the chance of failure.
Why You Should Balance HVAC System Efficiency and Size
When trying to decide between a high SEER vs right-sized system, don't forget that you don't always need the top-efficiency model on the market.
More often than not, a professionally sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will provide better results than an overly large premium system because it runs the way it was designed to.
Thesmartest choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's properly sized for your home, your budget, your climate and your long-term goals.
When deciding how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, think about:
- Lower energy costs: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can decrease electricity use.
- Purchase price: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often cost more initially than mid-range models but can help reduce long-term energy costs.
- Electricity rates: Areas with higher electricity rates may see better long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's important your heating or cooling system has the right capacity to handle areas with harsh winter weather or extremely hot summers.
- How long you'll own the home: If you plan to stay in your home for many years, the long-term energy savings of a higher-efficiency unit may be worth the investment.
- Rebates and tax credits: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can lower the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this work in a real world example?
Suppose there are two neighboring homes.
In the first, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big because the contractor only matched the previous unit. At the neighboring home, an HVAC professional installs a right-sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Although the second system has a lesser efficiency rating on paper, it may provide lower operating costs, better home comfort, improved humidity control and last longer because it's correctly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting a model with the highest efficiency rating. The best system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Home Comfort Heating & Air, our experienced professionals perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's layout and construction, your household's comfort goals and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the largest, fanciest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our heating and cooling specialists will help you identify any available tax rebates and provide information about HVAC financing options that make efficient heating and cooling systems more accessible for all budgets.
Schedule an HVAC consultation online with Home Comfort Heating & Air now. We'll gladly evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the right-sized efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for the long haul.
