Choosing a new air conditioner or furnace can be stressful. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's common to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient system will provide the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Actually, that’s not always the case.
Energy efficiency isn't the only thing to think about when it comes to new air conditioner installation or replacing your furnace. Even though many focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is often even more important for your home's comfort and your power bills.
Proper sizing also influences humidity control and long-term reliability. The best HVAC system for your home balances efficiency and correct sizing.
In thisarticle, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why proper HVAC system size is so important and why experienced HVAC professionals consider both when helping you choose 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 a cooling system cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the current version of SEER, using test procedures that better represent real-world operating conditions. Today’s new air conditioners have a SEER2 designation, simply because this rating is the new rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by something called AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. As with 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.
Even so, high numbers don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Real-world heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the quality of the installation, the state of your ductwork, how much insulation your home has, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the highest-rated system cannot operate at its best if it is too large or too small for the home.
Why Correct HVAC System Sizing Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a larger air conditioner or furnace will heat or cool a home better or that they should just replace their old HVAC system with a same-sized replacement. The truth is, new heating system installation or AC replacement should be chosen based on your home's current heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the capacity of the old system.
That's why reputable contractors conduct an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before suggesting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation evaluates many variables that impact your home's heating and cooling load, including:
- Overall square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and direction
- Insulation
- Air leakage
- Regional climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat generated by appliances and lighting
- Ductwork condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs for enough time to cool your home evenly while removing excess humidity. That means more consistent temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. This also allows the equipment to operate more effciently, reducing strain that can shorten its lifespan or lead to costly breakdowns.
When a furnace or AC is properly sized, you get improved comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized Heating and Cooling Systems
It might be tempting to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. The truth is, that often isn't a good investment.
HVAC systems that are bigger than your home needs or smaller than your home requires can create comfort issues, increase energy expenses and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Common Problems With Oversized HVAC Systems
An oversized air conditioner or heating system may work quickly, but that doesn't mean it delivers the best comfort.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system cycles repeatedly, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
- High indoor humidity: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Hot and cold spots: Some rooms become too cold while others never feel comfortable.
- Additional equipment wear: Even though the system works quickly, those frequent starts and stops can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Cons Associated with Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system has a different set of problems:
- Long run times: The system runs for long periods trying to reach the set temperature, which also causes extra strain.
- Trouble reaching the thermostat setting: Your home may not feel comfortable during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Higher energy use: Running almost constantly can increase monthly energy expenses.
- Greater strain on very hot or cold days: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder in extreme temperatures, increasing equipment wear and the risk of breakdowns.
Finding the Right Balance Between Efficiency and Size
When weighing the pros and cons of a high SEER vs right-sized system, keep in mind that you don't always need the top-efficiency model on the market.
In many cases, a properly sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will outperform an overly large premium system because it functions 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.
As you think about how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, consider:
- Energy savings: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can reduce electricity use.
- Purchase price: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often have a higher purchase price than mid-range models but can reduce long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with more expensive electricity may see more significant long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Climate: It's essential your heating or cooling system has the right capacity to handle areas with extremely cold winters 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 offset the investment.
- Rebates and tax credits: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can reduce the overall cost of higher-efficiency systems.
Real-World Comparison: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this play out in a real world scenario?
Picture two neighboring homes.
In one, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big for the house because the contractor simply matched the previous unit. At the neighboring home, an HVAC professional installs a correctly sized, mid-SEER or AFUE system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Even though the second system has a more modest efficiency rating on paper, it may provide lower operating costs, better home comfort, improved humidity control and have a longer lifespan because it's properly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
An HVAC replacement should involve much more than selecting the unit with the highest efficiency rating. The best system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC, our skilled HVAC experts perform an HVAC load calculation. Our team will evaluate your home's design, your household's comfort needs 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 let you know about 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 Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC now. We'll evaluate your home, answer any questions and help you choose the properly sized efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for years to come.