Shopping for a new air conditioning system or furnace can feel overwhelming. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural to look for models with extremely high efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient system will provide the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Not necessarily.
High 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 energy bills.
Proper sizing directly impacts humidity control and system longevity. The best HVAC system for your home balances energy efficiency and correct sizing.
In thisarticle, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why correct HVAC size is so important and why trusted HVAC experts consider both when helping you choose the best HVAC system for your home.
What Does it Mean if an AC Has a High SEER Rating?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), measures how efficiently a cooling system cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using test procedures that better represent real-world operating conditions. Most new air conditioners have a SEER2 rating, simply because this rating is the current rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is rated by an AFUE rating, which is for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Like 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.
That said, high ratings don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Actual heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on several key factors, including the quality of the installation, the state of your ductwork, insulation levels, thermostat settings and, most importantly, HVAC system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot deliver peak performance if it is too large or too small for the home.
Why Correct HVAC System Sizing Matters More Than You Think
Many assume a bigger air conditioner or furnace will work the best or that they should just replace their old HVAC system with a same-sized replacement. Actually, new heating system installation or air conditioner replacement should be chosen based on your home's current 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 selecting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation evaluates many details that impact your home's heating and cooling requirements, including:
- Home square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and direction
- Insulation
- Drafts and air leakage
- Local climate
- Household occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs long enough to cool your home consistently while removing excess humidity. That means more even temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. Proper sizing also helps the equipment to run more effciently, reducing excessive wear and tear that can shorten its lifespan or lead to costly breakdowns.
When HVAC equipment is correctly sized, you get better comfort and more reliable operation.
Problems with 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. However, that's usually not a great idea.
heating and cooling systems that are bigger than your home needs or undersized can create comfort problems, increase utility costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Common Problems With 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 cycles repeatedly, reducing efficiency and increasing equipment strain.
- Humidity problems: Oversized air conditioners finish cooling cycles too soon to remove enough moisture from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms become too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- Increased wear and tear: Even though the system works quickly, those repeated on-and-off cycles can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Drawbacks of Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system can have the opposite problem:
- Long run times: The system stays on for extended periods trying to reach the set temperature, which also causes unnecessary wear and tear.
- Difficulty reaching thermostat settings: Your home may never feel as cool as you want during hot weather or feel too cool during winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running nonstop can increase utility bills.
- Greater strain on very hot or cold days: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder in extreme temperatures, increasing component strain and the likelihood of repairs.
Why You Should Balance HVAC System Efficiency and Size
When weighing the pros and cons of a high SEER vs right-sized system, don't forget that you don't necessarily need the most efficient model on the market.
Often, a correctly sized, mid-efficiency heating and cooling system will deliver better performance than an overly large premium system because it functions the way it was designed to.
Thebest choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's correctly sized for your home, your budget, your climate and your long-term needs.
When deciding how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, keep these factors in mind:
- Efficiency savings: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can reduce electricity use.
- Purchase price: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often require a larger upfront investment than mid-range models but can lower long-term energy costs.
- Electricity rates: Areas with higher electricity rates may see more significant long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's crucial your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with harsh winter weather or extremely hot summers.
- How long you'll own the home: If you intend to remain in your home for many years, the long-term energy savings of a higher-efficiency unit may justify the investment.
- Rebates and tax credits: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can reduce the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this play out in a real world scenario?
Suppose there are 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 lower efficiency rating on paper, it may deliver lower operating costs, better home comfort, improved humidity control and last longer because it's correctly matched to the home's needs.
Work With an HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
HVAC replacent or installation should involve much more than selecting a model with the highest efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Durable Service, our skilled HVAC experts perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's size and layout, your household's comfort needs and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the highest-capacity, most expensive unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our HVAC experts will let you know about any available rebates and tax incentives and provide information about HVAC financing options that make high-efficiency systems more accessible for all budgets.
Schedule an HVAC consultation online with Durable Service to get started. We'll evaluate your home, answer any questions and help you choose the properly sized energy-efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for years to come.
