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 understandable to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
Surely the most efficient heating and cooling system provides 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 furnace replacement. Even though many focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is just as, 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 balances energy efficiency and correct sizing.
In thisblog, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why correct HVAC 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), measures how efficiently a cooling system cools your home over a typical cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the current version of SEER, using testing methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Most new air conditioners have a SEER2 efficiency rating, simply because this rating is the current rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by an AFUE rating, 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 achieve indoor comfort than lower-rated systems under standardized laboratory testing.
However, high numbers don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Real-world heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on several key factors, including the quality of the installation, the state of your ductwork, how much insulation your home has, thermostat settings and, most importantly, HVAC system sizing. Even the highest-rated system cannot perform as intended if it is bigger than necessary or too small 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 just replace their old HVAC system with a unit of the same capacity. Actually, new heating system installation or a new air conditioner should be selected based on your home's true 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 selecting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation evaluates many details that affect your home's heating and cooling requirements, including:
- Total square footage
- Room height
- Window size and placement
- Insulation
- Air leakage
- Local climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Ductwork condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs through longer cooling cycles to cool your home evenly while pulling out excess humidity. That means steadier temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved indoor humidity management. It also helps the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can reduce its service life or lead to more repairs and higher repair costs.
When your heating or cooling system is correctly sized, you get greater comfort and more dependable performance.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized Systems
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, largest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. However, that's usually not a great idea.
HVAC systems that are too large or smaller than your home requires can create indoor comfort challenges, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Issues Created by Oversized HVAC Systems
An oversized air conditioner or heating system may work quickly, 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 reach the set temperature too fast to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms feel too cool while others never feel comfortable.
- Increased wear and tear: Even though the system reaches the target temperature rapidly, those constant cycles 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 unnecessary wear and tear.
- Difficulty reaching thermostat settings: Your home may not feel comfortable during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Higher energy use: Running almost constantly can increase utility bills.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can struggle in extreme temperatures, increasing component strain and the chance of failure.
Balancing Efficiency and Size
When trying to decide between a high SEER vs right-sized system, keep in mind that you don't automatically need the top-efficiency model on the market.
In many cases, a properly sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will provide better results than an overly large premium system because it functions the way it was designed to.
Theideal 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, consider:
- Lower energy costs: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can lower electricity use.
- Upfront investment: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often cost more initially than mid-range models but can reduce long-term energy costs.
- Electricity rates: 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 adequate capacity to handle areas with harsh winter weather or intense summer heat.
- Time you plan to own the home: If you expect to live 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 lower the overall cost of high-efficiency HVAC equipment.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this play out in a real world example?
Suppose there are two neighboring homes.
In the first, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system has far more capacity than the home needs because the contractor replaced it with the same size system as the previous unit. The other homeowner installs a correctly sized, mid-SEER or AFUE system after completing a Manual J calculation.
While 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 properly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
HVAC replacent or installation should involve more than selecting a model with the highest efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced professionals perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll evaluate your home's size and layout, your household's comfort goals and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the largest, latest and greatest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will let you know about any available tax rebates and provide information about HVAC financing options that make energy-efficient HVAC systems more accessible for all budgets.
Schedule an HVAC consultation online with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning to get started. We'll evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the right-sized high-efficiency system that keeps your family comfortable for years to come.
