Choosing a new AC or furnace can be stressful. If you're trying to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
Surely the most efficient equipment provides the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Not necessarily.
Energy efficiency isn't the only thing you should consider when it comes to new air conditioner installation or installing a new furnace. Although many people 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 lasting performance. 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 qualified HVAC contractors consider both when helping you choose the best HVAC system for your home.
High Seer Ratings: What Do They Mean?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), shows how efficiently a cooling system cools your home over a standard 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 designation, simply because this rating is the current rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is rated by an AFUE rating, 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 keep you comfortable than lower-rated systems under standardized laboratory testing.
Even so, high numbers don't by themselves guarantee lower utility bills. Everyday heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the way the system is installed, the state of your ductwork, how much insulation your home has, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot operate at its best if it is too large or smaller than needed for the home.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a higher-capacity air conditioner or furnace will heat or cool a home better or that they should simply replace their old HVAC system with a new one the same size. The truth is, new heating system installation or AC replacement should be selected based on your home's true heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the size of your existing equipment.
That's why reputable contractors conduct an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before selecting 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
- Air infiltration
- Area climate
- Household occupants
- Heat generated by appliances and lighting
- Ductwork condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs long enough to cool your home consistently while eliminating excess humidity. That means steadier temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. It also helps the equipment to run more effciently, reducing excessive wear and tear that can cause it to wear it out sooner or lead to costly breakdowns.
When a furnace or AC is the right size for your home, you get better comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized HVAC Equipment
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, highest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. The truth is, that's usually not a great idea.
HVAC systems that are too large or too small can create comfort problems, increase operating 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 performs efficiently.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing equipment strain.
- Reduced humidity control: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove enough moisture from the air.
- Inconsistent temperatures: Some rooms get too cold while others stay too warm.
- More wear and tear: Even though the system heats or cools your home fast, those repeated on-and-off cycles can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Issues Created by 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 desired temperature, which also causes extra strain.
- Trouble reaching the thermostat setting: Your home may feel cool enough during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running almost constantly can increase energy costs.
- Extra stress during severe weather: HVAC systems that are too small can struggle in extreme temperatures, increasing wear and the risk of breakdowns.
Balancing Efficiency and Size
When trying to decide between a high SEER vs right-sized system, don't forget that you don't necessarily need the top-efficiency model on the market.
Often, a correctly sized, mid-efficiency heating and cooling system will outperform an oversized premium system because it functions the way it was designed to.
Thesmartest choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's matched for your home, your budget, your climate and your future plans.
As you think about how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, consider:
- Lower energy costs: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can reduce electricity use.
- Upfront investment: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often have a higher purchase price 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.
- Climate: It's essential your heating or cooling system has the right capacity to handle areas with extremely cold winters or intense summer heat.
- Length of home ownership: 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 offset the overall cost of higher-efficiency systems.
Real-World Example: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in a real world example?
Picture two neighboring homes.
In one, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system has far more capacity than the home needs because the contractor simply matched the previous unit. Next door, the second homeowner installs a right-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 have a longer lifespan because it's correctly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs Solutions Tailored to Your Home
An HVAC replacement should involve more than selecting the unit with the highest efficiency rating. An ideal system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc., our knowledgeable technicians perform an HVAC load calculation. Our team will evaluate your home's layout and construction, your household's comfort needs and recommend equipment that's designed specifically for your home—not simply the highest-capacity, most expensive unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will let you know about any available rebates or 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 Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. today. We'll gladly evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the properly sized energy-efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.
