Shopping for a new air conditioning system or furnace can be stressful. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural 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.
High efficiency isn't the only thing you should consider 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 directly impacts humidity control and long-term reliability. The best HVAC system for your home balances efficiency and proper 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 select 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 newer version of SEER, using testing methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Today’s 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 is short for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. As with SEER and SEER2 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.
Even so, high numbers don't by themselves guarantee lower utility bills. Everyday heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the installation quality, the quality of your ductwork, insulation levels, thermostat settings and, most importantly, HVAC system sizing. Even the highest-efficiency system cannot perform as intended if it is too large or too small for the home.
Why Proper HVAC 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 new one the same size. Actually, new heating system installation or a new air conditioner 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 companies complete an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before suggesting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation analyzes many variables that affect your home's heating and cooling requirements, including:
- Home square footage
- Room height
- Window size and orientation
- Home insultation levels
- Air leakage
- Area climate
- Household occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs through longer cooling cycles to cool your home consistently while removing excess humidity. That means more consistent temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. Proper sizing also helps the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can cause it to wear it out sooner or lead to costly breakdowns.
When your heating or cooling system is properly sized, you get greater comfort and more reliable operation.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized Heating and Cooling Systems
Many homeowners are tempted to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. The truth is, that often isn't a great idea.
HVAC systems that are bigger than necessary or undersized can create comfort issues, increase utility 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 delivers the best comfort.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.
- Poor humidity removal: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove indoor humidity from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms become too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- Additional equipment wear: Even though the system works quickly, those constant 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 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 always feel chilly in the winter.
- Increased energy consumption: Running almost constantly can increase utility bills.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can run extremely hard in extreme temperatures, increasing equipment wear and the risk of breakdowns.
Why You Should Balance HVAC System Efficiency and Size
When weighing the pros and cons of a high SEER vs right-sized system, keep in mind that you don't automatically need the most efficient model on the market.
In many cases, a professionally sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will outperform an overly large premium system because it operates 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, keep these factors in mind:
- Lower energy costs: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can decrease electricity use.
- Upfront investment: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often require a larger upfront investment than mid-range models but can help reduce long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with higher electricity rates may see greater long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Climate: It's essential your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with harsh winter weather or intense summer heat.
- Length of home ownership: If you expect to live 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 higher-efficiency systems.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this work in a real world example?
Imagine two neighboring homes.
In one, 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 properly sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Even though the second system has a lesser 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 Local HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting a system with the top efficiency rating. An ideal system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Redinger Heating & Cooling, our knowledgeable technicians perform an HVAC load calculation. Our team will evaluate your home's design, your household's comfort goals 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 HVAC experts will help you identify any available rebates and tax incentives 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 Redinger Heating & Cooling today. 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.
