Shopping for a new air conditioner or furnace can feel overwhelming. If you're trying to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's common to look for models with extremely high efficiency ratings.
Surely the most efficient system will provide the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
It’s not quite that simple.
High efficiency isn't the only thing to think about when it comes to new air conditioner installation or installing a new furnace. Even though many focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is equally, if not 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 delivers 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 qualified HVAC contractors 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), indicates how efficiently an AC cools your home over a typical cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using evaluation methods that better reflect real-world operating conditions. Nearly all new air conditioners have a SEER2 rating, simply because this is the current rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is evaluated by something called AFUE, which is short for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Similar to 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.
That said, high numbers don't by themselves guarantee lower utility bills. Actual heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the installation quality, the quality of your ductwork, how much insulation your home has, thermostat settings and, most importantly, proper HVAC system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot operate at its best if it is bigger than necessary or undersized for the home.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a higher-capacity air conditioner or furnace will make their home the most comfortable 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 sized based on your home's current heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the size of your existing equipment.
That's why reputable companies conduct an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before recommending replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation evaluates many factors that affect your home's comfort needs, including:
- Home square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and direction
- Insulation
- Air infiltration
- Area climate
- Household occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs long enough to cool your home more uniformly while pulling out excess humidity. That means steadier temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved indoor humidity management. This also allows the equipment to operate more effciently, reducing strain that can shorten its lifespan or lead to more repairs and higher repair costs.
When HVAC equipment is the right size for your home, you get improved comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized Heating and Cooling Systems
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that often isn't a great idea.
heating and cooling systems that are bigger than necessary or too small can create indoor comfort challenges, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Drawbacks of 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 wear.
- Reduced humidity control: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove enough moisture from the air.
- Hot and cold spots: Some rooms become too cold while others never feel comfortable.
- Increased 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.
Drawbacks of Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system has a different set of problems:
- Long run times: The system operates almost continuously trying to reach the thermostat setting, which also causes additional wear.
- Trouble reaching the thermostat setting: Your home may never feel as cool as you want during hot weather or feel too cool during winter.
- Higher energy use: Running nonstop can increase energy costs.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder 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, remember that you don't always need the most efficient model on the market.
In many cases, a professionally sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will provide better results than an overly large premium system because it runs the way it was designed to.
Thebest choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's matched for your home, your budget, your climate and your long-term needs.
As you think about how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, consider:
- Lower energy costs: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can lower 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.
- Energy prices: Areas with higher utility costs may see more significant long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's important your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with very cold winters or very hot summers.
- Length of home ownership: If you intend to remain in your home for many years, the long-term energy savings of a higher-efficiency unit may be worth the investment.
- Available rebates or tax incentives: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can lower the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Example: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in a real world example?
Suppose there are 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. Next door, the second homeowner installs a properly sized, mid-efficiency 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 properly 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 system with the top efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your home’s heating and cooling requirements.
At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., our knowledgeable technicians perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll evaluate your home's design, your household's heating and cooling preferences and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the highest-capacity, latest and greatest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our heating and cooling specialists will help you identify any available rebates and tax incentives and provide information about HVAC financing options that make energy-efficient HVAC systems more accessible for all budgets.
Schedule an HVAC consultation online with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. today. Our team will evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the correctly sized high-efficiency system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.