Choosing a new air conditioning system or furnace can be stressful. If you're trying to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural to focus on models with extremely high efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient system provides the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Not necessarily.
Efficiency ratings aren’t the only thing you should consider when it comes to new air conditioner installation or furnace replacement. Although many people 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 power bills.
Proper sizing directly impacts humidity control and system longevity. The best HVAC system for your home delivers energy efficiency and proper sizing.
In thisguide, 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 experienced HVAC professionals consider both when recommending the best HVAC system for your home.
What Does a High SEER Rating Actually 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 current version of SEER, using evaluation methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Today’s new air conditioners have a SEER2 designation, simply because this rating is the new rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is rated by AFUE, which is for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. As with SEER and SEER2, 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.
Even so, high numbers don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Real-world heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on more than just efficiency ratings, including the quality of the installation, the condition of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot perform as intended if it is bigger than necessary or smaller than needed for the home.
Why HVAC System Size Matters More Than You Think
Many assume a bigger air conditioner or furnace will make their home the most comfortable 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 true heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the size of your existing equipment.
That's why reputable contractors complete 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 load, including:
- Total square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and direction
- Insulation
- Air leakage
- Local climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs for enough time to cool your home consistently while pulling out excess humidity. That means more even temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. It also helps the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing excessive wear and tear that can shorten its lifespan or lead to costly breakdowns.
When HVAC equipment is properly sized, you get greater comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized HVAC Equipment
It might be tempting to buy the most energy efficient, largest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that’s rarely a great idea.
HVAC systems that are too large or smaller than your home requires can create indoor comfort challenges, 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 reach the thermostat setting fast, but that doesn't mean it works well.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing equipment strain.
- Humidity problems: Oversized air conditioners reach the set temperature too fast to remove indoor humidity 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 repeated on-and-off cycles can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Cons Associated with Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system also can struggle:
- Continuous operation: 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 not feel comfortable during hot weather or never feel warm enough in cold weather.
- Greater energy usage: Running nonstop can increase energy costs.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder in extreme temperatures, increasing wear and the risk of breakdowns.
Finding the Right Balance Between Efficiency and Size
When trying to decide between a high SEER vs right-sized system, remember that you don't automatically need the highest-efficiency model on the market.
Often, a properly sized, mid-efficiency heating and cooling system will outperform an overly large premium system because it runs 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 lower electricity use.
- Initial cost: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often cost more initially than mid-range models but can lower long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with more expensive electricity may see better long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Your local climate: It's crucial your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with extremely cold winters or intense summer heat.
- 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 offset the investment.
- Rebates and tax credits: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can reduce the overall cost of high-efficiency HVAC equipment.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in a real world example?
Picture 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. Next door, the second homeowner installs a properly sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Although the second system has a more modest efficiency rating on paper, it may deliver lower operating costs, better home comfort, more effective humidity control and last longer because it's properly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the Local HVAC Professional Who Designs Personalized Solutions
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting the unit with the top efficiency rating. An ideal system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., our skilled HVAC experts perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's design, your household's comfort goals and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the largest, fanciest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will connect you with any available tax rebates and provide information about HVAC financing options that make high-efficiency systems more accessible for all budgets.
Schedule an HVAC consultation online with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to get started. We'll gladly evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the correctly sized high-efficiency system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.
