Choosing a new AC 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?
Actually, that’s not always the case.
Energy efficiency isn't the only thing to think about when it comes to new air conditioner installation or replacing your furnace. While many homeowners focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is often even more important for your home's comfort and your utility bills.
Proper sizing has a major impact on humidity control and long-term reliability. The best HVAC system for your home delivers efficiency and proper sizing.
In thisblog, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why proper HVAC system sizing is so important and why experienced HVAC professionals consider both when helping you select the best HVAC system for your home.
What Does a High SEER Rating Actually Mean?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), indicates how effectively a cooling system cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the current version of SEER, using evaluation methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Most new air conditioners have a SEER2 designation, simply because that is the updated rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is evaluated by an AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Similar to SEER and SEER2 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 ratings don't necessarily guarantee lower utility bills. Actual heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the installation quality, the condition of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the highest-efficiency system cannot operate at its best if it is bigger than necessary or too small for the home.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a bigger 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. Actually, 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 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 comfort needs, including:
- Total square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and placement
- Home insultation levels
- Drafts and air leakage
- Local climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat generated by appliances and lighting
- Ductwork condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs for enough time to cool your home evenly while eliminating excess humidity. That means more consistent temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved moisture control. Proper sizing also helps the equipment to run more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can cause it to wear it out sooner or lead to frequent or expensive repairs.
When your heating or cooling system is correctly sized, you get improved comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized HVAC Equipment
It might be tempting to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that’s rarely a smart choice.
HVAC systems that are too large or undersized can create comfort issues, 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 performs efficiently.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system turns on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
- Reduced humidity control: Oversized air conditioners finish cooling cycles too soon to remove enough moisture from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms become too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- 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.
Drawbacks of Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system has a different set of problems:
- Continuous operation: The system runs for long periods trying to reach the set temperature, which also causes unnecessary wear and tear.
- Trouble reaching the thermostat setting: Your home may never feel as cool as you want during hot weather or never feel warm enough in cold weather.
- Higher energy use: Running nonstop can increase monthly energy expenses.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can struggle in extreme temperatures, increasing wear and the risk of breakdowns.
Why You Should Balance HVAC System Efficiency and Size
When trying to decide between a high SEER vs right-sized system, don't forget that you don't automatically need the top-efficiency 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.
Theideal choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's correctly sized for your home, your budget, your climate and your long-term goals.
As you think about how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, think about:
- Efficiency savings: 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 reduce long-term energy costs.
- Electricity rates: Areas with higher electricity rates may see greater long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Your local climate: It's essential your heating or cooling system has the right capacity to handle areas with harsh winter weather or extremely hot summers.
- 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 justify the investment.
- Financial incentives: 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
How does this work in the real world?
Suppose there are two neighboring homes.
In the first, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big because the contractor simply matched the previous unit. At the neighboring home, an HVAC professional installs a properly sized, mid-SEER or AFUE system after completing a Manual J calculation.
While the second system has a more modest efficiency rating on paper, it may deliver lower operating costs, better home comfort, improved humidity control and have a longer lifespan because it's properly matched to the home's needs.
Work With an HVAC Professional Who Designs Personalized Solutions
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting the unit with the highest efficiency rating. The best system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., our experienced professionals perform an HVAC load calculation. Our team will evaluate your home's layout and construction, your household's heating and cooling preferences and recommend equipment that's properly matched for your home—not simply the biggest, most expensive unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will connect you with 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 Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. now. We'll evaluate your home, answer any questions and help you choose the right-sized energy-efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for years to come.
