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.
Surely the most efficient heating and cooling system will provide the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
It’s not quite that simple.
Energy 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 often even more important for your home's comfort and your power bills.
Proper sizing has a major impact on humidity control and long-term reliability. The best HVAC system for your home balances energy 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 trusted HVAC experts 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), measures how effectively a cooling system cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using evaluation methods that better reflect real-world operating conditions. Most new air conditioners have a SEER2 rating, simply because that is the updated rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by an AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Like cooling efficiency ratings, 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.
That said, high numbers don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Everyday heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on more than just efficiency ratings, including the quality of the installation, the quality of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot operate at its best if it is oversized or smaller than needed for the home.
Why HVAC System Size Matters More Than You Probably Think
Many assume a higher-capacity air conditioner or furnace will work the best or that they should simply replace their old HVAC system with a unit of the same capacity. The truth is, new heating system installation or AC replacement should be selected based on your home's actual heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the capacity of the old system.
That's why reputable technicians complete an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before recommending replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation considers many variables that impact your home's heating and cooling load, including:
- Total square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and orientation
- Insulation
- Air infiltration
- Local climate
- Household occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs for enough time to cool your home evenly while pulling out excess humidity. That means more even temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved indoor humidity management. Proper sizing also helps the equipment to operate more effciently, reducing excessive wear and tear 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 improved comfort and more reliable operation.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized Heating and Cooling Systems
It might be tempting to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. The truth is, that often isn't a smart choice.
heating and cooling systems that are too large or too small can create comfort problems, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Drawbacks of 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 starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
- Reduced humidity control: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove indoor humidity from the air.
- Inconsistent temperatures: Some rooms get too cold while others never feel comfortable.
- Additional equipment wear: Even though the system reaches the target temperature rapidly, those constant cycles can cause avoidable breakdowns due to the strain.
Issues Created by Undersized HVAC Systems
An undersized HVAC system can have the opposite problem:
- Long run times: The system runs for long 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 feel too cool during winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running for extended periods 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 weighing the pros and cons of a high SEER vs right-sized system, don't forget that you don't necessarily need the highest-efficiency model on the market.
More often than not, a properly sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will deliver better performance than an oversized premium system because it runs 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 needs.
As you consider how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, think about:
- Energy savings: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can reduce electricity use.
- Purchase price: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often cost more initially than mid-range models but can reduce long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with higher utility costs may see more significant 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 extremely cold winters or very hot summers.
- 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 justify the investment.
- Financial incentives: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can offset the overall cost of higher-efficiency systems.
Real-World Comparison: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in the real world?
Suppose there are two neighboring homes.
In one, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big because the contractor simply matched the previous unit. Next door, the second homeowner installs a properly sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
While the second system has a lower efficiency rating on paper, it may provide lower operating costs, better home comfort, improved humidity control and have a longer lifespan because it's properly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs Personalized Solutions
HVAC replacent or installation should involve much more than selecting a model with the highest efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your home’s heating and cooling requirements.
At Anderson Heating & A/C, our experienced professionals perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's design, your household's heating and cooling preferences and recommend equipment that's properly matched for your home—not simply the biggest, fanciest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our heating and cooling specialists will connect you with any available tax rebates 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 Anderson Heating & A/C to get started. Our team will evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the correctly sized efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for the long haul.