Shopping for 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 common to focus on models with the highest efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient system provides the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Actually, that’s not always the case.
Efficiency ratings aren’t the only thing you should consider 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 utility bills.
Proper sizing has a major impact on humidity control and system longevity. The best HVAC system for your home combines energy efficiency and proper 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 trusted HVAC experts 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), shows how efficiently an AC cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the current version of SEER, using testing methods that better represent real-world operating conditions. Nearly all new air conditioners have a SEER2 rating, 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. Like 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.
However, high ratings don't necessarily guarantee lower utility bills. Everyday heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the way the system is installed, the state 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 oversized or undersized for the home.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing Matters More Than You Probably 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 same-sized replacement. In reality, new heating system installation or a new air conditioner should be sized based on your home's true heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the capacity of the old system.
That's why reputable contractors complete an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before suggesting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation evaluates many details that affect your home's heating and cooling load, including:
- Overall square footage
- Room height
- Window size and orientation
- Insulation
- Air infiltration
- 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 more uniformly while eliminating excess humidity. That means more consistent temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved moisture control. This also allows the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can shorten its lifespan or lead to costly breakdowns.
When HVAC equipment is the right size for your home, you get better comfort and more dependable performance.
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. However, that’s rarely a smart choice.
heating and cooling systems that are bigger than necessary or too small can create comfort issues, increase utility costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Drawbacks of Oversized HVAC Systems
An oversized air conditioner or heating system may reach the thermostat setting fast, but that doesn't mean it delivers the best comfort.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system turns on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing equipment strain.
- Reduced humidity control: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove indoor humidity from the air.
- Hot and cold spots: Some rooms feel too cool while others stay too warm.
- Additional equipment wear: 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:
- Long run times: The system operates almost continuously trying to reach the desired temperature, which also causes additional wear.
- Difficulty maintaining the desired temperature: Your home may not feel comfortable during hot weather or feel too cool during winter.
- Increased energy consumption: Running nonstop can increase energy costs.
- Greater strain on very hot or cold days: HVAC systems that are too small can struggle in extreme temperatures, increasing wear and the chance of failure.
Why You Should Balance HVAC System 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 most efficient model on the market.
More often than not, a professionally sized, mid-efficiency heating and cooling system will outperform an overly large 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 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.
- Upfront investment: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often cost more initially than mid-range models but can reduce long-term energy costs.
- Energy prices: Areas with higher electricity rates may see better long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's crucial your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with very cold winters or intense summer heat.
- How long you'll own the home: If you expect to live in your home for many years, the long-term energy savings of a higher-efficiency unit may offset the investment.
- Available rebates or tax incentives: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can offset the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this work in a real world example?
Picture two neighboring homes.
At the first home, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system has far more capacity than the home needs because the contractor simply matched the previous unit. The other homeowner installs a right-sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Although the second system has a lesser 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
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting a system with the highest efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, our knowledgeable technicians perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll evaluate your home's size and layout, your household's heating and cooling preferences and recommend equipment that's designed specifically for your home—not simply the largest, latest and greatest unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will let you know about 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 Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC now. Our team will evaluate your home, answer any questions and help you choose the correctly sized energy-efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.