Choosing a new AC or furnace can be stressful. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's understandable to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient equipment will provide the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
Not necessarily.
Efficiency ratings aren’t the only thing to think about when it comes to new air conditioner installation or replacing your furnace. Although many people 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 has a major impact on humidity control and system longevity. The best HVAC system for your home balances 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 trusted HVAC experts consider both when helping you select the best HVAC system for your home.
High Seer Ratings: What Do They Mean?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), shows how effectively an air conditioner cools your home over a typical cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using test procedures that better represent real-world operating conditions. Today’s new air conditioners have a SEER2 rating, simply because this is the updated rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Like SEER and SEER2, 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.
Even so, high numbers don't necessarily guarantee lower utility bills. Real-world 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, proper HVAC system sizing. Even the highest-efficiency system cannot perform as intended if it is too large or too small for the home.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing Matters More Than You 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 same-sized replacement. In reality, new heating system installation or AC replacement should be selected based on your home's true heating and cooling needs—not just square footage or the size of the previous unit.
That's why reputable technicians complete an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before selecting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation considers many details that affect your home's comfort needs, including:
- Home square footage
- Room height
- Window size and direction
- Insulation
- Air infiltration
- Regional climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs long enough to cool your home evenly while eliminating excess humidity. That means steadier temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. This also allows the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing unnecessary wear that can cause it to wear it out sooner or lead to more repairs and higher repair costs.
When HVAC equipment is properly sized, you get better comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized Systems
Many homeowners are tempted to buy the most energy efficient, largest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that often isn't a good investment.
HVAC systems that are too large or smaller than your home requires can create comfort problems, increase utility 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 works well.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.
- Humidity problems: Oversized air conditioners reach the set temperature too fast to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Inconsistent 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 frequent starts and stops 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 operates almost continuously trying to reach the desired temperature, which also causes unnecessary wear and tear.
- Difficulty reaching thermostat settings: Your home may feel cool enough during hot weather or feel too cool during winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running almost constantly can increase energy costs.
- Greater strain on very hot or cold days: HVAC systems that are too small can struggle in extreme temperatures, increasing component strain and the likelihood of repairs.
Finding the Right Balance Between 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.
Often, a properly sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will provide better results than an overly large premium system because it functions 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 future plans.
When deciding how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, keep these factors in mind:
- 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 help reduce long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with higher electricity rates may see more significant long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's essential your heating or cooling system has adequate capacity to handle areas with very 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 be worth the investment.
- Financial incentives: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can lower the overall cost of higher-efficiency systems.
Real-World Situation: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in the real world?
Picture 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. At the neighboring home, an HVAC professional installs a correctly 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 correctly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
Replacing your HVAC system should involve much more than selecting the unit with the top efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Northern Comfort Inc, our knowledgeable technicians perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll evaluate your home's layout and construction, your household's comfort goals 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 let you know about any available rebates or 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 Northern Comfort Inc to get started. Our team will evaluate your home, answer any questions and help you choose the correctly sized efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.
