Shopping for a new air conditioner or furnace can be intimidating. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's common to look for models with the highest efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient 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 replacing your 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 energy bills.
Proper sizing also influences humidity control and system longevity. The best HVAC system for your home delivers energy efficiency and correct sizing.
In thisguide, 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 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), indicates how effectively an AC 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. Most new air conditioners have a SEER2 efficiency rating, simply because this is the updated rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by an AFUE rating, which is for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Similar to 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.
However, high ratings don't automatically guarantee lower utility bills. Actual heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on several key factors, including the installation quality, the condition of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, proper HVAC system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot deliver peak performance if it is bigger than necessary or too small for the home.
Why Correct HVAC System Sizing 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 unit of the same capacity. Actually, 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 size of your existing equipment.
That's why reputable companies perform an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before recommending replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation analyzes many details that affect your home's heating and cooling requirements, including:
- Home square footage
- Room height
- Window size and orientation
- Home insultation levels
- Drafts and air leakage
- Local climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat generated by appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs through longer cooling cycles to cool your home more uniformly while removing excess humidity. That means more even temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved indoor humidity management. This also allows the equipment to operate more effciently, reducing strain that can cause it to wear it out sooner or lead to costly breakdowns.
When your heating or cooling system is the right size for your home, you get greater comfort and long-lasting performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized HVAC Equipment
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that's usually not a great idea.
HVAC systems that are bigger than necessary or too small can create comfort problems, increase energy expenses 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 delivers the best comfort.
- Short cycling: An oversized HVAC system starts and stops often, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.
- Poor humidity removal: Oversized air conditioners reach the set temperature too fast to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Hot and cold spots: Some rooms become too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- More wear and tear: Even though the system heats or cools your home fast, 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 additional wear.
- Difficulty reaching thermostat settings: Your home may not feel comfortable during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running nonstop can increase monthly energy expenses.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder in extreme temperatures, increasing component strain 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 always need the top-efficiency model on the market.
Often, a professionally sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will deliver better performance than an oversized premium system because it operates the way it was designed to.
Thebest 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 consider how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, keep these factors in mind:
- Energy savings: Higher-efficiency and right-sized systems can lower electricity use.
- Initial cost: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often require a larger upfront investment 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.
- Seasonal weather conditions: It's important your heating or cooling system has enough capacity to handle areas with very cold winters or very hot summers.
- 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 justify the investment.
- Rebates and tax credits: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can offset the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Example: High Seer vs. Right System Size
What does this look like in a real world example?
Suppose there are two neighboring homes.
In one, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big because the contractor replaced it with the same size system as the previous unit. Next door, the second homeowner installs a right-sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Although the second system has a lower 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.
Choose the HVAC Professional Who Designs Solutions Tailored to Your Home
HVAC replacent or installation should involve much more than selecting a system with the top efficiency rating. The right system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Myers Furnace Company, our skilled HVAC experts perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's size and layout, your household's comfort goals and recommend equipment that's properly matched for your home—not simply the largest, most expensive unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our team will help you identify 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 Myers Furnace Company today. 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 years to come.