Shopping for a new air conditioning system or furnace can be intimidating. When you're looking to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural to focus on models with extremely high efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient equipment should deliver the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
It’s not quite that simple.
Energy efficiency isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to new air conditioner installation or replacing your furnace. Although many people focus only on 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 long-term reliability. The best HVAC system for your home combines efficiency and proper sizing.
In this guide, 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.
High Seer Ratings: What Do They Mean?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), measures how efficiently a cooling system cools your home over a standard cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using evaluation methods that better simulate real-world operating conditions. Nearly all new air conditioners have a SEER2 designation, simply because that is the new rating system for cooling equipment.
Fuel-burning heating system efficiency is measured by AFUE, 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 keep you comfortable than lower-rated systems under standardized laboratory testing.
That said, high numbers don't by themselves guarantee lower utility bills. Real-world heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on more than just efficiency ratings, including the way the system is installed, the condition of your ductwork, insulation levels, thermostat settings and, most importantly, system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot deliver peak performance if it is too large or smaller than needed for the home.
Why HVAC System Size 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 simply replace their old HVAC system with a new one the same size. The truth is, new heating system installation or a new air conditioner should be sized 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 conduct an HVAC load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, before selecting replacement equipment. A Manual J calculation analyzes many factors that affect your home's comfort needs, including:
- Home square footage
- Room height
- Window size and placement
- Insulation
- Drafts and air leakage
- Area 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 removing excess humidity. That means steadier temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. It also helps the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing strain that can reduce its service life or lead to costly breakdowns.
When your heating or cooling system is correctly sized, you get better comfort and more dependable performance.
Problems Caused by Oversized and Undersized Systems
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, biggest air conditioner or heating system on the market. The truth is, that’s rarely a smart choice.
HVAC systems that are too large or too small can create comfort issues, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Common Problems With 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 turns on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
- High indoor humidity: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Uneven temperatures: Some rooms get too cold while others aren’t ever cool enough.
- More wear and tear: Even though the system reaches the target temperature rapidly, those constant cycles 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 runs for long periods trying to reach the desired temperature, which also causes extra strain.
- Difficulty reaching thermostat settings: 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 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 always need the top-efficiency model on the market.
More often than not, a properly sized, mid-efficiency heating and cooling system will deliver better performance than an oversized premium system because it operates 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 goals.
When deciding how to choose a new air conditioner or furnace, consider:
- Efficiency savings: 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 lower long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: 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 be worth 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
How does this work in a real world scenario?
Imagine two neighboring homes.
At the first home, the homeowner chooses a premium high-efficiency HVAC system that's too big for the house because the contractor only matched the previous unit. At the neighboring home, an HVAC professional installs a properly sized, moderate-efficiency system after completing a Manual J calculation.
Although the second system has a more modest efficiency rating on paper, it may deliver lower operating costs, better home comfort, more effective humidity control and have a longer lifespan because it's correctly matched to the home's needs.
Work With an HVAC Professional Who Designs Personalized Solutions
HVAC replacent or installation should involve more than selecting a model with the highest efficiency rating. An ideal system is one that meets your heating and cooling requirements.
At Halverson Brothers Inc, our skilled HVAC experts perform an HVAC load calculation. We'll carefully evaluate your home's layout and construction, your household's heating and cooling preferences and recommend equipment that's right for your home—not simply the biggest, most expensive unit or the one with the highest AFUE or SEER2 rating.
Our heating and cooling specialists will help you identify 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 Halverson Brothers Inc today. We'll gladly evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the properly sized energy-efficient system that keeps your family comfortable for many years.
