Choosing a new AC or furnace can be intimidating. If you want to find the best HVAC system for your home, it's natural to look for models with extremely high efficiency ratings.
After all, the most efficient system provides the most comfort and lowest energy bills, right?
It’s not quite that simple.
High efficiency isn't the only thing you should consider when it comes to new air conditioner installation or installing a new furnace. Although many people focus only on {energy efficiency|efficiency ratings, proper {HVAC system sizing is often even more important for your home's comfort and your utility bills.
Proper sizing also influences humidity control and lasting performance. The best HVAC system for your home combines efficiency and correct sizing.
In thisarticle, we'll explain what an air conditioner's SEER rating or SEER2 rating actually measures, why correct HVAC size is so important and why experienced HVAC professionals consider both when helping you choose the best HVAC system for your home.
What Does it Mean if an AC Has a High SEER Rating?
A SEER rating, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), measures how efficiently an AC cools your home over a normal cooling season. A SEER2 rating is the updated version of SEER, using testing methods 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 an AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. As with 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.
That said, high ratings don't necessarily guarantee lower utility bills. Everyday heating and air conditioner efficiency depends on many factors, including the installation quality, the condition of your ductwork, your home's insulation, thermostat settings and, most importantly, HVAC system sizing. Even the most efficient system cannot perform as intended if it is oversized or smaller than needed for the home.
Why HVAC System Size Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realize
Many assume a larger air conditioner or furnace will work the best 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 air conditioner replacement should be selected 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 companies 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 requirements, including:
- Overall square footage
- Ceiling height
- Window size and orientation
- Insulation
- Air leakage
- Area climate
- Number of occupants
- Heat produced from appliances and lighting
- Air duct condition
A properly sized air conditioner runs through longer cooling cycles to cool your home evenly while pulling out excess humidity. That means more consistent temperatures, better indoor comfort and improved humidity control. Proper sizing also helps the equipment to perform more effciently, reducing excessive wear and tear that can reduce its service life or lead to frequent or expensive repairs.
When HVAC equipment is correctly sized, you get greater comfort and more reliable operation.
Problems with Oversized and Undersized Systems
You may be tempted to buy the most energy efficient, largest-capacity air conditioner or heating system on the market. In reality, that’s rarely a great idea.
HVAC systems that are too large or undersized can create comfort problems, increase operating costs and reduce efficiency regardless of their SEER rating.
Issues Created by 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.
- Poor humidity removal: Oversized air conditioners cool your home too quickly to remove excess moisture from the air.
- Hot and cold spots: Some rooms feel too cool while others stay too warm.
- More wear and tear: Even though the system works quickly, those constant 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 stays on for extended periods trying to reach the desired temperature, which also causes additional wear.
- Difficulty maintaining the desired temperature: Your home may feel cool enough during hot weather or always feel chilly in the winter.
- Greater energy usage: Running nonstop can increase energy costs.
- Added strain during extreme weather: HVAC systems that are too small can work harder 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, keep in mind that you don't necessarily need the top-efficiency model on the market.
In many cases, a correctly sized, mid-efficiency HVAC system will deliver better performance than an overly large premium system because it operates the way it was designed to.
Thesmartest choice is an energy-efficient HVAC system that's matched for your home, your budget, your climate and your long-term goals.
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 reduce electricity use.
- Upfront investment: High-efficiency AC and heating systems often have a higher purchase price than mid-range models but can help reduce long-term energy costs.
- Local utility costs: Areas with more expensive electricity may see greater long-term savings from higher-efficiency units.
- Climate: 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 justify the investment.
- Financial incentives: Manufacturer promotions, {utility|equipment rebates and tax credits can lower the overall cost of qualifying equipment.
Real-World Comparison: High Seer vs. Right System Size
How does this work in the real world?
Picture 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 simply matched the previous unit. The other homeowner 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 provide lower operating costs, better home comfort, more effective humidity control and have a longer lifespan because it's properly matched to the home's needs.
Choose the Local HVAC Professional Who Designs the Right Solution
Replacing your HVAC system should involve more than selecting the unit with the top efficiency rating. The best system is one that meets your household heating and cooling requirements.
At Parker County Cooling & Heating, our experienced professionals 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, 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 Parker County Cooling & Heating now. Our team will evaluate your home, answer your questions and help you choose the right-sized high-efficiency system that keeps your family comfortable for the long haul.