HVAC Equipment 101: How to Get What is Advertised
We have heard it many times, “I just spent a lot of money on a new HVAC system (e.g. 20 SEER AC and 98% AFUE furnace), but it is not performing as advertised.”
Many people don’t realize that the impact of a quality installation is just as important as the type of equipment purchased.
According to Energy Star, there are four key factors of a quality HVAC equipment installation that impact efficiency:
- Airflow
- Ductwork
- Charge
- Size
Many people see the SEER number and think that determines how their new air conditioning unite or furnace will perform. However, SEER is only one component of HVAC equipment performance. Systems not designed, installed, and verified to meet all quality installation standards may not operate as designed or deliver their rated efficiencies.
Our sister brand Comfort Institute uses a football team as analogy to explain the relationship of SEER and HVAC equipment performance indicators, “SEER is only as good as the team around it.”
SEER itself is just a number representing the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for a particular system. The four factors listed above (airflow, ductwork, charge, size) and SEER are like players on a football team. All of the players have to perform sufficiently in order for the HVAC equipment to perform as advertised.
If a home has bad airflow, then the equipment has to work harder to heat or cool rooms.
Related to airflow, if a home has UN-sealed ductwork, then it’s a good chance conditioned air from the AC unit or furnace blows out the leaks instead of reaching the intended rooms, causing the HVAC equipment to work harder and not perform as advertised. Sealing ductwork ensures conditioned air actually reaches all of the living spaces in a home and optimal HVAC system performance.
Other two factors Charge and size impact SEER more from an equipment perspective. It’s important that the right size of AC unit or furnace is installed and that the refrigerant in your AC unit is charged correctly.
If any one of the above factors are under-performing, then the equipment is most likely NOT performing as advertised.
Are you a homeowner? Find a licensed Aeroseal dealer near you to ensure the entire SEER team is working for your HVAC equipment.
Are you a contractor? Aeroseal duct sealing can help you solve your customers’ home issues that go beyond the HVAC equipment. We’d love to talk with you. Call us 877-349-3828, email us, or leave a comment below.