When buying a new HVAC system for your home, it’s important to get the most efficient equipment possible. A SEER rating, used by manufacturers, determines the efficiency of your HVAC system. But, did you know that there are two different types of efficiency that could affect your rating?
System Efficiency
System efficiency relies on two factors: your actual HVAC equipment and the quality of installation. This is what the SEER rating evaluates– whether the HVAC system itself is efficient. If the installation follows all factory specifications and matches the external parameters, it’s considered efficient.
External Efficiency
The problem is that those external factors have the potential to decrease the efficiency of your system. Examples of external variables include:
- Air duct leaks
- Poor window insulation
- Poor home insulation
- Ductwork that’s too big or small for the HVAC system
- A system that’s oversized in comparison to the house
Any one of these factors can cause the system to run too frequently or not enough, decreasing system performance and efficiency.
3 Tips to Maximize Your HVAC System Efficiency
If you’ve experienced any type of inefficiency in your HVAC system, don’t worry! Consider following these tips to maximize efficiency.
1.  Budget to Get the Best ROI
Budgeting doesn’t just apply to monthly bills and groceries. If you want to get the best return on your investment as a homeowner, think about what will get you the most efficiency. Let’s say your home could use better insulation.
Referring to the list above, insulation can greatly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. It can use up energy more than produce the results you use your system for. In this case, you would benefit more from a less expensive SEER unit, and then spend the rest on upgrading your insulation.
You could even upgrade your ductwork to prevent leaks, or insulate the  . There are many benefits to insulating your ductwork, but one of the most important is that it will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This is because insulated ductwork doesn’t allow for heat transfer.
Insulating your ductwork will also help you save on energy costs. The goal here is to get the highest return rate in efficiency instead of spending on the SEER rating alone.
2.  Get Expert Installation
Getting your equipment installed correctly is as important to the SEER rating as the system itself. If your system isn’t installed properly, it can make all the difference. Be sure to find a contractor you can trust (like our team at Wisler). We treat our customers like family.
Expert installation will also help you keep your bill down in comparison to a poor install job.
3.  Handle Your System With Care
It’s up to you to handle your system with care to allow it to function as long as possible. Be intentional about when you use the unit instead of constantly switching the air on and off.
Think of it this way. You can buy the most fuel-efficient car in the world. Now, imagine driving around with:
- four tires that are low on air
- your foot on the gas while the other rides the brake
- a luggage holder on top
In that case, the car won’t perform as well. Handling your system the right way will allow it to reach its full potential. If you’re in need of a replacement HVAC unit, call Wisler Plumbing and Air at 540-483-9382.
