While it may not seem so on the hottest day of the summer, small AC systems may be the best cooling choice for your home. By size, we’re referring to the air conditioner’s cooling capacity in BTUs—not the physical dimensions of the unit. Proper sizing is a vital part of matching an air conditioner to the specific requirements of the home and the local climate. Both small AC systems and those with larger BTU capacity have potential advantages and disadvantages, depending on several factors.
Getting size right depends on a load calculation to determine variables like the total square footage of the home, the amount and quality of insulation, and the air tightness of the structure. Here’s why bigger may not always be better when it comes to selecting an air conditioner.
- Purchase prices differ. Generally speaking, the larger the BTU capacity, the more expensive the air conditioner is likely to be. The upfront cost of smaller units, meanwhile, tends to be more affordable.
- Monthly costs matter. Air conditioning plays a significant role in a home’s electricity bill. A small air conditioner incorporating smaller components—particularly the compressor and blower—usually means lower monthly bills due to reduced electrical consumption.
- Oversized and underperforming. A too-large unit with excessive BTU capacity tends to “short cycle,” which means it turns on and off rapidly before the house is uniformly cooled, as well as failing to adequately reduce indoor humidity. Where a smaller air conditioner is indicated by the sizing calculation, cooling effectiveness and efficiency are optimized.
Considering a smaller AC system includes taking note of several caveats:
- Without a professional load calculation, a small AC may not be large enough to handle home cooling requirements.
- Units that are too small may incur excess wear from extended cooling cycles and require earlier replacement.
- Small units may lack certain options and extras that are standard with bigger air conditioners.
When considering a new air conditioner, ask Paitson Bros. about the relative pros and cons of small AC systems. We’ve been providing the Terre Haute community with reliable advice on cooling and heating options since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922