Rooms without ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system could be pricey. And that additional square footage may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise option for these rooms because it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically called a mini-split heat pump as it moves heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the right type for your home can feel like a big task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces can help. We’ll get started with a no-pressure appointment to hear about your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can plan to pay when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most often used sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the usual mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you select and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could include:
- Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This may be needed if you have an older home.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Alliance also usually offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although purchasing a mini-split is typically pricier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool difficult spots in your house. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you don’t visit very often.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, such as:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with more common electric heating and cooling, ENERGY STAR says a mini-split can save you up to 30% on cooling and up to 60% on heating. You’ll also enjoy exact control over temps from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 308-321-4703 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!