How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Rooms that lack ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system can be pricey. And that extra space could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great idea for these spaces as it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it moves heating and cooling, in place of making it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right kind for your home could feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Total Comfort can offer assistance. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to review 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 expect to be responsible for when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 450–550 square feet, or around the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for usual home improvement jobs.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs might involve:

  • Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could be needed if you have an older house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Franklin Lakes also often give rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although installing a mini-split is typically costlier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool tricky rooms in your residence. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you don’t use very often.
  • Rooms with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in homes with special challenges, such as:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with regular 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, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Total Comfort can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 201-268-5663 now to learn how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to get your free estimate!