How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Areas without ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a present system could be pricey. And that extra area might just be too large for your home comfort equipment to manage, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart solution for these rooms because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: 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, instead of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with most reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the correct kind for your home might seem like a big task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Ambient Air can offer assistance. We’ll get started with a zero-obligation appointment to hear about your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.

Here’s about how much you can anticipate to spend when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most frequently 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 usual mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.

Your precise mini-split installation cost will vary based on the kind you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may entail:

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

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Tucson also typically offer rebates for purchasing 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 buying a mini-split is usually more expensive than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your residence. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Rooms you aren’t in very regularly.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in houses with atypical challenges, including:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either due to high fuel expenses 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 get more accurage control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the best model to expertly installing it, our professionals at Ambient Air can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 520-357-4912 today to find out how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to request your free estimate!