How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Spaces that lack ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a present system could be costly. And that extra area might just be too big for your home comfort equipment to take on, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart solution for these spaces because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump because it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. As a result, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the correct kind for your home can feel overwhelming, but our heating and cooling professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help. We’ll start with a zero-obligation consultation to go over your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.

Here’s about how much you can plan to pay when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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 roughly the size of a studio apartment.

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

Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs may include:

  • 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 required if you have an older house.

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 qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We advise talking with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Pella also often give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out 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 costlier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool difficult spots in your house. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in residences with special challenges, including:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison to 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 have more accurage control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you select the ideal model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 641-628-3621 now to learn how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to request your free estimate!