Areas that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system could be pricey. And that additional space could 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 great idea for these areas since it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often known as a mini-split heat pump as it moves heating and cooling, in place of creating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to review your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.

Here’s about how much you can expect to spend 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 roughly the size of a studio apartment.

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

Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs might include:

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

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Qualify for a Tax Credit?

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

Energy companies in Pella also usually offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is often pricier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool tricky spots in your home. These include:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in houses with unique challenges, like:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either due to high fuel costs or low 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 precise control over settings 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 right model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to get your free estimate!