Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system can be expensive. And that added area 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 smart solution for these areas as it doesn’t require ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it shifts heating and cooling, instead of generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing the right model for your house may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Fairfield Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting to review your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.
Estimated 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 typical mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for typical home improvement jobs.
Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you select and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may entail:
- 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 required if you have an older residence.
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 qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend consulting with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Lancaster also often give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although getting a mini-split is typically costlier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient approach to heat and cool difficult rooms in your home. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you aren’t in very frequently.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises installing mini-splits in houses with atypical challenges, such as:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison to 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 exact control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the best model to expertly installing it, our pros at Fairfield Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 740-331-4331 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to receive your free estimate!
