Rooms without ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that added space could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart idea for these areas since 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 typically known as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to creating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing the appropriate model for your house can feel like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling professionals at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning can offer assistance. We’ll get started with a no-pressure appointment to learn about your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most often used 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 average mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for common home improvement projects.
Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added costs could include:
- Installing a concrete slab for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This might be required if you have an older home.
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 eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest chatting with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Arlington also often offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although purchasing a mini-split is often pricier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool troublesome areas in your home. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you aren’t in very regularly.
- Locations 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.
- Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel expenses or decreased efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with traditional 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 temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 360-255-5857 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to get your free estimate!