How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a current system may be pricey. And that added area might just be too large for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise idea for these spaces because it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically called a mini-split heat pump because it moves heating and cooling, rather than creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right kind for your home may appear overwhelming, but our heating and cooling pros at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’ll start with a zero-pressure consultation to hear about 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 expect to be responsible for when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around 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 expenses for typical home improvement work.

Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you select and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs might entail:

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

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

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

Energy companies in Lincoln also typically offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to ensure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is often more expensive than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool troublesome spots in your residence. These include:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you don’t visit very frequently.
  • Spaces with hot and cold spots.

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

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison to 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 precise control over temperatures from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Specialists Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 402-438-7992 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your residence comfier and to request your free estimate!