Areas that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system can be costly. And that additional square footage may just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart option for these areas as it doesn’t have to have 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 since it transfers heating and cooling, in place of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your house may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to review your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.

Here’s about how much you can plan to be responsible for when you’re installing 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 an estimated 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.

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

Your exact mini-split installation cost will vary based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could involve:

  • Installing a concrete slab for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could 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 give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more information.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although purchasing a mini-split is typically more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your house. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in houses with special challenges, such as:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

When compared 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 precise control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the ideal model to professionally installing it, our specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 402-438-7992 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to request your free estimate!