Rooms that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a present system may be costly. And that extra area could just be too big for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise idea for these rooms since it doesn’t require ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, instead of creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the appropriate kind for your house might feel like a big task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Forster Heating can provide support. We’ll start with a zero-obligation consultation to learn about your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.
Here’s about how much you can expect to pay 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 an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the usual mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will vary based on the model you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could entail:
- 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 needed if you have an older residence.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Auburn also typically give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although purchasing a mini-split is usually costlier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky areas in your residence. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t use very often.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises using mini-splits in houses with unique challenges, like:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared to more common 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 settings from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Forster Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 530-885-8081 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!