Rooms that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system may be pricey. And that added square footage could just be too big for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart solution for these spaces 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 called a mini-split heat pump as it shifts heating and cooling, in place of making it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with most achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Forster Heating can help. We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation to hear about your needs before offering 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 expect to be responsible for when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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 roughly the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.

Your precise mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs might entail:

  • Installing a concrete pad 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 house.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Receive Any Tax Credits?

Installing 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 residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend consulting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Auburn also typically give rebates for buying 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.

Is Installing a Mini-Split Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is often more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your house. These can be:

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

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

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel expenses or decreased efficiency.
  • Older homes that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with 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 precise control over settings from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Specialists Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Forster Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 530-885-8081 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to get your free estimate!