Spaces that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system could be costly. And that added area may just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart idea for these rooms 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 often called a mini-split heat pump as it shifts heating and cooling, in place of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing 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 appointment to discuss your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can expect to be responsible for when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.
Average 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 around the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is about $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 type you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added 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 could be necessary if you have an older home.
Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We suggest talking with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Auburn also often give rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Is Installing a Mini-Split Worth the Price?
Although purchasing a mini-split is often costlier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool troublesome parts of your residence. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t use very often.
- Spaces with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises using mini-splits in houses with atypical challenges, like:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork because 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 exact control over temperatures from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the right model to expertly installing it, our professionals at Forster Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 530-885-8081 now to learn how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to get your free estimate!