Areas that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system can be costly. And that additional space might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great idea for these spaces because it doesn’t need ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump since it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your residence may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Forster Heating can provide support. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to hear 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 plan to pay when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most popular 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 approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for typical home improvement jobs.

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

  • 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 house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying 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 house through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Auburn also typically have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to ensure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although purchasing a mini-split is usually pricier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool troublesome parts of your home. These involve:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Spaces you don’t use very regularly.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in houses with unique challenges, such as:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either because of high fuel expenses or reduced efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison 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 have more accurage control over settings 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 expertly installing it, our pros at Forster Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 530-885-8081 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to get your free estimate!