How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Spaces without ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a present system could be pricey. And that extra square footage 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 wise option for these rooms since it doesn’t have to have 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 because it shifts heating and cooling, rather than creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right kind for your home might feel like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc can provide support. We’ll get started with a zero-pressure appointment to discuss your needs before offering 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 expect to pay when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most popular 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 typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for typical home improvement jobs.

Your precise mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other extra 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 may be necessary if you have an older house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We advise talking with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Jefferson City also usually offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to make sure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although buying a mini-split is often costlier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool troublesome rooms in your home. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in houses with atypical 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 as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison 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 enjoy exact control over temperatures from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 573-635-3547 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence comfier and to receive your free estimate!