How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system may be expensive. And that extra area could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great option for these spaces because it doesn’t require ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically called a mini-split heat pump as it moves heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the correct kind for your residence can seem like a big task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Stanford Heating & Cooling can provide support. We’ll begin with a zero-obligation meeting to hear about your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.

Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re buying 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 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 approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other additional costs might involve:

  • 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 necessary if you have an older home.

Do Mini-Splits 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 eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Bloomfield also usually have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although installing a mini-split is often pricier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool difficult rooms in your house. These include:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, such as:

  • Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

When compared 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 get more accurage control over temps from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Stanford Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 812-825-8695 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to get your free estimate!