Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that extra space might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise idea for these areas as 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 shifts heating and cooling, rather than making it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your house may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Patterson & Stirling can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation to hear about your needs before giving 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 anticipate to be responsible for when you’re buying 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 about the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the usual mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for usual home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you select and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may entail:

  • Installing a concrete area 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} Receive a Tax Credit?

Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Erie also often have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Is Mini-Split Installation Worth the Cost?

Although buying a mini-split is usually pricier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool troublesome rooms in your residence. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Rooms you aren’t in very frequently.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

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

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel expenses or low 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 temperatures from room to room, thanks 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 pros at Patterson & Stirling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 814-308-0416 today to learn how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to request your free estimate!