How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

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 may be expensive. And that extra area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise option for these spaces because it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump because it shifts heating and cooling, instead of making it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the appropriate kind for your house can feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Patterson & Stirling Inc can help. We’ll begin with a zero-pressure appointment to hear about your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.

Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly 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 expenses for common home improvement projects.

Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added 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 house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Getting 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 house through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more information.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although purchasing a mini-split is usually pricier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your home. These involve:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Rooms you don’t visit very often.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, like:

  • Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either due to high fuel prices or reduced efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with 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 enjoy more accurage control over settings from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Patterson & Stirling Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 814-308-0416 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to receive your free estimate!