Rooms that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system can be expensive. And that additional area may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise option for these rooms as 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 because it moves heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing the right model for your residence may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Central Heating & Plumbing can help. We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting to hear about your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can anticipate to be responsible for when you’re installing 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the usual mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by 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 may be required if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for 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 select systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We suggest talking with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in New Castle also often 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 getting a mini-split is typically more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient approach to heat and cool difficult spots in your home. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you aren’t in very often.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in houses with special challenges, like:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or reduced efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison to traditional 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 temps from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Central Heating & Plumbing can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 724-401-1843 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to get your free estimate!