Rooms that lack ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system can be costly. And that added square footage could just be too big for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart solution for these rooms as it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, rather than generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your house can seem like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling specialists at Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation 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 be responsible for 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 an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement jobs.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could include:
- Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This may be needed if you have an older residence.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Kingsville also usually give rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to ensure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is typically pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool difficult spots in your home. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you don’t use very regularly.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises using mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, including:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either due to high fuel costs or low efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with 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 precise control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the right model to expertly installing it, our pros at Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 361-214-1203 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to get your free estimate!