Areas that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system can be costly. And that added area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise solution for these areas 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 often called a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, instead of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your home may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can help. We’ll get started with a no-obligation appointment to review your needs before giving 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 plan to be responsible for when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average 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 around the size of a studio apartment.

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

Your exact mini-split installation cost will vary based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs could entail:

  • Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This might be needed if you have an older residence.

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 certain systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more info.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although buying a mini-split is often costlier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky spots in your house. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in homes with atypical challenges, including:

  • Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result 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 settings from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 715-318-6728 today to discover how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!