Areas without ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from an existing system could be costly. And that added square footage 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 rooms since 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 referred to as a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, in place of creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the appropriate kind for your home may seem like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling specialists at James Heating & A/C, Inc can help. We’ll begin with a zero-obligation meeting to review your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re buying 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 roughly 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 costs for typical home improvement projects.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may include:
- 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 needed if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We suggest chatting with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Lexington also often have rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is usually pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool tricky parts of your home. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t use very frequently.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in residences with special challenges, such as:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or reduced efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with 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 have precise control over temperatures from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the ideal model to expertly installing it, our specialists at James Heating & A/C, Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 336-853-6070 now to learn how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to request your free estimate!