Spaces that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a present system may be costly. And that added space might just be too big for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great option for these spaces as it doesn’t require ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: 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, rather than creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with most reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at James Heating & A/C, Inc can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to discuss 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 anticipate to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

One of the most often 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 average mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for typical home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you select and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs might involve:

  • 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?

Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Lexington also usually give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although purchasing a mini-split is usually more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool troublesome spots in your residence. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you don’t use very regularly.
  • Rooms with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also recommends installing mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either due to high fuel costs or low efficiency.
  • Older homes 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 precise control over temps from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the best model to professionally installing it, our specialists at James Heating & A/C, Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 336-853-6070 today to discover how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!