Areas that lack ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from an existing system can be expensive. And that added area may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise solution for these spaces since it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This comprehensive 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 shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the correct kind for your house may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll get started with a zero-pressure meeting to learn about your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can anticipate to pay when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the usual mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for typical home improvement jobs.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could involve:
- Installing a concrete pad 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?
Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We recommend consulting with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Greater Richmond also usually have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although buying a mini-split is typically more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool tricky parts of your residence. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t visit very frequently.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in houses with special challenges, like:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or low efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared to 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 get more accurage control over temperatures from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 804-302-6657 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to get your free estimate!