Areas that don’t have 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 extra square footage may just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great idea for these rooms because it doesn’t need ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, rather than generating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to learn about your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also go over 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.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

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

Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you select and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other extra 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 could be required if you have an older home.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Qualify for Any Tax Credits?

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

Energy companies in Greater Richmond also often offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Is Installing a Mini-Split Worth the Price?

Although purchasing a mini-split is often costlier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient method to heat and cool tricky rooms in your house. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Spaces you aren’t in very frequently.
  • Areas with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, including:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or decreased efficiency.
  • Older homes that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison 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 enjoy more accurage control over settings from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you pick the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists 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 discover how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to get your free estimate!