Spaces that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system may be pricey. And that extra square footage could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise solution for these rooms because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically called a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, in place of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with most achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your residence may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation meeting to review your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.

Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

One of the most often used 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 common home improvement jobs.

Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the model you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs could 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 residence.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Getting 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 suggest talking with your tax professional for more details.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is usually more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool difficult rooms in your house. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends installing mini-splits in houses with special challenges, such as:

  • Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older homes 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 enjoy exact control over temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you pick the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 804-302-6657 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to request your free estimate!