Spaces without ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be expensive. And that added area may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise idea for these rooms as it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often known as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the right kind for your residence may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Gilray Heating and Cooling can help. We’ll get started with a no-pressure appointment to hear about your needs before offering you 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 anticipate to pay 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for usual home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you select and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could include:
- Installing a concrete slab for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This may be necessary if you have an older house.
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 advise talking with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Wausau also typically give rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to ensure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is often more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool difficult areas in your house. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you aren’t in very regularly.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends installing mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, such as:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either due to high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared 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 get precise control over temps from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our pros at Gilray Heating and Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 715-301-0727 today to find out how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!