Spaces that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a current system can be pricey. And that added space might just be too large for your home comfort equipment to manage, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great solution 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 typically known as a mini-split heat pump because it moves heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your home may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Gilray Heating and Cooling can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation meeting to review 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 plan to pay when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most often used sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for usual home improvement jobs.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other extra costs might 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 residence.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying 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 residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting 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 navigate this process to ensure you have 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 traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient method to heat and cool tricky spots in your home. These include:

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

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

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

In contrast with regular 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 have exact control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the ideal model to expertly installing it, our specialists at Gilray Heating and Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 715-301-0727 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to get your free estimate!