Rooms that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system may be costly. And that extra space could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise option for these spaces since it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, instead of creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Gilray Heating and Cooling can provide support. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to go over your needs before offering 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 expect to spend 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 approximately 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 projects.
Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per 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 necessary if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We advise chatting with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Wausau also typically give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to ensure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although purchasing a mini-split is usually pricier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool tricky spots in your home. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t use very regularly.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in houses with unique challenges, like:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel costs or low efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison 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 have exact control over temperatures from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the right model to professionally installing it, our professionals 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 learn how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!