How Much Does a Mini-Split Cost?

March 19, 2021

Areas without ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from an existing system may be costly. And that added square footage may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart option for these rooms as it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump since it moves heating and cooling, instead of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the correct kind for your home can seem overwhelming, but our heating and cooling pros at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help. We’ll get started with a zero-pressure meeting to hear about your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.

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

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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 roughly 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 prices for typical home improvement work.

Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added 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 may be required if you have an older house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Installing 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 residence through December 31, 2021. We advise consulting with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Columbus also typically have rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm 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 standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient approach to heat and cool difficult rooms in your house. These include:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you don’t visit very regularly.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also advises installing mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel expenses or low efficiency.
  • Older homes that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with 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, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the right model to expertly installing it, our specialists at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 614-451-0846 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!