Rooms that lack ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system may be expensive. And that extra space could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a great option for these spaces because it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, in place of generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the appropriate model for your house could feel overwhelming, but our heating and cooling pros at US Air Heating and Cooling can help. We’ll start with a zero-pressure meeting to go over your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most popular sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or around 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 prices for typical home improvement projects.
Your precise mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs may involve:
- 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 required if you have an older residence.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Rock Hill also typically offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to ensure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although buying a mini-split is often pricier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool troublesome areas in your residence. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you don’t use very regularly.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, like:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either as a result of high fuel expenses or reduced efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared to 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 get exact control over settings from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at US Air Heating and Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 803-220-0761 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!