Areas that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that extra area could just be too big for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart idea for these spaces because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically known as a mini-split heat pump as it shifts heating and cooling, instead of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at AC Sales can provide support. We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.

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

Estimated 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 usual mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for typical home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added costs may involve:

  • Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This might 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 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 advise consulting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Lafayette also typically offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is typically more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your house. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Spaces you don’t use very frequently.
  • Rooms with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also recommends installing mini-splits in homes with special challenges, such as:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either because of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison to 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 precise 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 select the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at AC Sales can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 today to find out how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to get your free estimate!