Areas that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system could be expensive. And that additional area might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise idea for these spaces because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often known as a mini-split heat pump since it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. As a result, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your house may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Watts Electric & AC can offer assistance. We’ll begin with a no-obligation appointment to learn 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 anticipate to be responsible for when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.
Average Mini-Split Installation Cost
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 around 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 expenses for usual home improvement jobs.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other additional costs might include:
- Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could be needed 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 certain systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We advise chatting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Columbia also usually have 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 getting a mini-split is typically more expensive than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your home. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t visit very frequently.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in houses with special challenges, such as:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork due to 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 get exact control over temperatures from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Specialists Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Watts Electric & AC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 601-736-7362 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your residence more comfortable and to request your free estimate!