Spaces 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 could be pricey. And that extra square footage may 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 wise idea for these rooms because it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, instead of creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Childress Heating & AC can offer assistance. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to go over your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to be responsible for when you’re getting 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 typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for common home improvement projects.
Your precise mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs might entail:
- Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This might be needed if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We advise consulting with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Fredericksburg also often give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to ensure you receive 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 a highly efficient approach to heat and cool difficult parts of your home. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t use very regularly.
- Spaces with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either because of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison 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 have exact control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the right model to expertly installing it, our pros at Childress Heating & AC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 540-675-4306 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your residence comfier and to get your free estimate!