Rooms that lack ductwork, like 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 might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise solution for these spaces as it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the right type for your home might feel like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling specialists at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can provide support. We’ll start with a zero-pressure 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 plan to be responsible for when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.
Average Mini-Split Installation Cost
One of the most frequently installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or about 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 costs for usual home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs could entail:
- 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 necessary if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Auburn and Opelika also usually have rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although purchasing a mini-split is usually costlier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool troublesome rooms in your home. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t visit very regularly.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in houses with special challenges, such as:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with traditional 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 exact control over settings from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 334-524-2458 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to request your free estimate!