Rooms that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system may be costly. And that extra area may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise option for these spaces because 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 typically known as a mini-split heat pump since it moves heating and cooling, rather than generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your house may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can provide support. We’ll begin with a no-obligation meeting to review your needs before providing you with 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 anticipate to be responsible for when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most frequently installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement projects.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs might involve:

  • Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This may be needed if you have an older residence.

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 certain systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We advise consulting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Auburn and Opelika also usually give 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 usually more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool difficult spots in your house. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in homes with special challenges, like:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or decreased efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork due to 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 enjoy more accurage control over temps from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the best model to expertly installing it, our specialists at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 334-524-2458 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to request your free estimate!