Rooms that lack ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that added space might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise solution for these areas because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, in place of creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the appropriate type for your residence may appear like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling specialists at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can provide support. We’ll get started with a zero-pressure appointment to review your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most popular 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 average mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for typical home improvement work.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may 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 required if you have an older residence.
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 select systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in Portland also often offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although buying a mini-split is often costlier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool troublesome spots in your home. These involve:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t use very regularly.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in houses with unique challenges, including:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel expenses or reduced efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison to 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, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 503-213-4433 today to learn how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!