Spaces that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system could be pricey. And that additional square footage could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise solution for these areas since it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently referred to as a mini-split heat pump since it moves heating and cooling, instead of making it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your residence may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can help. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to hear about 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 expect to pay when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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

With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for typical home improvement work.

Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could include:

  • Installing a concrete slab 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 home.

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 eligible systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend consulting with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Portland also often have 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 buying a mini-split is often more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool troublesome parts of your home. These include:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey 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.

When compared to more common 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 temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the ideal model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 503-213-4433 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to request your free estimate!