Spaces without ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that added space may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart option for these rooms as it doesn’t require ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump because it moves heating and cooling, in place of creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing the right model for your home may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Jett's Heating & Air Inc. can provide support. We’ll begin with a zero-pressure meeting to learn about your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can anticipate to pay when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.
Average Mini-Split Installation Cost
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 typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for typical home improvement projects.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you choose and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may involve:
- Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could be necessary if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend consulting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in McHenry also often give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to ensure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although getting a mini-split is typically more expensive than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool tricky spots in your house. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t use very often.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises installing mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, like:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or reduced efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In contrast with 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 settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you select the best model to expertly installing it, our specialists at Jett's Heating & Air Inc. can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 815-410-1128 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!