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

A mini-split is a wise option for these areas as it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly 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 Tri City Fuel & Heating can offer assistance. We’ll begin with a no-obligation appointment 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 expect to spend when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation

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 around 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 typical home improvement jobs.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs may include:

  • Installing a concrete slab 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 residence.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We advise chatting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in West Columbia also often offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Price?

Although buying a mini-split is typically costlier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient method to heat and cool difficult rooms in your residence. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you don’t visit very regularly.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, including:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In comparison 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 have exact control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the right model to expertly installing it, our professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 803-265-4208 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to get your free estimate!