Areas that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a present system can be pricey. And that extra square footage may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise idea for these rooms because it doesn’t require ductwork. This all-in-one 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 moves heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Choosing the correct kind for your house could seem overwhelming, but our heating and cooling professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. can help. We’ll begin with a no-pressure meeting to review your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be eligible for.
Here’s about how much you can plan to pay 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 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 prices for usual home improvement projects.
Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could entail:
- 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 necessary if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We suggest talking with your tax professional for more info.
Energy companies in West Columbia also typically give rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is often costlier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool tricky parts of your home. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t use very frequently.
- Spaces with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, including:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared 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 have more accurage control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our specialists at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 803-265-4208 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to request your free estimate!