Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be costly. And that extra space may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great solution for these areas as it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often known as a mini-split heat pump because it shifts heating and cooling, rather than generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your home may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating can provide support. We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting to learn about your needs before providing you with 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 anticipate to be responsible for when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

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

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

Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could 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 needed if you have an older residence.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more details.

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 getting a mini-split is usually more expensive than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool difficult spots in your house. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Areas you aren’t in very often.
  • Locations with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in residences with atypical challenges, including:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either due to high fuel prices or decreased efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

When compared to regular 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 precise control over temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the right model to expertly installing it, our pros at Tri City Fuel & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 803-265-4208 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your home comfier and to request your free estimate!