Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a present system can be pricey. And that extra area could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart solution for these rooms as it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump because it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to making it. As a result, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your home may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Fire & Ice HVAC can provide support. We’ll begin with a no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs before providing you with 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 expect to spend when you’re installing a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

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

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

Your exact mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs may entail:

  • 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 required if you have an older home.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for eligible systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Manassas also typically give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to ensure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although purchasing a mini-split is often more expensive than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool tricky spots in your residence. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in houses with atypical challenges, such as:

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

In comparison 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 enjoy precise control over temps from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you choose the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Fire & Ice HVAC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 703-595-4157 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to receive your free estimate!