Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system can be costly. And that added space might just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart idea for these rooms since it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump since it moves heating and cooling, rather than creating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your residence may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Fire & Ice HVAC can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting to review your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also go over any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.
Here’s about how much you can anticipate to be responsible for 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 an estimated 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the typical mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for usual home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added costs could involve:
- Installing a concrete pad 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.
Do Mini-Splits 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 qualified systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Woodbridge also usually offer rebates for purchasing 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 Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is usually more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool tricky spots in your residence. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you aren’t in very regularly.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in homes with special challenges, like:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either due to high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork because 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 have exact control over temperatures from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Fire & Ice HVAC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 703-595-4157 today to learn how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!