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

A mini-split is a great solution for these areas as it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, rather than making it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your home may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can provide support. We’ll get started with a no-obligation consultation to go over 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 buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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 around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for typical home improvement work.

Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the model you choose and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs may involve:

  • 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 required if you have an older home.

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

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

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Price?

Although purchasing a mini-split is often pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient approach to heat and cool troublesome spots in your residence. These can be:

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

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

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either due to high fuel expenses or decreased efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork due to 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 enjoy precise control over settings from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Specialists Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you select the right model to expertly installing it, our pros at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 949-204-0859 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to request your free estimate!