Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system could be expensive. And that additional area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great option for these spaces because it doesn’t need 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 because it transfers heating and cooling, rather than generating it. As a result, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs before offering 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 expect to spend when you’re buying 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.

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

Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you choose and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs might include:

  • Installing a concrete area 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 house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying 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 home through December 31, 2021. We suggest talking with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Lake Forest also typically give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to make sure 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 traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool troublesome parts of your house. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:

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

In comparison 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 have exact control over settings from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 949-204-0859 today to discover how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to receive your free estimate!