Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system could be pricey. And that added square footage 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 idea for these rooms because it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often known as a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to making it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with most reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the appropriate kind for your residence can seem like a lot of work, but our heating and cooling specialists at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-pressure appointment to learn about your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify 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 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 about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement projects.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs may include:
- Installing a concrete area for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This might 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 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 St. Louis also usually have 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 installing a mini-split is usually pricier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient approach to heat and cool difficult areas in your residence. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t visit very regularly.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in homes with special challenges, like:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either due to high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared 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 get precise control over temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 314-262-4541 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your residence more comfortable and to get your free estimate!