Spaces that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a current system could be costly. And that extra square footage may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to manage, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart option for these rooms as it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, instead of making it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your home may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can provide support. We’ll begin with a no-obligation appointment to discuss your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.
Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.
Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation
One of the most often 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 average mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for usual home improvement jobs.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added costs might involve:
- 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 required if you have an older house.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to 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 Saint Louis also often have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to ensure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although buying a mini-split is usually more expensive than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool tricky areas in your house. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Rooms you don’t visit very frequently.
- Spaces with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in homes with special challenges, including:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to 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 enjoy exact control over settings from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the ideal model to professionally installing it, our pros at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 314-262-4541 today to find out how a mini-split system can make your house more comfortable and to request your free estimate!