Rooms without ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system can be pricey. And that extra square footage could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart idea for these rooms since it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently known as a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the correct kind for your house could appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating can provide support. We’ll start with a zero-pressure meeting to discuss your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss 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 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you choose and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could involve:
- 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 necessary if you have an older home.
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 select systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Laguna Niguel also usually offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although getting a mini-split is typically costlier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool difficult rooms in your residence. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you don’t visit very frequently.
- Rooms with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also advises using mini-splits in residences with special challenges, such as:
- Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
- Older residences that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.
When compared 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 enjoy precise control over settings from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 949-317-4175 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to receive your free estimate!