Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system could be pricey. And that added square footage may just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great solution for these rooms because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically referred to as a mini-split heat pump as it transfers heating and cooling, rather than generating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your residence may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Northern Comfort Inc can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to hear about 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 expect to spend when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Estimated Cost for Mini-Split Installation

One of the most popular sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 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 costs for usual home improvement jobs.

Your total mini-split installation cost will vary based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could entail:

  • 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 residence.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Getting 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 recommend consulting with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Mankato area also typically offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to ensure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is usually pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool difficult parts of your home. These include:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in homes with atypical challenges, such as:

  • Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or low efficiency.
  • Older homes 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 get exact control over temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you choose the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Northern Comfort Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 507-387-6596 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to request your free estimate!