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

A mini-split is a smart option for these spaces as it doesn’t require ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump because it moves heating and cooling, as opposed to making it. Because of that, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Northern Comfort Inc can provide support. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to hear about your needs before providing you with 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 popular 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 typical mini-split cost for this size is around $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the model you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs could 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 necessary if you have an older residence.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Receive a Tax Credit?

Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Mankato area also often give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Price?

Although purchasing a mini-split is typically costlier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient method to heat and cool troublesome parts of your residence. These include:

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

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

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork due to radiator or baseboard heat.

When compared 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 enjoy exact control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the ideal model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Northern Comfort Inc can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 507-387-6596 today to learn how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to request your free estimate!