Areas that lack ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system may be pricey. And that extra area may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a smart option for these spaces as it doesn’t need ductwork. This all-in-one 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 because it moves heating and cooling, instead of creating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the correct model for your house may seem like a big task, but our heating and cooling pros at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help. We’ll get started with a zero-obligation appointment to review your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also go over 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 frequently installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for typical home improvement projects.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other extra costs might involve:
- Installing a concrete pad 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 residence.
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 advise talking with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Des Moines also usually give rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although buying a mini-split is often more expensive than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient approach to heat and cool tricky areas in your home. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t visit very often.
- Areas with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends installing mini-splits in residences with atypical challenges, like:
- Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Pricey central heat, either as a result of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
- Older residences 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 more accurage control over temps from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.
Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you choose the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 515-207-6569 now to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence more comfortable and to request your free estimate!