Spaces that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Extending ductwork from a current system could be costly. And that extra space may just be too large for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise option for these rooms as it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two components: 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, rather than creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.
Picking the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Precision Mechanical can provide support. We’ll start 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 anticipate 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 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 about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for typical home improvement jobs.
Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the kind you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added costs could include:
- Installing a concrete slab for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
- Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
- Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could 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 qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for qualified systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest chatting with your tax professional for more information.
Energy companies in Rapid City also usually offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is typically costlier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool troublesome areas in your residence. These can be:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Areas you don’t visit very regularly.
- Locations with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also suggests using mini-splits in houses with atypical challenges, like:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Costly central heat, either because of high fuel costs or low efficiency.
- Older houses that don’t have ductwork because of 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 get precise control over temperatures 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 pick the best model to professionally installing it, our pros at Precision Mechanical can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 605-206-3766 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to receive your free estimate!
