Areas that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system could be pricey. And that extra area may just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, as your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.
A mini-split is a wise solution for these spaces because it doesn’t require 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 since it shifts heating and cooling, rather than creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are highly energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.
Selecting the right model for your home may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Paniccia Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation to go over your needs before giving you a free estimate. We’ll also review 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 used 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 prices for usual home improvement work.
Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other added 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 may be required if you have an older home.
Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?
Installing 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 chatting with your tax professional for more details.
Energy companies in Michigan City also often give rebates for purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to make sure you have the best value from your new mini-split unit.
Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?
Although installing a mini-split is often pricier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool tricky rooms in your residence. These include:
- Additions.
- Garages.
- Sunrooms.
- Spaces you don’t visit very regularly.
- Locations with hot and cold spots.
ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in homes with special challenges, including:
- Pricey electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
- Expensive central heat, either as a result of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
- Older homes that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.
In comparison 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 more accurage control over temperatures from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.
Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs
From helping you pick the right model to professionally installing it, our specialists at Paniccia Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 219-872-2198 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to receive your free estimate!