Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a present system may be expensive. And that additional space could just be too large for your home comfort equipment to handle, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise idea for these areas because it doesn’t need ductwork. This combined heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s often called a mini-split heat pump as it shifts heating and cooling, rather than creating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your house may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Air Current AC & Heat can offer assistance. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.

Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing 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 about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for common home improvement work.

Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other additional 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 might be necessary if you have an older house.

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 eligible systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more information.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although buying a mini-split is often costlier than standard heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient way to heat and cool difficult spots in your house. These can be:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Rooms you aren’t in very regularly.
  • Rooms with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also advises installing mini-splits in houses with special challenges, including:

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

In comparison 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 enjoy precise control over temps from room to room, due to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Specialists Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our professionals at Air Current AC & Heat can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 713-322-4318 now to discover how a mini-split system can make your residence comfier and to receive your free estimate!