As the cost of energy continues to rise, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their monthly bills. One popular option is installing a mini-split system. Mini-split systems are becoming increasingly popular because they are efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. But how much does it cost to install a mini-split system?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the cost of installation, as well as other factors to consider before you make a decision.
What Is A Ductless Mini-Split System?
A mini-split AC system is a type of air conditioning system that doesn’t require ductwork. Instead, it uses individual air handlers to deliver conditioned air directly to each room or zone in your home. Mini-split systems are becoming a more popular choice for homeowners because they are energy-efficient and can save you money on your energy bills.
Ductless mini-split units work by using an outdoor compressor to cool the refrigerant and send it indoors through a small conduit. The refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which causes it to cool and turn into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant flows through the indoor air handler, where it evaporates and absorbs heat from the heat pump of indoor air. This process continues until the desired temperature is reached.
Costs Of Installing A Mini-Split
The cost of installing a mini-split system varies depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your home, the number of air handlers you need, and the type of system you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a typical installation. Price ranges can vary, however, depending on different factors. Some of the factors that will affect the cost of installing a mini-split system are explained below, but remember that each home and each system are different. Be sure to call Clean Air or your local HVAC company for a more accurate quote!
1) Unit Size
The size of your home will determine the number of air handlers you need and the amount of work required to install the system. Larger homes will generally require more powerful compressors, which can increase the cost of mini-split installation. The power of a particular system is typically measured in BTUs (British thermal units), which measure the amount of energy needed to condition a space.
The average and most common size you will see on a system is 12,000 BTUs, and this can generally condition a room that is roughly 500 square feet. Though several factors also affect the installation price of a 12,000 BTU system, you can generally expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for this common-sized unit.
2) Number Of Zones & Air Handlers
The number of air handlers you need will depend on the size and layout of your home. If you have a large home or an uncommon layout, you may need multiple air handlers to effectively condition the air. The more zones you are looking to condition in your home, the more energy will need to be expended in order to do so.
A system with an outdoor compressor and only one indoor air handler could cost as little as $2,000 to install. However, most people who enjoy the benefits of a mini-split system end up wanting air handlers in every room of their home, which will become increasingly more expensive. Though these are just estimates, the generally accepted prices per handler within the industry are as follows:
- One Air Handler: $2,000 to $8,800
- Two Air Handlers: $2,700 to $11,100
- Three Air Handlers: $3,400 to $13,400
- Four Air Handlers: $4,100 to $15,700
- Five Air Handlers: $4,800 to $18,000
3) Type Of System
There are two types of mini-split systems: a ductless air conditioner and a ducted one. Ductless systems are less expensive to install because they don’t require the same level of labor as ducted systems. However, ducted systems offer more flexibility in terms of where the air handlers can be installed. Homeowners often enjoy the benefit of not having to see the air handler in every room they want to be conditioned, as is the case with ducted systems. If the aesthetics of each room is your primary concern when installing a mini-split system, ducted systems may be a better choice, but they will always be the more expensive choice!
4) Cost Of Labor
The labor costs associated with installing a mini-split system will change depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose. Thankfully, unlike many other contractor jobs and services, labor costs will not be the majority of your expenses when it comes to installing a mini-split. This is very fortunate because installation of any HVAC system is not something you want to attempt, no matter how competent a DIYer you are.
A professional HVAC technician should take between 5 and 10 hours to completely install your mini-split unit, and you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for labor. Compared to the overall cost of the unit and the savings you will get from not having to make costly repairs, this is well worth the price!
5) Permit Costs
The cost of permits varies depending on your location. In some areas, you may need to obtain a permit from your local municipality before you can begin the installation. The cost of the permit for indoor units will be different depending on the municipality, but it is typically between $50 and $100. In certain cases, this is non-negotiable. For example, installing certain types of furnaces and compressors is actually illegal without a permit in certain areas. Once again, this is just another reason why calling a professional HVAC company is always worth the cost of labor.
6) Equipment & Materials
In addition to the cost of the mini-split system itself, you will also need to purchase other materials for the installation, such as ductwork, insulation, and other accessories. These indoor or outdoor unit installation costs vary depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose, but you can expect to pay between $250 and $500 for materials. Refrigerant lines are a major component of ductless systems, and they will cost somewhere around $7 per foot.
Small amounts like this may seem insignificant, but this cost can get quite high if you want multiple zones with multiple air handlers. The mini-split install cost itself will differ depending on the brand, model, and features you choose. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for the equipment.
Additional Cost Factors To Consider
In addition to the cost to install the mini-split itself, there are a few other factors you should keep in mind when deciding whether or not to install a mini-split system. These include the following:
- The efficiency & performance of your system: When choosing a mini-split system, it’s important to consider the efficiency and performance of the system. More expensive systems will generally be more efficient and offer better performance. However, they will also cost more to install.
- The climate in your area: If you live in an area with a mild climate, you may not need a powerful mini-split system. This can help you save money on your installation and other associated costs.
- The cost of maintenance: While a mini-split system is generally more affordable to install and maintain than a traditional HVAC system, there may be some additional costs involved in maintaining your mini-split system over time. For example, you may need to replace the central air filters more often than you would with a traditional system.
- The warranty: When choosing a multi-split air conditioner system, it’s important to consider the warranty. Some systems come with a lengthy warranty that will cover the cost of repairs or replacement if something goes wrong. Others have shorter warranties, which means you may need to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Need Help With Mini-Split Installation?
At the end of the day, there are many factors that will influence your decision when it comes to installing a mini-split system in your home. Do your research, talk to a professional installer, and make sure you consider all of the costs associated with the installation before making a final decision.
If you need help with mini-split installation, Clean Air is here to help. We have experienced and qualified professionals who can get the job done quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy your new system as soon as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate!
