Rooms that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from an existing system can be expensive. And that additional area might just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great option for these areas because it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two pieces: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, instead of creating it. Because of this, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your house may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Retro HVAC Service & Installation can provide support. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs before offering you 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 expect to be responsible for when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average 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 typical mini-split cost for this size is about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide costs for common home improvement jobs.

Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the type you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other added costs may entail:

  • Installing a concrete pad for the outdoor condenser, $75–$300.
  • Installing a dedicated electrical circuit, $250.
  • Upgrading the electrical panel, $1,200. This could be needed if you have an older residence.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can make you eligible for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest chatting with your tax professional for more information.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Price?

Although getting a mini-split is typically costlier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool tricky areas in your home. These involve:

  • Additions.
  • Garages.
  • Sunrooms.
  • Spaces you don’t visit very often.
  • Areas with hot and cold spots.

ENERGY STAR also advises having mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, including:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Costly central heat, either because of high fuel costs or reduced efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with traditional 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 exact control over temperatures from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you select the best model to expertly installing it, our pros at Retro HVAC Service & Installation can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 267-277-3851 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence more comfortable and to get your free estimate!