Areas that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a current system can be expensive. And that extra area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to manage, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great idea for these areas since it doesn’t have to have ductwork. This all-in-one heating and cooling system has two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s typically called a mini-split heat pump because it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to creating it. As a result, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Picking the right model for your residence may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling can provide support. We’ll get started with a no-obligation meeting to learn about your needs before offering 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 expect to spend when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.

With professional installation, the average mini-split cost for this size is approximately $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide prices for usual home improvement work.

Your exact mini-split installation cost will differ based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. According to HomeAdvisor, other additional costs could include:

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

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} Receive Any Tax Credits?

Getting an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can give you access to valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for certain systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We recommend talking with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Des Moines also often offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you go through this process to confirm you receive the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Is Installing a Mini-Split Worth the Cost?

Although getting a mini-split is typically costlier than traditional heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky rooms in your home. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends using mini-splits in residences with unique challenges, such as:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older residences that don’t have ductwork because of 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 exact control over settings from room to room, as a result of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Take on All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you pick the right model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Heartland Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 515-344-3579 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your home cozier and to get your free estimate!