Rooms that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from an existing system could be costly. And that added space may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to manage, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise solution for these rooms since it doesn’t require ductwork. This comprehensive heating and cooling system has two parts: an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall-mounted evaporator. It’s frequently called a mini-split heat pump because it transfers heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with many earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your house may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling specialists at Heartland Heating & Cooling can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to go over your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also review any special offers, rebates and financing you might be able to take advantage of.

Here’s about how much you can plan to pay when you’re getting 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 an estimated 450–550 square feet, or around 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 costs for typical home improvement projects.

Your precise mini-split installation cost will be different based on the kind you select and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs may include:

  • 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 needed if you have an older home.

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 residence through December 31, 2021. We advise consulting with your tax professional for more info.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although installing a mini-split is typically pricier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s an extremely efficient way to heat and cool tricky parts of your residence. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests installing mini-splits in residences with special challenges, like:

  • Expensive electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either because of high fuel prices or decreased efficiency.
  • Older houses that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with 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 get more accurage control over settings from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

Our Professionals Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the right model to expertly installing it, our pros at Heartland Heating & Cooling can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 515-344-3579 today to discover how a mini-split system can make your house comfier and to request your free estimate!