Areas that don’t have ductwork, like an addition, sunroom or garage, can be a challenge to heat and cool. Lengthening ductwork from a current system could be costly. And that added area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to take on, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a great option for these areas as it doesn’t require ductwork. This all-in-one 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 since it moves heating and cooling, in place of generating it. Because of that, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with most earning ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your residence may feel like a large task, but our heating and cooling professionals at Controlled Comfort HVAC can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation appointment to review your needs before offering you a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.

Here’s about how much you can anticipate to spend when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation

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

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

Your total mini-split installation cost will be different based on the model you go with and how energy efficient it is. Per HomeAdvisor, other added costs may involve:

  • 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 house.

Do Mini-Splits Qualify for a Tax Credit?

Buying an ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split can qualify you for valuable tax credits. The mini-split tax credit is $300 for select systems installed at your house through December 31, 2021. We advise talking with your tax professional for more info.

Energy companies in Carpentersville also often have rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you figure out this process to make sure you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although installing a mini-split is usually more expensive than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient way to heat and cool tricky areas in your house. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, like:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Expensive central heat, either due to high fuel costs or decreased efficiency.
  • Older homes that don’t have ductwork as a result of radiator or baseboard heat.

In contrast with regular 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 precise control over temperatures from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you choose the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our specialists at Controlled Comfort HVAC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Reach us at 224-412-8308 right away to learn how a mini-split system can make your house cozier and to request your free estimate!