Areas that don’t have ductwork, including an addition, sunroom or garage, can be tricky to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a present system can be costly. And that extra area could just be too sizeable for your home comfort equipment to handle, because your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a wise solution for these spaces 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 typically known as a mini-split heat pump since it shifts heating and cooling, rather than making it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with many reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

Selecting the right model for your home may seem like a large task, but our heating and cooling pros at Fire & Ice HVAC can help. We’ll begin with a no-obligation meeting to review your needs before providing you with a free estimate. We’ll also discuss any special offers, rebates and financing you might qualify for.

Here’s about how much you can expect to pay when you’re buying a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

One of the most often used sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool about 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 expenses for common home improvement work.

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 could include:

  • Installing a concrete slab 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.

Will a New Mini-Split|Do Mini-Splits|Can a High Efficiency Mini-Split} 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 select systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We advise talking with your tax professional for more information.

Energy companies in Manassas also usually offer rebates for buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. We’ll help you navigate this process to confirm you get the best value from your new mini-split unit.

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although installing a mini-split is usually pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a highly efficient method to heat and cool troublesome rooms in your home. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also suggests having mini-splits in residences with atypical challenges, like:

  • Costly electric heat from baseboards, wall heaters or radiators.
  • Pricey central heat, either because of high fuel prices or low efficiency.
  • Older homes that don’t have ductwork because of radiator or baseboard heat.

When compared to 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 have more accurage control over temperatures from room to room, because of zoned mini-split technology.

Our Pros Can Handle All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the best model to knowledgeably installing it, our pros at Fire & Ice HVAC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Call us at 703-595-4157 right away to discover how a mini-split system can make your home more comfortable and to request your free estimate!