Spaces that don’t have ductwork, such as an addition, sunroom or garage, can be difficult to heat and cool. Adding ductwork from a current system can be pricey. And that added square footage may just be too big for your home comfort equipment to take on, since your equipment wasn’t sized with it in mind.

A mini-split is a smart option for these areas since it doesn’t need 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 because it transfers heating and cooling, as opposed to making it. Because of this, mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient, with the majority reaching ENERGY STAR® certification.

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

Here’s about how much you can plan to spend when you’re installing 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 approximately 450–550 square feet, or roughly the size of a studio apartment.

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

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

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

Do Mini-Splits 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 eligible systems installed at your home through December 31, 2021. We recommend chatting with your tax professional for more details.

Energy companies in Albuquerque also usually offer rebates for purchasing 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 often costlier than more common heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool troublesome rooms in your house. These can be:

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

ENERGY STAR also recommends having mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, including:

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

When compared to 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 have precise control over temps from room to room, thanks to zoned mini-split technology.

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

From helping you pick the best model to professionally installing it, our professionals at I-Deal HVAC can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 505-445-1250 today to discover how a mini-split system can make your residence cozier and to receive your free estimate!