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

A mini-split is a smart idea for these spaces as it doesn’t need 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 because it shifts heating and cooling, as opposed to generating it. As a result, mini-splits are very energy-efficient, with the majority achieving ENERGY STAR® certification.

Choosing the right model for your home may appear like a large task, but our heating and cooling experts at Kapaun & Brown can offer assistance. We’ll start with a no-obligation meeting to review 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 spend when you’re getting a ductless mini-split.

Average Mini-Split Installation Cost

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 about $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, who compiles average nationwide expenses for typical home improvement projects.

Your total mini-split installation cost will differ based on the type you choose and how energy efficient it is. As mentioned by HomeAdvisor, other extra costs might include:

  • 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 needed if you have an older home.

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 certain systems installed at your residence through December 31, 2021. We suggest consulting with your tax professional for more info.

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

Are Mini-Splits Worth the Cost?

Although buying a mini-split is often pricier than typical heating and cooling systems, it’s a very efficient method to heat and cool difficult parts of your house. These involve:

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

ENERGY STAR also advises using mini-splits in homes with unique challenges, including:

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

Our Pros Can Take Care of All Your Mini-Split Installation Needs

From helping you choose the best model to professionally installing it, our professionals at Kapaun & Brown can take care of all your mini-split installation needs. Give us a call at 641-812-2028 right away to find out how a mini-split system can make your residence comfier and to request your free estimate!