An HVAC installer will know specific pros and cons for your area, climate and home type, consult with one before deciding. The size of the unit is a significant part of the total mini-split air conditioner cost. Here are some examples and helpful hints to help you implement solar in your own home. The alternative is to purchase two units, and sometimes that might be the cheaper option than whole-home central air. Larger rooms like a family room could require two units, which means a quad-zone would be installed in only three rooms. If one doesnt exist or is not up to code, youll need to have an electrician come in and prepare the circuit and wiring. Its better to set the unit at an appropriate setting and allow it to run during the day. Only one thermostat is installed to control the unit. For example, your outdoor unit can be ground or wall-mounted. Without those bulky ducts, homeowners dont have to worry about air leaking along the joints or corners, which is often the cause of some inefficient central systems. We're happy to say that it's still possible. The higher the SEER rating, the higher the up-front cost, but the system runs more efficiently. Their expertise can save you money and ensure a boosted home value in the long run. Mini-split air conditioner installation costs are also driven by the unit size, labor, location in the house, number of zones, brand, and SEER rating. Help your neighbors make an informed decision. You'll need a concrete pad for an additional $125 average and an electrical circuit at $200 to $500. In terms of efficiency, the answer is still yes, you can run it all day. By Brie Greenhalgh | Updated Jul 6, 2022 5:57 PM. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more. Read More Planning Ahead Pays Off With Solar EnergyContinue. This process takes longer, mainly if the lines are to be enclosed with line hide or a similar type of conduit for protection and aesthetics. Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide, PickHvac, Real Time Bros HVAC. Its typically mounted to a wall or ceiling and doesnt take up a lot of space. During the hot and humid summers, it should extract some humidity from the indoor air while infusing it with more humidity during the cold and dry winters. Efficiency ratings are an HSPF of >8 is considered efficient. Find a Pro +. Fujitsu and Rheem: Both offer single or multi-zones for an average of $1,100 to $8,300. Below about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, most systems are no longer able to pull heat from the air and a supplemental system - like baseboard, a fireplace or space heaters - helps keep the home warm. The indoor evaporating unit is installed in each room where homeowners want individualized temperature control. Complex installations increase labor time. All About ICF Pool Construction: Better Than Conventional? Homeowners will need to choose whether they want the in-room units mounted on the ceiling, wall, or floor or have them recessed. Overall, ductless systems can run between 20 and 60 percent more efficiently than traditional HVAC units. A ceiling cassette will take more time than simply hanging a wall-mounted unit. The number of zones you need will influence the total price since more zones mean a larger unit with more components. The last thing you want is to improperly install the conduits and end up with a leaky unit. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per foot for materials. SEER and HSPF ratings determine the efficiency of the unit. Do you have someone on staff? In this case, its best to simply remove the old equipment to prevent any issues with old equipment degrading from disuse. A little-known fact is that some firms increase their prices when busy, so you could schedule the work during a less active time to save money. Your email address will not be published. What is Hydronic Radiant Heat? This causes the fans to operate more slowly, which reduces the speed of the air traveling across the coils. A single zone averages $2,000 to $8,800; a three-zone unit averages $3,400 to $13,400; and a five-zone unit averages $4,800 to $18,000. These cables provide power from the outdoor unit to all the interior head units and facilitate communications between them. Even if theres only one key room with a unit, theres an added benefit that future homeowners will appreciate. Youll want to speak to an HVAC company to compare the installation costs and the operating costs for your area if you need more than five units in different rooms, as this is the maximum most brands can accommodate. Whether youre interested in buying a new water heater or replacing an old one, each water heating system has something to offer. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from mini-split installation services near you. Thats what makes the decision challenging. Ductless heat pumps and PTACs, packaged terminal air conditioner units, are a flexible option for homes where installing ductwork is impossible or cost prohibitive. The more efficient the unit, the higher the SEER and HSPF rating. Mini-splits typically work for 15 to 20 years if theyre well maintained. Running a new circuit may also require you to budget in the cost of upgrading your electrical box. Labor runs an additional $500 to $2,000 or more. The system is composed of two main parts, the outdoor unit and up to eight indoor evaporative units with refrigerant lines connecting them. While most homeowners can calculate the total mini-split cost with the previous factors, there are extenuating circumstances where additional costs could be necessary. This kit usually costs $300 to $500. Read More Is a Humidifier Better Than an Air Conditioner? Ask about units with built-in sensors that will automatically shut off at the desired temperature to avoid excessive energy costs. For example, a ceiling cassette will be recessed into the ceiling, requiring a hole to be formed and the edges made good afterward. All of those are great benefits that are explained in more detail below. This means two things: less space is required to install the units and fewer materials are needed. Do you offer a free consultation to assess the size and type of unit I need? If youre interested in learning more about the cost of running a mini-split, read our article on that subject, here. These costs are not a replacement for obtaining a proper quote and must not be relied upon for financial planning. Most professional HVAC technicians charge between $75 and $95 per hour to install mini-split systems. If required in your location, your installer will know the cost. This mini-split type works well for small homes with average weather, attics, south-facing rooms, or even patios. This makes service easier and means more available parts for maintenance. Doing it yourself or hiring a cheap installer might seem like an easy way to save money, but installing mini-split systems must be done right. Typically, you can expect installation to cost 10-15% more on the second floor. The process can also work in reverse, taking heat from inside the home and moving it outside, thus cooling the interior of the house. Ductless mini-split heat pump installation takes one to four days in a typical home. Some higher end systems work in zero or below zero temperatures. Read More All About ICF Pool Construction: Better Than Conventional?Continue. What brand of mini-split should I purchase if Im concerned about my budget? An idea that everyone has the right and the chance to work hard, live comfortably, and have prosperity throughout their life. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); AttainableHome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Its also possible to install this in addition to an existing central HVAC system. It can either heat or cool the home by moving heat from one location to another. Weve researched the labor costs published by some top companies online and analyzed what we found to bring you a representative range and typical average labor cost. Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic, Frigidaire and a few other global brands offer a mini-split air conditioner unit for homes with heat only. Read More The No-Nonsense & Comfy Ultimate Guide To Home InsulationContinue, Your email address will not be published. They also work well in homes where its challenging to install ductwork in the attic. An installation may also require the help of an electrician or carpenter. Get to know everything about mini-split installation costs below. Heat pumps require their own dedicated 220-volt circuit. Leaving the system off on a warm day can mean a buildup of excess heat thats much harder for the unit to overcome efficiently. The size of the house and the number of rooms primarily drive the cost. The condenser will connect to a single indoor air-handling unit thats placed in an open common area or in the one room that needs heating or cooling. Granted, it still takes time to get the units up and running, but its usually faster than a full HVAC system. Carpenters charge an hour rate of $25 to $50 plus trip fees. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The system comprises two main partsan outdoor unit containing the compressor and one of the coils, connected to one or more indoor units by line sets and electrical cables. Many systems also come with sensor technology to automatically turn off when it reaches a certain temperature, which aids in efficiency. A quad-zone can usually cover four rooms, depending on their sizes. Since they are improving the overall comfort level in the home, mini-splits do improve the homes value. Old condensers, ductwork, and even thermostats could be removed in this process. *The actual cost of labor for mini-split installation varies from project to project. Still, there are several components required to install a ductless system properly. ), Solar Water Heater vs. Electric Geyser (Energy and Price), Is a Humidifier Better Than an Air Conditioner? Hiring an HVAC pro is the best way to make sure the installation goes smoothly, and your system works properly. Ductless Mini-Splits: Is It Worth It for Your Home? Mitsubishi, Daikin, LG, Trane, Carrier and Fujitsu are a few. Multiple indoor units can push that beyond $2,500. The debate between solar water heaters and electric geysers gets heated (forgive the pun) every year as consumers become more eco-conscious. Read More Solar Water Heater vs. Electric Geyser (Energy and Price)Continue. Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor. They operate well even in extreme temperatures. Since labor isnt a major part of the overall mini-split installation cost, its almost not worth it to try to save a little by doing it on your own. A good ventilation system should optimize the humidity level present in the indoor air. Youll probably pay about $10 to $20 per foot for materials, and the work will take a couple of hours. Heat pump units use both SEER and HSPF ratings. If youre prepared with the right questions to ask the HVAC company, you can avoid confusion, minimize miscommunication, and feel confident about your decision. What if we end up needing an electrician? How long have you worked on mini-split installations? Mitsubishi: These units average $1,200 to $8,650 and are available for up to eight zones. Mini-split systems usually have at least one room connected, but they could power up to five indoor units. Location, accessibility and permits may also increase your installation budget. A single-zone mini-split system works well for homes with an open floor plan and little need for controlling individual room temperatures. And without all those extra materials, you might not even have as much labor to pay for. Find a Pro +. The alternative is to install more than one multi-zone system and compare costs. If the mini-split is the only heating and cooling system in the house, controlling rooms independently can also reduce energy costs since the system only works hard in select areas. Have a pro assess whether a cheaper single-zone mini-split can provide the air control youre looking for in your home. You can also ask about numerous other brands, including Samsung, Cooper & Hunter, LG, and more. Energy-efficient units often come with rebates from utility companies and tax credits from local and state governments. Your homes layout, location, accessibility and heating and cooling needs will determine the actual costs. Now lets look at some figures. Thinking about adding a new mechanical system to your house can feel confusing at times. Here are the average costs of the most common components before installation: Other components include the accessory kit needed to install the system, including the wires, lines, boxes, and other necessary pieces. (The Same As Normal Radiant? If more rooms each need their own air-handling unit, then additional condensers can be purchased (typically $400 to $1,800 each), or a larger condenser can be installed. Read on to find out more about the cost of labor to install your mini-split. A mini-split heating system operation costs vary by unit. Your opinion matters! The hourly wage of HVAC technicians for the installation of a mini-split ranges from $75 to $120 per hour. Its not uncommon for families to have one or two family members who prefer a different temperature. Need to install a mini-split?Maybe it's time to call a pro. Mini-splits simply must have a hole drilled in the wall and the line sets, cables, and drains fitted. The refrigerant moves the heat into the home where the indoor unit releases it into the cooler air. Labor costs make up a significant proportion of the overall initial cost of a mini-split system, and you might be surprised at how these differ from company to company and between different projects.