Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioner Cost

Although their potential uses are numerous, ductless mini split air conditioning systems are similar to meshed Wi-Fi networks in application. There’s a central unit, which supplies cooling and power to mounted AC units through electrical and refrigeration line, just as access points spread Wi-Fi from room to room. Due to this versatile nature, mini splits are ideal for single-room cooling issues, room additions or smaller apartments where new ductwork can’t be installed. Common costs are between $2,000 and $14,500, and a number of factors come into play regarding how that cost is determined. The firm average cost for installation is $4,000, though it can get up to $14,500 depending on the size of the home and if specific rooms need cooling. On the low end, such as with small apartments or a stuffy office are priced around $2,000.

A  12,000 BTU system will run around $3,000 in most cases; BTU is “British Thermal Unit,” which is used to measure how much heat can be removed by an air conditioning unit every hour. The size and cost of a given unit will reflect a higher BTU rating. It’ll cost $1,000-4,000 for a one ton unit with indoor and outdoor components and a 21 SEER rating, though it is dependent on brand and version of indoor mount. An additional $300-1,000 can be tacked on for labor costs too, according to how difficult the installation proves to be.

There are three parts to the system: the outdoor condenser, coolant lines, and the air handling component. Opposed to a new ducted system, ductless systems are typically around 30% more expensive, not to mention double the price of a standalone window AC. A concrete pad needs installation in order to mount the exterior unit. This will cost an additional $75-300 along with a necessary $250 electrical circuit; and if it’s an older home, an upgraded electrical panel might require installation. This will usually cost $1,200, give or take.

Component Costs

There are several components to a mini-split ductless unit that come into play. First is the outdoor unit which can be anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000. On the high end, this can be the unit’s most expensive factor. Each indoor wall mount can run from $400 to $1,000 with indoor ceiling mounts proving a bit pricier – in the range of $700 to $2,000. Indoor ceiling cassettes are within a similar range with a low end of $500 and premium options around $2,000. These cassettes are designed to fit seamlessly into the ceiling between joists in the ceiling. Lastly, refrigerant lines run about $5 per foot while the installation kit costs between $300 and $500.

Single & Multi-Zone Distinctions

Oftentimes called multi-splits, or mini-splits, these ductless systems will come with at least one indoor unit. The cost for additional units can be between $400 and $1,000. The differentiating factor with a multi zone mini-split is how it cools the home. Single-zone units only cool one area of the home, while multi zone systems are capable of cooling multiple rooms within a single house. A single outdoor condenser can support up to eight indoor multi zone units. Each additional indoor unit will require an outdoor condenser that matches their required power input, resulting in a larger condenser with higher power outputs and a subsequently higher cost. Since the price ranges according to the number of indoor units, a ductless multi-zone AC unit can fluctuate a great deal in total cost.

Pricing Factors: Installation

Depending on whether the zone system is a single or double, labor can take from 5 to 10 hours to install. There are a few things which impact this labor price. Firstly, the area of installation can add expenses in some cases. For example, putting a unit on higher floors required an additional conduit, plus more refrigerant lines and wiring. The higher cost comes in the form of $10 to $20 more per foot, and around two more hours for labor. Availability of a location can tack on specific charges as well if the area is tough to access, as it takes more time to place refrigerant lines in these cases. Lastly, permitting isn’t actually required for this kind of labor – an exception is for residents living under HOA as checking with an agent will have to precede any changes.

Installation Savings & Energy Efficiency

From its more even distribution of cold and warm air to the nearly foolproof installation, mini split air conditioning units hold a variety of advantages when compared to a traditional AC system. Filters within the units spread clean air throughout the home so that allergy-sensitive households are more comfortable. Additionally, the money saved is reason enough for their rising popularity. For example, central AC units can cost up to $5,600 for installation on average. Meanwhile, many are paying around 50% less for their ductless air conditioning systems.

Since mini splits are energy efficient, utility companies are even offering monetary incentives in a growing number of areas. Their compact nature means that the air handling units can be mounted in a variety of places and orientations. As an addition to a current system, or a whole new system with multi-room capabilities, mini-split AC units flaunt versatility absent in traditional AC systems. Most indoor mini split units measure around seven inches deep, and some offer remotes for powering it on and off in the case of difficult-to-reach placement. Since they can be mounted, hung, or even suspended from the ceiling, multi splits can be installed in coherent accordance to interior design goals.

Recap: Pros & Cons of Mini Split vs. Traditional AC Installation

The mini split does have its cons which central AC can fill, such as uneven cooling, easy-to-spot mounted units, unaffected air quality, and the need for micro-ducts to allow better air flow. However, the pros to the ductless mini split lie in the installation costs. Central air systems can range from $3,700 to $7,000 for example, for 1,800 square feet. The ductless option just about cuts this figure in half, costing $1,900 or $4,000 for more detailed installations. Additionally, the 38 SEER rating beats that of central AC, which is 26 – this reflects the improved energy efficiency of multi split systems, and its flexibility renders it a fitting sidekick to a current central air system. Lastly, installation is less pricey since major construction is rarely a part of the process, making it a lighter and faster procedure so that cool air can be available shortly after purchase.

Additional Costs

Expected pricing for certified HVAC installation is $300 on the low end, and $1,500 on the high end. The solid average is an estimated $500. For difficult, highly complex installs or additional indoor units, the installation can surpass $2,000 in price. Plus, if a carpenter or an electrician is needed for some specialized work, it could cost a few hundred extra. Electricians usually work for a rate of $50 to $100 an hour and carpenters make the low end of that with extensive skill and experience.

An electrician can help with, for example, installing a necessary 110, 220, or 240-volt circuit with a conjunctive box to the outdoor unit. A carpenter can assist for material that’s tough to work with such as cement board and stucco, or with the 3-inch wall incision for connecting refrigerant coolant lines. Needing additional units will naturally call for higher pricing too. Labor rates can go up by $300 for additional indoor units, and that’s on the low end. A higher number of units could run up to $1,000 in additional labor costs due to more electrical and refrigerant lines needed around the house.

Operational costs will waver according to a home’s area, size, and overall climate, however a mini split system is usually between 20% and 60% more streamlined than a central AC option.

Tips

If ductwork has already been taken care of, then upgrading a central air unit will prove to be a more cost-effective route. How old and robust the ductwork is, and the size of the home are factors at play in this decision – for example, bigger houses will find central air to be a more efficient option. A mini split can still be great if central air is already being used. As a hybrid solution, room-specific issues such as a particularly stuffy room can be directly addressed. If a problem stems to a few rooms, a multi-room system would prove effective as well. Lastly, speaking to a professional is always helpful when inevitable confusion arises regarding how a system fits into a home’s specific layout.

Wrapping It Up

To conclude, the price to install a ductless mini split AC system ranges from $2,000 to $14,500 depending on the amount of rooms being cooled and how detailed the installation proves to be. On average, installation will be priced around $4,000. With these price points, installing a ductless unit is more cost-effective and can effectively cut central AC installation costs for an 1,800 square foot home in half with flexible placement, no major construction, and improved energy efficiency.