Thinking About Installing a Mini-Split? Here’s How Much It Will Cost (2024 Data)
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In homes where central air isn’t an option, homeowners may consider installing a mini-split. On average, mini-split installation costs $3,000, with a typical range between $2,000 and $14,500.
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In many homes, it’s a struggle to keep everyone happy with the interior temperature, but there are ways around the problem. The best solution is a mini-split system installation, which provides individualized control over the temperature in each room where the unit is installed. This solution is also more efficient and cost-effective than installing an entire HVAC system with ductwork.
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, mini-split installation cost ranges between $2,000 and $14,500, with an average of $3,000. The size of the house and the number of rooms primarily drive the cost. This guide will cover everything homeowners need to know about mini-split system costs, including the main factors that affect the project cost, the types of mini-split systems available, the benefits of this type of system, and tips on hiring a pro for this project.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner?
Mini-split systems heat and cool a house without the ductwork needed for a traditional HVAC system. They still use an outdoor compressor and condenser, but they feed each indoor air-handling unit with a simple conduit that operates like a heat pump.
The indoor evaporating unit is installed in each room where homeowners want individualized temperature control. It’s typically mounted to a wall or ceiling and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Any room with this air-handling unit will have its own thermostat to control heating and cooling.
These units can be installed in homes with existing ductwork when only one or two rooms need additional heating or cooling. They also work well in homes where it’s challenging to install ductwork in the attic.
Factors in Calculating Mini-Split Installation Cost
A mini-split AC installation cost runs about 50 percent less than central AC unit cost, partly due to the lack of ductwork and extra labor needed. Still, there are several components required to install a ductless system properly. Mini-split air conditioner installation costs are also driven by the unit size, labor, location in the house, number of zones, brand, and efficiency rating. The following section explains how each of these factors affects the cost to install a mini-split system.
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Unit Size
Mini-split AC prices are heavily affected by the size of the unit chosen. The most common size is a 12,000 BTU-capacity unit, and those usually cost between $700 and $3,200. Mini-split systems usually have at least one room connected, but they could power up to five indoor units.
If more rooms each need their own air-handling unit, then additional units can be purchased (typically $450 to $1,600 each), or a larger condenser can be installed. Homeowners will want to speak to an HVAC company to compare the installation costs and the operating costs for their area if they need more than five units in different rooms, as this is the maximum most brands can accommodate.
Unit Type
Mini-split systems have a fairly limited number of components compared to some mechanical systems. In addition to deciding if they want a single-zone or a multi-zone system, homeowners will want to choose whether they want the in-room units mounted on the ceiling, wall, or floor.
Wall-mounted units are the most common due to their lower cost; however, many homeowners find them unsightly. A floor-mounted unit is actually installed on a wall, but close to the floor. If a homeowner prefers a ceiling mount, they can choose a protruding option for a higher ceiling or a recessed ceiling cassette for a lower ceiling. Each type of system and its average cost is described in detail in a section below.
Unit Efficiency
A unit’s efficiency will also have an effect on the total cost. When an HVAC unit has a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating, it will cost less to run since it operates more efficiently. It’s one factor for a homeowner to consider as they select the mini-split unit that’s best for their home and region. Areas with more extreme temperatures might benefit from a higher SEER-rated system since it will probably run more often.
Energy-efficient units often come with rebates from utility companies and tax credits from local and state governments. However, mini-split AC units with a higher SEER rating can often cost more up front even if a homeowner will save more in the long run, so it’s advisable for a homeowner to consider what’s best for their budget and overall needs.
Unit Brand
As with most mechanical units, there are a variety of brands to choose from when it comes to ductless mini-split units. Many are well-known brands and typically have a higher price point, and others are lesser-known brands with lower price points.
| Unit Brand | Average Cost |
| Daikin | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Fujitsu | $1,100 to $8,300 |
| Mitsubishi | $1,200 to $8,650 |
| Panasonic | $1,700 to $2,800 |
| Rheem | $1,100 to $8,300 |
Homeowners can also ask about numerous other brands, including Samsung, Cooper & Hunter, LG, and more. Many of these brands are available at major home improvement stores, so homeowners may want to research Lowe’s or Home Depot mini-split installation cost to see if it’s comparable with a local HVAC installation company.
Need to install a mini-split?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from mini-split installation services near you.
Number of Zones
Homeowners can purchase mini-splits with a single zone or multi-zones to handle up to five different rooms. (Some brands can handle more.) An HVAC pro will need to assess the square footage of each room to ensure that the homeowner purchases the right unit and number of zones to do the job adequately. Larger rooms like a family room could require two units, which means a quad-zone would be installed in only three rooms. This will increase mini-split prices for the homeowner since more zones mean a larger unit with more components. 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.
Installation Location
Mini-splits can be installed as zones to cover one or more areas within a home. A quad-zone can usually cover four rooms, depending on their sizes. If an installer needs to add additional zones or units on upper floors, it will cost more for the extra components and labor. A homeowner will probably pay about $10 to $20 per foot for materials, and the work will take a couple of hours.
Sometimes homeowners use this system to heat or cool just their outside patio. If the condenser can be installed nearby, the total cost could end up being cheaper since the air-handling unit won’t be positioned several rooms away.
Labor
Labor makes up only part of mini-split system installation costs, unlike other projects where labor makes up the majority of the cost. For most mini-split AC installations, it will cost $300 to $1,500 to hire an HVAC technician. The best HVAC companies will have most mini-splits installed within 5 to 10 hours.
Refrigerant Lines
When installing a ductless mini-split air conditioner system, homeowners will want to make sure that they budget around $7 per foot for refrigerant lines, which connect the indoor and outdoor units. A home with multiple zones will need more refrigerant lines than one with just one or two zones.
Additional Costs and Considerations
While most homeowners can calculate the total mini-split cost with the previous factors, there are extenuating circumstances where additional costs could be necessary. Some projects will require assistance from other contractors beyond the HVAC technicians. Other projects might need to have an old HVAC unit removed entirely.
Need to install a mini-split?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from mini-split installation services near you.
Ductless Mini-Split vs. Central AC Installation
Homeowners may wonder what types of AC systems will work best for their home: a ductless mini-split system or central AC. Mini-split AC installation costs less, with an average cost of $3,000 compared with the average cost to install a central AC unit of $5,860. A ductless mini-split system is ideal for single-room cooling or for older homes without existing ductwork, and it can be 20 percent to 60 percent more efficient than a central AC system. However, central air might be a better option for a home with existing ductwork or larger homes that require more even cooling throughout the house.
Permits
A homeowner will likely need to obtain a permit to install a ductless AC system, particularly if it’s a multi-zone mini-split system. It’s recommended for a homeowner to check with their municipality before starting this project. On average, permits can cost between $250 and $400.
Electrical Work
If a home doesn’t have a dedicated 110- or 200-volt box, the homeowner will likely need to hire an electrician to install one. An electrician usually charges between $50 and $100 per hour to make sure the correct circuits are installed to meet local codes. If the home needs a dedicated electrical circuit to be installed, a homeowner can expect to add an extra $250 to their budget.
Carpentry Work
Mini-split system installation may also require the help of a carpenter to cut holes through a home’s exterior—especially if the siding is made from a tough material such as stucco, fiber cement, or wood. Homeowners can expect to pay between $35 to $100 per hour, or around $140 to $600 total, for their expertise.
Old HVAC Removal
Some homeowners could install a ductless AC unit and replace their old central air unit. In this case, it’s best for them to simply remove the old equipment to prevent any issues with old equipment degrading from disuse. Old condensers, ductwork, and even thermostats could be removed in this process. It’s much cheaper to remove old equipment rather than install it, so homeowners can expect to add $80 to $150 for removal to their mini-split AC cost calculations..
Accessories and Upgrades
There are several ways to upgrade a mini-split system. For example, a homeowner might want to install a wireless remote controller to adjust their home’s temperature on the fly, and a home located in a region that gets a lot of snow might need condenser stands to lift the unit up off the ground. The following table shows some of the most common accessories and upgrades along with their average costs.
| Upgrade Type | Average Cost |
| Condensate removal pump | $120 to $280 |
| Condenser stand | $100 to $210 |
| Drain pan heater | $140 to $560 |
| Wall mount bracket | $40 to $100 |
| Wireless remote controller | $50 to $300 |