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Last Revised: 11/29/2024
Are you looking for an alternative way to heat and cool your home? Wondering how much a mini split installation costs? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Mini split installations are a bit different than your run-of-the-mill central AC or furnace hook-ups. Mini splits utilize several indoor heads (air handlers) to piece together your home’s HVAC system directly in your living space, without relying on any ductwork.
Heating and cooling your home without ductwork requires some unique upfront planning on your part, but if done right, you’ll be set up with extremely efficient and high-quality heating and cooling.
Where traditional heating and cooling systems rely on a single connection to your home’s ductwork, mini splits contain multiple indoor heads, each containing its own evaporator coil. Considering that evaporator coils are one of the more complex components of a cooling system, you can imagine how mini split installations are a bit more intricate than other HVAC systems.
Since two mini split installations rarely look alike, pricing for these systems is often challenging to iron down. That’s why the HVAC professionals here at Mattioni have put together this article; so that you can get a strong sense of what it will cost to install a mini split in your home.
We’ve already helped countless homeowners plan a budget for their mini split installation – and we’re here for you too. This article will walk you through the handful of important decisions you’ll get to make as you plan for your new mini split, and will explain how each of them will sway prices up or down.
Let’s start with perhaps the most central cost factor or mini splits, how many heads your home will need.
Mini Split Installation Costs: How the Number of Heads Affects Price
One of the most attractive qualities of mini splits is their ability to heat and cool a room without the need for installing ductwork, which can be an expensive project. Mini splits are at the top of the list when it comes to ductless HVAC solutions.
Each indoor head can act independently of others, meaning you’ll have full control of the temperature in each individual room throughout your house. There are some key predictions, however, that you’ll need to make before installing the system, particularly so your ductless mini split will have the right number of heads to properly heat and cool your home.
The total quantity of heads in your mini split system is the biggest cost variable at play. So, knowing which rooms will and won’t need regular heating and cooling will help make sure your home stays comfortable, without overpaying upfront.
Small additions, basements, sunrooms, or garages may be well-served by one head, whereas a family home that’s looking for a complete heating and AC system will need more. Every room that’s sealed with a door or narrow entrance will need its own head, so you should have a good idea of how many rooms in your home won’t need to be consistently heated or cooled. For example, you can eliminate spaces that are rarely used.
While you may want to install a head in every room in your home, it’s wise to think closely about which head may never be turned on or will only be turned on once in a blue moon. Each head can potentially add $4,000 – $6,000 to your upfront installation costs.
Nevertheless, for every room that’s routinely used (bedrooms, kitchen, etc.), you will need to install a head. Starting to see how these projects get tricky?
There are several other cost factors in play, but here are some broad price ranges based on number of heads alone:
- 1-2 Heads: $4,000 – $10,000
- 3 Heads: $10,000 – $14,000
- 4+ Heads: $14,000 – $25,000+
These price ranges represent grand totals for the average homeowner’s mini split installation. Exactly how much your home’s mini split will cost within these ranges is dependent on six other factors.
The Next 6 Key Cost Factors for Your Mini Split Installation
After the total number of heads in your system, there are six other variables that will determine how much you will pay for your mini split installation.
1. The Type of Air Handler Mount (Head)
The three types of mounts are ceiling, wall, and floor. Choosing a type for your home is important in terms of cost, performance, and aesthetics.
- Wall Mount: A popular choice for being relatively inconspicuous, wall mounts sit at the top of a wall just below the ceiling. These can sufficiently heat and cool your space and tend to be less expensive than floor-mounted heads (included in the price ranges mentioned above).
- Floor Mount: These heads are likely the least popular choice among homeowners, as they are the most noticeable and will require you to avoid placing furniture in front of them. Floor mounts tend to be more expensive than wall mounts (included in the price ranges mentioned above).
- Ceiling Mounts: For some people, ceiling mounts are a top choice as they’re the least noticeable and can be placed in the center of a room. However, they require overhead access (typically to an attic space) to be installed. This means ground floors and basements will usually need a wall or a floor-mounted head. Ceiling mounts typically add about $1,000 more per head, compared to wall or floor mounts (included in the price ranges mentioned above).
Be sure to talk with your installation company about where each of the heads will be located, and choose an option in each room that meets your wants and needs.
2. Heating and Cooling Capacity Needs of Your Home (BTUs & Tonnage)
HVAC systems vary in their capacity to heat and cool spaces. This is measured by British Thermal Units (BTUs) in heating systems and tonnage in cooling systems. As BTU and tonnage levels increase, so does the cost of the system.
Matching your home’s heating and cooling capacity needs with your mini split system is important in keeping your home comfortable and maximizing the efficiency and health of your system.
When determining the level of heating and cooling needed out of your mini split, the square footage of each zone is the main factor, but it’s not the only one. Here are all the heating and cooling capacity factors that come into play:
- Square footage
- Layout/floorplan of your home
- Insulation rating
- Number & efficiency of windows and doors
- Number of occupants
- The direction your home is facing
- The appliances in your home
- The color of your roof & exterior
As you can see, there’s quite a bit that goes into calculating the BTU and tonnage needs of your home.
Most HVAC system replacements can use the same BTUs or tonnage of the previous unit, but since many mini splits are installed in homes without ductwork, there may not be a previous system to rely on.
Since it can be challenging to calculate what level of heating and cooling is right for your home, this step is best left for an HVAC pro.
3. Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER2 & HSPF)
Most mini splits are very energy efficient. However, if you’re looking to cut down on your monthly energy expenses even further, opting for a mini split with higher efficiency ratings could be a great option for you.
Every mini split system receives the following two scores:
- SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency on a scale from 13 to 26
- HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures heating efficiency starting at a minimum rating of 7.5
Keep in mind that higher efficiency ratings often come with a higher upfront cost. Here’s a general breakdown of SEER2 ratings:
- Low efficiency: 13 – 14 SEER2
- Average efficiency: 14.1-17 SEER2
- High efficiency: 17.1 – 26 SEER2
Choosing the right mini split system means balancing your upfront budget with performance and efficiency to maximize your long-term savings.
4. Installation Complexity
Mini split installations are unlike that of any ducted system. As you know, a mini split utilizes several air handlers/heads, instead of a network of ducts. Rather than running refrigerant lines straight from the outdoor unit to a single indoor unit, they must be run to each individual indoor head.
In addition to taking more material to span these distances, this process also usually takes longer to complete. The average full-home mini split installation takes one day for every two heads to complete, although complexities can vary significantly. Regardless, the more complex your installation is, the higher the installation price tag will be.
Get ahead of any hidden costs by being proactive with your HVAC installation company about the expected costs of labor and materials that will go into your mini split. Go into your installation fully aware of any hidden costs tied to the physical logistics of fitting a mini split into spaces within your home. Each additional head may potentially add to these costs (in addition to the head itself) on your final price.
5. Your Geography
Just like many other products and services, the cost of hiring someone to install a mini split system can vary depending on where you live. For example, hiring an HVAC company in a major city or suburbs is very likely to cost more than in it does in a smaller town. Local economic factors also play a role in this, though these differences can be difficult to measure.
While this isn’t something you can control, being aware of how your location influences your pricing can help you better assess whether you’ve received a fair quote.
6. The Quality of Your Installation Company
Not all HVAC installation companies offer the same level of service. The expertise and training of the company and its installers can sway the total cost of installing your mini split up or down.
It’s not unheard of for less professional companies to offer lower prices, and then cut corners to free time for them to book more work. If a company provides a low quote but lacks a strong online presence, it could be a warning sign that their installations may be subpar.
When it comes to HVAC systems, an inadequate installation will negatively affect performance, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of the system.
On the other hand, a reputable HVAC company with skilled, licensed, and experienced installers may charge more, but their quality of workmanship will ensure your system operates at its optimal efficiency and durability.
When considering the long-term costs of potential repairs and reduced efficiency, investing in a high-quality installation company will help you get the most value from your new mini split system.
Making Your Mini Split Installation Decision
And that’s it. All the cost factors that will sway your mini split price up or down. You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing each option that’s right for you.
First and foremost, you’ll need to iron out how many indoor heads you’ll need based on your home’s layout and how frequently you use each room. Next, consider your home’s heating and cooling capacity needs as well as your energy efficiency goals. Remember that a more efficient system will cost more upfront, but will save you money on utility bills in the long run.
Stay aware of how things like installation complexity, your geography, and the quality of your HVAC company directly impact price.
Here’s a sound method for choosing a mini split system that fits your home and your personal situation:
- Rank your HVAC priorities and set a budget
- Compare those priorities to each cost factor
- Select as many priorities as possible while staying under budget
Following these steps will help you begin to rule out certain options, and get a clearer picture of which system choices are right for you.
When you speak with an HVAC pro about choosing a mini split, ask as many questions as are needed to be confident in your decision. Being vigilant in your mini split installation process will secure your home’s comfort while minimizing costs.
When you’re ready, reach out to Mattioni’s friendly team of HVAC professionals at (610) 400-8510, or book an appointment directly online.
