Ductless Mini-Splits: 2022 Installation Cost Guide

There are many different types of air conditioners on the market. Before you purchase any of them, it’s essential to know the amount of square footage that you need to cover, as well as any costs that surround this purchase. For this cost guide, we’re going to focus primarily on ductless micro split air conditioning. So, how much would this cost?

The average mini-split AC installation cost is $5,100 including the unit, materials, and labor. Simple mini-split ac units that can cover 350 square feet cost an average of $3,500. You can expect to spend $1,600 to replace key components of a mini-split air conditioner.

Use this guide to price your mini split ductless air conditioning unit accurately. That way, you can get an idea of the size you will need and exactly how much that will cost you.

To install a ductless air conditioning system, you’ll need a qualified AC installer who can verify that all pipes, cables, valves, and drains are properly placed and operating. But, before we look for a reputable installer, let’s have a look at how these systems operate. This will assist you in comprehending the procedure and determining your contractor’s level of expertise.]

Find out what do if your Window Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

There are three key components to the split system. Outside is the compressor, inside is the air outlet (air handler), and there is a remote control. The compressor and the interior air exit can be separated by up to 50 feet and still work correctly.

Copper tubing, which links the exterior and interior units, was also used in the installation. The tube transports the refrigerant required to run the system. A plumbing connection is also required to drain the system’s collected condensate. A line can be installed into an indirect drain in the household, such as the drain for the washing machine, or a dedicated drain can be installed.

Mini split air conditioners and multi split air conditioners are identical machines that use a heat pump to push heat in and out as well as refrigerant to chill the air that is pushed through.

Mini split AC units, on the other hand, have several air handlers inside that regulate the temperature of the pushed air and just one thermostat to manage each room with the same temperature output.

You may have various temperature settings in each room that has a ductless wall unit installed if you install a multi-split air handler. If you’re thinking of replacing your entire HVAC system, evaluate if the expenses of a new air conditioner and furnace are worth it.

The number of zones your home will require is determined by its layout, size, daily usage, and budget. There are two sorts of ductless systems, as previously stated. The first is a small split ductless air conditioner with one compressor and one air conditioner outlet and is designed to chill your home at a single temperature.

A multi-split zone air conditioner system, on the other hand, has one outside HVAC unit that links to up to five inside ductless air units, which are frequently installed on interior walls and can maintain varied temperatures for each separate room and unit combination.

The way treated air is circulated throughout the property is the major difference between central air systems and ductless mini split AC units. Cool air must pass through a few inches of thin cable wire in ductless air conditioning systems. On the other hand, central air conditioning necessitates the use of ducts or vents for cold air to circulate.

A central air conditioning system would be quite affordable if you already have ducts or vents in place. However, because the air must travel through ducts before being cooled, part of it is wasted in your home’s unconditioned regions. As a result, the system is less efficient overall, which might lead to higher electricity costs.

The cost of installing a central air conditioner is generally higher than the cost of installing a ductless system. Ductless systems, on the other hand, will not be suitable for homes greater than 2500 square feet.

In that situation, a central air conditioner will be a superior long-term alternative for meeting your heating and cooling demands. In comparison to ductless small systems, central air conditioning can withstand significantly lower temperatures.

Yes, one of the most significant advantages of ductless air conditioning is the cost savings. Heating and cooling systems lose significant thermal energy through the ducts. When using ducts to cool your home, the cold air will be warmed by the hotter air outside the ducts as it circulates.

Even the best-insulated ducts will allow some of the cooled air to escape into the surrounding environment. That implies that a large amount of cooled air is wasted via external walls and other non-essential sections of the house when using a central air conditioner.

Ductless air conditioners, on the other hand, distribute heat precisely where it is required. Because there are no ducts to worry about, no cold air is wasted with ductless air conditioning; instead, the system turns on, and heat enters the area immediately.

Unlike a traditional HVAC system, which utilizes a single thermostat to manage temperature throughout the home, a ductless system includes individual thermostats for each unit. This enables customized temperature settings in each room with a ductless AC unit, resulting in increased efficiency and lower utility expenditures.

Keep an eye out for the ENERGY STAR label. The Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy have evaluated and approved Energy Star ductless HVAC systems.

EER and SEER are two acronyms for “energy efficiency ratio” and “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” Look for a high EER and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). A greater efficiency rating will raise the cost of the ductless AC system, but it will pay for itself over time since the unit will be less expensive to run.

When you’re looking for a unit, you’ll notice that BTUs are mentioned. It is a measure of power that stands for British Thermal Units. The more BTUs you need to keep your space cool, the bigger it is.

Estimate your demands using an online BTU calculator or chart depending on the square footage of each room. A 150-square-foot room, for example, may require up to 5000 BTUs. 10,000 BTUs are required for a 500-square-foot space, whereas 28,500 BTUs are required for a 1,960-square-foot area.

Typical mini-split systems have a SEER of 15 and work on 230 volts, as an example. This system provides excellent energy efficiency of 22,000 BTU. Approximately 1500 square feet can be covered by it.

Mini-split systems are well known for their comfort and energy efficiency. However, neither of these advantages will be realized if your ductless system is built properly or of the wrong size.

It’s important employing a ductless air conditioner installer with the proper tools unless you’re a builder or remodeler. The contractor must pour concrete for the outside unit, make a hole in the external wall for the conduit, and do additional work as needed, such as removing part of your present system’s components. These components will set you back between $1300 and $2000.

Remember that ductless heating and cooling systems in the United States are still considered a niche industry, despite the temptation to go with the lowest price. You may have to look about for the appropriate contractor, but don’t settle for someone you’re not convinced will do a decent job simply because they have the greatest labor and installation prices.

Whether you pick a split or multi-split ductless system, you’ll need to take a few measures to maintain both components working at their best throughout the anticipated 12 to 15-year lifespan of your ductless air conditioner:

Clean and change the filter on a regular basis. This allows the system to maintain the air cleansed and prevents system failures. Plants, long grass, and trash should be kept away from the compressor in order to ensure adequate airflow.

Schedule a yearly checkup with a licensed specialist to ensure that all components are working correctly. A licensed professional will do the following:

With a ductless unit (also known as a small split AC unit), heat is pumped into and out of your home while the refrigerant is circulated through copper pipes connected to a fan that distributes the cold air throughout the house. They have the ability to properly cool and heat your house.

Ductless AC installation, on the other hand, may not be the ideal HVAC installation choice if you reside in an extremely cold climate. This is because these air conditioners can only provide heat in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most units automatically shut off if the temperature falls below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need extra heating capacity during the winter, you may simply couple your ductless mini split system with a new furnace.