What is the Average Cost to Install a Mini Split System?

Mini split AC and heating units are the best option for many homes, because they offer a lot of flexibility-but it’s important to understand how they work.

A mini split system consists of two primary components: an outdoor compressor unit,  attached to one or more indoor air handling units.

The simple design — without ductwork — makes them easy to install, and you can heat or cool rooms individually. That makes them a viable option for new room additions or for homes where adding new ductwork simply isn’t feasible. Often people choose to install mini splits to upgrade heating and cooling systems in homes with radiant heating systems or traditional heat pump systems.

The labor costs involved in a licensed installation of a mini split system is almost impossible to get exactly right. Because there are no challenges or costs associated with ductwork, we know the national average for a mini split install is between $1200-$1500.

Here are a couple of facts we do feel good about:

• Basic installation for a single unit takes, on average, 6-10 hours.
• HVAC technicians charge, on average, between $100 and $150 per hour.

These costs don’t include complexities that can make a basic installation more difficult, and it is in the interests of installers to find such complications. For example, you may need a carpenter to build framework or cut holes for recessed units. You may also need an electrician to upgrade your breaker box so that it can handle both new breakers and the additional load.

• Expect to pay between $75 and $100 per labor hour plus materials for an electrician.
• Carpentry averages $60 per hour for labor plus material costs.

Keep in mind these figures are for a single mini split unit. If you’re installing more than one, costs will increase. 

Your mini split AC installation cost will vary based on the type of unit that you install because the price of each system varies. There are four different kinds of mini split systems. These include: ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and ceiling cassettes, which are recessed into the ceiling.

Wall-mounted units are the most common and the least expensive. Floor-mounted units are typically the most expensive when comparing per-unit prices. Recessed ceiling cassettes are in the middle of the price range, but since they are recessed, labor costs are higher.

• Ceiling units — $700 -$1400 per unit
• Floor units — $1,000 -$1500 per unit
• Wall units — $400-$800 per unit
• Ceiling cassette units — $500- $1000 per unit

The number of BTUs is the next biggest determining factor when calculating cost of installation. When you add labor costs to the price, the total cost to install each type of system ranges as follows:

• Ceiling units — A minimum of $1,075 to a maximum of $3,500 per unit
• Floor units — A minimum of $1,675 to a maximum of $5,000 per unit
• Wall units — A minimum of $775 to a maximum of $2,000 per unit
• Ceiling cassette units — A minimum of $875 to a maximum of $3,500 per unit

Again, keep in mind that additional electrical or carpentry work will add to the costs listed above.

In general, it is almost always cheaper to install a mini split unit than it is to install central air. Remember: central air is just an air conditioner for the whole home. A mini split unit will provide both heating and cooling. This is a major determinant for homeowners.

So how much does central air cost? The national average for central AC is between $5,800 and $14,400. Prices will vary based on region and the size of the home and air conditioning unit. For a three-ton system and new ductwork throughout a 2,000 square foot home, the average cost is $11,000.

Given the recent engineering advances in inverter technology mini splits are certainly the number one option for homeowners today. They reduce energy consumption through zoned heating and cooling, while raising energy efficiency and overall performance. This way, you will only heat or cool the rooms you are currently using rather than an entire home-resulting in more savings.

Mini split systems can also be a cost-effective way to heat and cool small homes, apartments, or new home additions.. A mini split system is perfect for a detached office, new addition or simply to address a difficult area like a workshop or repurposed attic. 

If you’d rather not run ductwork for forced air heating or piping for oil or water-based radiant heat systems, mini split systems are absolutely the best choice. 

Lastly, mini split systems can help you avoid extensive retrofitting. This is particularly true in homes with new additions, but they can also be a solution after remodeling. Building out ductwork or piping can be expensive, and you may need to upgrade heating and cooling units too. Alternatively, you can easily install a mini split system to heat and cool the newly remodeled area.

The only time you may not want to consider a mini split system is in a larger home or in a home where ductwork is already in place. That’s because it can be more expensive to purchase and install numerous mini split systems in many rooms. If ductwork is already in place, you wouldn’t need to calculate that in your initial costs. It may be more cost-effective to simply replace a broken furnace or air conditioner.

Need to know more, or simply want to begin to compare systems and options? Our team of experts is happy to help you figure out what is best for you. Please chat with us online or on the phone to learn more.