
How much is the average cost of ductless air conditioner?
How much a ductless air conditioner should cost. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. Expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 to install a complete ductless mini-split air conditioning system in a 800-1,000-square foot home, or $5,000-$7,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house.
Can I save money with a ductless air conditioner?
Since a ductless system has no ducts, efficiency is higher – and you’ll save money on duct repairs, too. They’re designed for efficiency. Ductless air conditioning systems have SEER ratings that can reach well into the 20s – something no window A/C or central air system can match. They use less power than central air systems.
How much does it cost to install ductless central air?
There are many different types and installation styles for ductless air conditioners. Also, they are available in various sizes. The national average range for installing a multi-zone system is between $3,150 and $9,000, with most homeowners paying around $5,377 for a 24,000 BTU ductless mini-split heating and cooling unit.
How much does a typical air conditioning installation cost?
When estimating your air conditioner cost, keep in mind that installation can add $500 to $2,500 to the price, depending on local rates. Installing a new central air system costs, on average, about $5,600.

Does ductless AC add value to home?
Increased Home Value The value of a home can go up with a new ductless mini-split. They are seen as more valuable than homes with older HVAC systems or no HVAC system at all. With no ductwork needs, they can raise the property value of new construction.
How much does it cost to have a mini split installed?
National Average: $3,000 A 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. Get to know everything about mini-split installation costs below.
Can I install a ductless AC myself?
It is possible to install the air handler and condenser unit on your own and bring in a professional to complete the refrigerant line setup. DIY mini splits come with the refrigerant line already charged and do not require a professional to charge them.
How much does it cost to install a ductless mini split AC?
The total cost can vary significantly depending on the factors above, but you should expect to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 per zone. If you have more than two zones, you can expect to pay $11,000 and up. For a full house of ductless units, expect to pay $20,000 or more.
How long do mini splits last?
Like heat pumps, ductless mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling, with a typical life span of 10 to 30 years, except in coastal areas.
What are the disadvantages of a mini split system?
Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Splits If the air handling units are oversized or misplaced in your home, it can often cause short cycling. Short cycling can cause unnecessary wasted energy. It can also make it difficult to control the temperature and humidity. The indoor units may be less attractive than other systems.
Does a mini split need to be on an exterior wall?
The indoor units do not need to vent through an exterior wall, so ductless splits are a good option to cool rooms with no windows and no exterior walls.
Are mini splits worth it?
Mini splits have some of the highest efficiency rate systems on the market and are anywhere from 25 to 35 percent more efficient for two reasons: No ductwork. So there's no energy loss (up to 25 percent) to conditioned air as it moves through the ductwork.
Can an electrician install a mini split system?
The Electrical Service You will require a well-trained HVAC technician to install mini-splits for you. During installation, a specialized workforce is essential because mini-splits have specific power requirements depending on the unit's model and size.
Are mini splits cheaper than central air?
The upfront cost of central air is 30% less than mini-split systems minus the ductwork installation. If you already have ductwork in your home, then it is an affordable heating/cooling option.
How many rooms can a mini split cool?
4 roomsBoth can be used to cool a single room without ductwork. But a mini-split can add more evaporator units (up to 4) to one condenser unit. So technically it can cool up to 4 rooms. Mini-splits are also much more energy efficient than window units and last longer, too.
How many square feet can a mini split cool?
One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
Are mini splits cheaper than central air?
The upfront cost of central air is 30% less than mini-split systems minus the ductwork installation. If you already have ductwork in your home, then it is an affordable heating/cooling option.
How big of a mini split do I need for 1000 square feet?
BTU Sizing Chart for Mini Split SystemsArea To Be CooledCapacity Needed (BTUs Per Hour)450 to 550 square feet12,000 BTUs550 to 700 square feet14,000 BTUs700 to 1,000 square feet18,000 BTUs1,000 to 1,200 square feet21,000 BTUs7 more rows•Jul 18, 2016
How much does it cost to install a 3 Zone mini split?
Cost to Install Three-Zone Mini-Split The average three-zone mini-split cost will be in the range of $6,500 to $9,800. The three-zone mini-split installation cost is increased due to the higher number of indoor units needed to accommodate the system.
Can an electrician install a mini split system?
The Electrical Service You will require a well-trained HVAC technician to install mini-splits for you. During installation, a specialized workforce is essential because mini-splits have specific power requirements depending on the unit's model and size.
How much does it cost to install a mini-split system?
This depends on the size of the system you are installing. A multi-zone system costs around {{AVERAGE_COST}} on average.
How much value does ductless air conditioning add to your home?
Air conditioning increases the market value of homes. Each year, single-family residences with air conditioning have sold for approximately 2.5 per...
Do I need a permit to install ductless AC?
This depends on the area where you live, but most HVAC systems require a permit and inspection.
How long does it take to install a ductless mini-split?
This depends on the size of the system and how many zones. It could take two to eight hours to install.
Is ductless cheaper than central air?
This depends on whether you have ducts. If you do not have ducts, then yes, it is cheaper. Otherwise, it may have similar costs.
Do you need a mini-split in every room?
If the rooms are closed off from one another, then yes. In more open floor plans, a single-zone may be all you need.
Is a ductless mini split worth it?
It might be, depending on your current home. It certainly can be if you don’t have ductwork already in place and are looking at upgrading individua...
Are mini splits more expensive to install than central air?
The final cost of installing a ductless mini split air conditioner depends on a variety of factors, including how many indoor units you’ll need and...
Do mini splits increase home value?
Typically any updated HVAC system will be a bonus for buyers, who do not want to shell out tons of cash upon moving in to upgrade basic home system...
Can I save money with a mini split AC?
In general, the answer is yes. Aside from the initial installation costs, you can save money on energy bills because they don’t require the ongoing...
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Air Conditioner?
The cost range to install a ductless system is from $5,000 to $28,000 with $12,348 being the average cost.
What is the size of a ductless air conditioner?
The “size” of a ductless air conditioner doesn’t refer to physical size, but to the amount of heat that the air conditioner can remove from a room per hour, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units).
What factors determine how many ductless units you need?
Factor #1: The number of rooms you want cooled. The number of rooms you want to be cooled will determine how many ductless units you should get. The more indoor units you need, the more expensive the overall cost of the installation will be. Each room that you want cooled will require an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
What factors affect the cost of ductless AC?
Typically, more experienced and skilled contractors will charge more for installations.
How many units are needed for a cooled house?
Each room that you want cooled will require an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The system’s indoor units can range from one room or “zone” to up to ten rooms or more. Let’s say there are four separate spaces in your home that you want cooled: your kitchen, your master bedroom, your living room and the garage. In that case, you’d want a four-zone indoor system and at least 1 outdoor unit. Note: one outdoor unit can support as many as 8 indoor units. However, if the zones you want cooled are far apart, you might need more than one outdoor unit.
What is the SEER rating of a mini split?
Basically, the SEER rating is a measurement of the system’s cooling output divided by its energy consumption.
How many indoor units can I have in a 4 zone cooling system?
In that case, you’d want a four-zone indoor system and at least 1 outdoor unit. Note: one outdoor unit can support as many as 8 indoor units. However, if the zones you want cooled are far apart, you might need more than one outdoor unit. To give you an example of how this affects the system’s cost, a single-zone mini-split from a manufacturer such ...
What Size Mini Split AC Unit Do I Need?
Depending on the size of your home or the rooms that require heating and cooling, you will want to install a ductless mini split unit that has the BTU capability to efficiently handle your home’s temperature. For cooling or heating a 400 square foot area you will need a mini split unit able to produce 9,000 BTU’s. You can see our full chart for room size and cooling capabilities below.
What is a mini split ductless air conditioner?
The first is a mini split ductless air conditioner system, which consists of one compressor and one air conditioner outlet, and is meant for cooling your home with one set temperature.
How does a mini split AC work?
A ductless air conditioner system (also known as a mini split AC unit) works by having a condenser outside of your home that pumps heat in and out and cools with refrigerant through copper lines that lead to an indoor air handler unit that distributes the cool air with a fan. They are able to cool and heat your home efficiently.
What is a mini split AC?
Mini split air conditioners and multi split AC are exactly the same units utilizing a heat pump to push heat in and out and refrigerant to cool the air being pushed through. However, with mini split AC units the air handlers inside regulating the pushed air’s temperature will all push the same cooled air and only one thermostat to control each room with the same temperature output. If you install a multi-split air handler then you will be able to have different temperature settings in each room that has a ductless wall unit installed. If you are considering a full HVAC system replacement you’ll want to decide if the costs of a new AC unit and furnace are worth the investment in comparison.
How many volts does a 22,000 BTU mini split system use?
For informational purposes, a 22,000 BTU 2-ton ductless mini-split system runs on 230 volts; it has a high SEER of 15, which results in quality energy efficiency, and it can cover up to 1500 square feet.
What is the difference between a mini split and a central air conditioner?
The main difference between ductless mini split AC units and central air conditioning systems is the way treated air is distributed throughout the home. Ductless AC systems require a few inches of slim cable wiring running through for cool air to travel through. Whereas, central AC systems require ducts or vents for cool air to travel through.
What is ductless split system?
Ductless split systems offer flexibility when installing indoor air outlets as they can mount against the wall, flush against the ceiling, or recessed into the ceiling.
What are the different styles of homes?
Remember, there are multiple styled homes in the U.S – from: Contemporary, colonial, cape-cod style, ranch, bungalow, victorian, etc. So keep that in mind and try to budget a little more, before starting your Ductless Air Conditioners project.
Do you need a licensed HVAC contractor to install ductless air conditioners?
I would strongly recommend you hire a licensed and Insured Ductless Air Conditioners HVAC contractor to perform the installation for you.
Do you need a copy of ductless air conditioner installation?
Be sure to have a copy of the Ductless Air Conditioners Manufacturer’s recommended installation requirements before starting, to make sure your project doesn’t end up costing you more money in the long-run.
When to get contractor pricing?
Try to get prices in late Fall, early winter – you should expect aggressive pricing discounts by waiting for a contractor’s down season.
How many units are in a ductless AC?
A ductless air conditioner consists of one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. This type of AC system allows you to maintain different climates in each room within your home by using a single indoor unit per room. You can customize your cooling preferences in each air-conditioned space via wall consoles, remote controls or with your smartphone.
Is ductless AC cheaper than electric?
The more efficient the ductless AC system is, the more expensive it will be upfront. But it will also be cheaper to operate in the long run because you’ll pay lower monthly electricity bills.
How much does a ductless air conditioner cost?
DIY ductless air conditioners cost $800 to $3,000 for a single-zone or $2,500 to $4,500 for a multi-zone system. DIY mini-split systems come with wall-mounted indoor air handlers and are pre-charged with refrigerant, so no EPA license or special tools are needed for installation.
How much does it cost to install a mini split?
A ductless mini-split installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. A mini-split AC system costs $1,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on BTU size in tons, SEER rating, mount type, and number of zones. The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000.
What is a licensed HVAC contractor?
Licensed HVAC installers are trained to evaluate your home's heating and cooling needs and calculate the ideal ductless mini-split size. Before hiring an HVAC contractor, be sure to:
How much does it cost to install a ductless air conditioner?
A single-zone ductless air conditioner costs $1,800 to $6,000 to install. The average cost to install a 3-zone mini-split is $3,200 to $10,500. Each additional mini-split AC zone costs $500 to $2,000 in a multi-zone system. Ductless HVAC prices depend on size, type, brand, zones, and labor.
How long do mini split AC units last?
Mini-split air conditioners last 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. In comparison, conventional AC units last 10 to 15 years. Cleaning the filters and air handler monthly and hiring an HVAC technician to inspect the system annually prolongs its lifespan.
How much does a Mitsubishi mini split cost?
Mitsubishi mini-split systems cost $1,200 to $7,800, depending on the BTU size, number of zones, and features. Mitsubishi split system air conditioners are customizable and operate efficiently in extreme heat and cold.
How long does it take to install a mini split AC?
Installing a single-zone mini-split AC takes a professional less than one day. Installing a multi-zone ductless mini-split system takes one to four days, depending on the number of zones, type of air handlers, and complexity.
What is ductless air conditioning?
Ductless air conditioning is also known as split-system with its condenser unit mounted outside the building, and the evaporating unit mounted inside its climate zone with no ductwork. Refrigeration pipes pass into the building between condenser and evaporator.
What should a contractor inform the homeowner of during an electrical inspection?
During the initial inspection the contractor should inform the homeowner of any and all necessary modification or upgrade on electrical circuits or building structure.
How much more A/C capacity is needed for a sunny room?
For a sunny room, add 10% more A/C capacity than required for room size.
Is a permit fee included in taxes?
Taxes and permit fees are not included.
