Homeowners always ask us, “How much does it cost to install a modern ductless mini-split air conditioner?” In general, the cost ranges from $1,800 to $4,000+, with the average being $2,400.
- Four factors determine the price: the number of indoor units, the size of the system, its energy efficiency rating, and the heating, ventilation and A/C corporation you hire.
True to its name, the mini split is cut into two main components: outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. However, unlike a central AC system, a mini-split plan can have multiple indoor units. Each indoor component creates its own “zone” of comfort, allowing you to cool individual rooms with separate remote controls. The more indoor units you want, the higher the final cost. “Size” refers to the mini-split cooling capacity, measured in tons or BTUs. The greater the mini-split, the more it costs, so proper sizing is crucial. Oversized or poorly located air handlers can result in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not deliver proper temperature or humidity control. It is more luxurious to buy and operate a sizable system, as too small a plan will not deliver enough cooling; too big, it wastes energy. There’s no need to figure out what size you need, just find the right size by contacting an heating, ventilation and A/C corporation that offers mini-split systems. Labor costs vary from corporation to corporation, making them hard to predict. Heating, ventilation and A/C companies correctly charge hourly or flat rates. Hourly pricing will be given before any work is done, and the actual price will not be known until the upgrade is complete. After the installer determines the system’s size, the number of indoor units, and your desired energy efficiency, they will give you an actual price. This means that you can get the price upfront and then choose to get a price elsewhere if you want.