Ductless mini-split installation can save you money over time. However, installation costs depend on system type, size, and other factors, so potential savings over a central AC system vary. Higher upfront costs aren’t a deterrence if you have the budget. Investing more at the outset can yield benefits you wouldn’t otherwise see, including improved efficiency, which we’ll explain in more detail soon. We’ll now look at how much you can save with a ductless system.
Cost of a Ductless Mini-Split vs. a Central AC
Based on data provided by Forbes, a ductless mini-split installation costs about $4,500 on average (in 2024 dollars). However, it can be $16,000 or more depending on the system.
By comparison, a low-end, low-efficiency central AC unit can cost under $4,000 but averages $5,860, based on data from Bob Vila. Some larger units can cost $8,000 or more. A central AC system for a 3,500-square-foot home can cost anywhere from just over $10,000 to $25,000+.
Does that always mean a mini-split system should cost less than a central AC unit? How the cost of ductless mini-split system services compares to traditional HVAC equipment depends on many factors, including the following:
Size
The size of the mini-split you install generally depends on the size of your home, plus other factors. Like with other air conditioners, mini-splits’ capacity is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. The average capacity needed to cool your home can vary from 20 to 60 BTUs per square foot, and the more BTUs a mini-split system has, the more it will cost. Here’s a look at common capacities vs. average costs:
- 12,000 BTUs: $600 to $2,700
- 18,000 BTUs: $1,000 to $4,200
- 24,000 BTUs: $1,100 to $5,200
- 30,000 BTUs: $1,600 to $5,700
- 36,000 BTUs: $1,800 to $7,300
- 42,000 BTUs: $3,000 to $8,000
Using size as a primary cost variable, a central AC with 18,000 BTUs can range from $2,500 to $4,500, while a 36,000 BTU system ranges from $3,400 to $5,400. On the low end, a similar-sized mini-split can cost less, but you may pay more for a higher-end system than a central unit. This considers only size and not overall installation costs.
Efficiency
mini-split air conditioning systems eliminate ductwork. Holes, leaks, and poor connections in ducts can cause up to 30% of the conditioned air in your home to be lost, according to Energy Star. A loss of air and the work your AC must do to compensate increases energy bills.
Since mini-splits have no ducts, they don’t lose air. Efficiency ratings also help predict how much you can save. For this, a unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is used. High SEER ratings equal higher upfront installation costs. In the U.S., ACs must have a minimum SEER rating of 14.
Depending on efficiency and other factors, a mini-split AC can range in cost from $1,200 to $16,400, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, a 14 SEER central AC averages $1,725 to $3,600. A 21 SEER unit ranges from $6,325 to $10,800. However, installing a high-SEER mini-split can qualify you for rebates and tax credits, which can offset higher costs.
Number of Zones
A simple, low-SEER mini-split can cost a few hundred dollars less than a similar-sized central unit with the same efficiency rating. For a single-zone mini-split, expect to spend $2,400 to $5,500, per data from Forbes. However, the unique attributes defining what a ductless mini-split system is contribute to highly variable costs. Zoning is a significant consideration when pricing a mini-split.
Generally, each additional indoor unit costs $700 to $2,300. The more zones you have, the more you’ll spend:
- 2 Zones: $3,100 to $7,800
- 3 Zones: $3,800 to $10,100
- 4 Zones: $4,500 to $12,400
- 5 Zones: $5,200 to $14,700
- 6 Zones: $5,900 to $17,000
If you’re zoning for every room in your home, installation costs will be high. But more zones means greater efficiency. You can turn units on and off as you please and set the temperature however you like without reducing comfort elsewhere in your home. Shutting a unit off also won’t affect system efficiency or performance. You can save a great deal each month by turning off air handlers in unused rooms.
Placement
Where you locate a mini-split affects the cost of installation and operation. A unit that serves a small room needs less power than one intended to cool a large open area. Units on higher floors also need more cooling power. Your HVAC contractor will help determine the best locations for each mini-split head, among other installation variables.
How a unit is mounted also impacts how much you can save with ductless mini-split installation. A wall-mounted or floor-mounted unit offers the greatest potential to save. Depending on its size, a ceiling cassette may also save you. Ceiling-mounted and multi-zone systems tend to be in the higher cost range.
How Much Can Operating a Ductless Mini Split Save?
The upfront installation cost is typically higher than with a central AC unit. However, a ductless mini-split can save about 30% on your energy bills by eliminating duct losses alone, according to Energy.gov. This means if you spend about $100 per month on electricity, going ductless can save you about $30 a month, or $360 per year. Therefore, you could save $5,000+ in energy costs over the life of the system, assuming it lasts over 14 or 15 years.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems?
A ductless mini-split system can save you over time. It also has other benefits, including the following:
- Simpler Installation: Ductless mini-split installation requires only a 3-inch hole in an exterior wall for the refrigerant, electrical, and drain lines. There is no ductwork, which saves hours in labor and possibly thousands of dollars in installation costs. Leaving air ducts out of the equation eliminates breaking through walls and other demolition work.
- Mini-splits Don’t Take Up Much Space: Wall-mounted units are usually about seven inches deep and have a sleek design. However, ceiling-mounted or flush-mounted units take up no usable space at all. There are many options to accommodate your interior design preferences.
- Zoned Temperature Control: As we mentioned earlier, mini-splits allow you to control the temperature in each room individually. This benefits people with different temperature preferences and improves climate control in rooms that tend to be warmer or cooler than others. You can also turn off a unit in an unused room, such as a bedroom, attic, or home office.
- Mini-splits Can Also Provide Heat: A ductless mini-split can operate in heating mode and provides heat much more efficiently than a furnace. It uses heat pump technology to enable no-duct thermal energy transfer.
- Dual-Stage or Variable-Speed Technology: High-SEER mini-splits use dual-stage or variable-speed motors. A properly sized system can run at a constant lower speed rather than turning on and off. This gradually pulls heat and moisture from the air all day while maintaining comfort and minimizing energy use.
How Do I Get the Most Savings from a Ductless Mini-Split?
Cleaning or changing the filters in each unit can ensure it runs at peak efficiency. You should check the filters at least once a month. To clean a filter, turn off the mini-split and open the front panel. Then carefully remove the filter. It can be cleaned with a vacuum or by washing it in lukewarm water. Once the filter is dry, place it back in the unit and close the panel before turning the mini-split back on.
Also, don’t forget to have your ductless system inspected once a year by a professional. They can clean the units, unclog drains, and address various issues. Routine maintenance keeps the system running smoothly and can avoid costly repairs, so you save even more.
Call Sky to Schedule Ductless System Services
We provide high-quality heating and cooling services across the Portland area. If you’re looking for help or advice with ductless mini-split installation, our licensed HVAC professionals can determine how much you can save. They also determine the right size and configuration of mini-split and provide maintenance and repair services. Call (503) 694-4587 to request an appointment or learn about special offers and financing.