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What is a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner?
A ductless mini split is a type of HVAC system that cools and heats your home without using air ducts. Indoor evaporator units are mounted on the wall of each room that needs to be cooled / heated, and every unit has its own thermostat for personalized temperature control. All the indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit that contains a compressor and condenser.
Installing a mini split may appear easy since they’re sold at a variety of online retailers. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC company to install any kind of HVAC system, including ductless mini splits.
Here are a few reasons why you should hire a professional for mini split insulation:
- Protect Your Investment: HVAC systems are complex machines with many different interconnected components. Improper installation may cause the system to work inefficiently, not properly cooling your home while needlessly raising your electric bill. Faulty installation could also damage the components and force you to pay for expensive repairs or replacement parts. HVAC technicians will have the right expertise and tools to install your ductless air conditioner without faults.
- Convenience: HVAC technicians are experts at installing mini split systems and can perform the job more quickly and with greater ease. DIY attempts by untrained individuals often encounter multiple small obstacles that increase the time, effort, and costs an installation might require.
- Testing: Your HVAC technician will be able to test the mini split after installation to make sure it’s working properly. They’ll perform a pressure test, charge the refrigerant, startup the system, and run the system through cycles to gauge its efficiency.
- Safety: HVAC systems, including ductless mini splits, handle chemicals and gases that can be very harmful if they leak into your home, so improper installation could put you and your family at risk. Charging the refrigerant is a dangerous task that poses the risk of electric shock if you don’t know what you’re doing. Mini split installations also require connecting each unit to an electrical. source which may require electrical modifications to provide enough power. If electrical modifications need to be made, they should be done by a professional to ensure the safety of untrained or inexperienced homeowners.
- Compatibility with Home: HVAC technicians will know which types of units are suitable for the size of your property and power needs. Having a poorly sized mini split system may cause the unit to work harder than it needs to, which can shorten the lifespan of the unit while also increasing energy costs. Professionals can also ensure that your home is ready for installation (for instance, you may need to have electrical outlets installed in some rooms to power the indoor units).
Choosing the Right Ductless Mini Split AC System
There are a few different types of mini split AC systems, so you’ll need to choose one before you make a purchase and begin the installation process. The type that you choose depends on what your cooling needs are.
Ductless Mini Split Types
- Single-Zone: This system is designed to cool one area, like a bedroom, living room area, or home addition. It’s the smallest and easiest mini split system to install and uses only a single thermostat. Single-zone systems are optimal for smaller homes that aren’t subject to temperature extremes, or for homes that have open-floor designs with large common areas.
- Dual-Zone: This system is designed to cool / heat two areas in your home. This type of system is optimal for a single-family home in which there’s one area that needs higher temperature regulation (for example, a part of the house that’s exposed to high heat).
- Multi-Zone: Multi-zone systems have evaporator units placed in many rooms in your home, usually between 2-5. There’s a single outdoor unit that may vary in size, depending on how many indoor units it’s connected to. Sometimes, multi-zone AC is more affordable and cost-effective than a central AC system.
Once again, it’s helpful to enlist a professional HVAC company to guide you. The technicians can help you determine how large your system needs to be to effectively cool your home and help you pick the system and brand that’s perfectly suited for your property and cooling needs.
Average Cost of a Mini Split Installation
A mini-split installation can cost anywhere between $7,000 and $25,000 which is largely dependent on several factors. On average, homeowners can expect the cost to be in the range of around $12,000 for a standard sized home.
Factors in Calculating Mini Split Installation Costs
Generally, a mini split installation costs less than a central AC system because there’s no ductwork that needs installation. Here are the factors that may influence how much your mini split installation will cost.:
- Unit Size
- Labor & Permits
- Number of Zones
- Location of Indoor Units
- Complexity of Install
- Brand
- SEER Rating
- Climate
Rebates & Incentives
Unit Size
The more space you’ll need to cool, the larger your unit will be. On average, most ductless mini splits systems for a standard apartment are typically between 12,000 BTU (British thermal units) and 18,000 BTU. Smaller places may only need a system of 6,000 BTU, while large properties may require 24,000 BTU or even higher.
Here’s a general cost breakdown (*prices below are national average ranges and not indicative of estimates provided by Hurricane):
- 6,000 BTU (250 sq. ft.): $450 – $1,600
- 9,000 BTU (400 sq. ft.): $1,600 – $2,940
- 12,000 BTU (550 sq. ft.): $1,700 – $3,040
- 18,000 BTU (800 sq. ft.): $2,300 – $3,640
- 24,000 BTU (1,100 sq. ft.): $2,500 – $3,840
- 36,000 BTU (1,600 sq. ft.): $3,000 – $4,340
- 60,000 BTU (2,500 sq. ft.): $3,500 – $10,000
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the right size system for your cooling needs.
Labor & Permits
On average, your labor costs will be between $300 and $1,500 for a ductless mini split installation, and the installation time will typically take between 5 and 10 hours.
Your local rules and regulations may require you to have a permit to install a mini split, especially if you’re installing a multi-zone system. Check with your city before installation, and don’t hesitate to ask your local HVAC company for guidance.
Here’s a general cost breakdown (*prices below are national average ranges and not indicative of estimates provided by Hurricane):
- 6,000 BTU (250 sq. ft.): $450 – $1,600
- 9,000 BTU (400 sq. ft.): $1,600 – $2,940
- 12,000 BTU (550 sq. ft.): $1,700 – $3,040
- 18,000 BTU (800 sq. ft.): $2,300 – $3,640
- 24,000 BTU (1,100 sq. ft.): $2,500 – $3,840
- 36,000 BTU (1,600 sq. ft.): $3,000 – $4,340
- 60,000 BTU (2,500 sq. ft.): $3,500 – $10,000
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the right size system for your cooling needs.
Complexity of Install
Larger systems with several zones are more complicated to install and typically require higher costs for parts and labor. The more zones you add, the more complex the installation will be. Furthermore, if you have indoor zones that are located further away from the condenser, then it will cost more money to lay the refrigerant lines and other connecting machinery.
Brand
There are a variety of brands that manufacture ductless mini splits. The larger brands tend to be more expensive.
- Mitsubishi: Units cost between $1,200 and $8,650 on average. This brand is popular for its durability in temperature extremes and for being able to power up to 8 zones.
- Fujitsu: Multi-zone units cost between $1,100 and $8,300 on average.
- Panasonic: Units cost between $1,700 and $2,800 on average. Optimal if you only need a single-zone system.
- Daikin: Single-zone units cost between $1,000 and $1,700 on average.
- Frigidaire: Single-zone units cost between $1,000 and $1,400 on average.
- Home Depot: Home Depot offers very low costs for mini splits and installation. However, they do not always use the most powerful or efficient systems.
Samsung, LG, and Cooper & Hunt also offer mini split systems. Ask your local HVAC professional for guidance on which brands will give you the best value and performance for your budget.
SEER Rating
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating measures the energy-efficiency of an AC system. SEER ranges from 13 to 25, with the higher ratings being more energy efficient. Systems with higher SEER ratings also tend to be more expensive.
If you live in a hot climate, like Southwest Florida, or if you have a large home, you may want to pay the extra cost for a system with a higher SEER rating because these systems will save you more money on your electric costs over time.
Climate
The cost of adding a heat pump to provide heating and cooling may vary depending on the climate in which you live. Here’s a breakdown of the cost per square foot, by region:
- South: $7.33
- Midwest: $7.53
- West: $8.29
- Northeast: $8.44
You’ll need a more expensive, cold-resistant heat pump if you live in a very cold climate with sub-freezing temperatures.
Across the entire United States, the average cost per square foot is $8.01.
Rebates & Incentives
Some states may offer rebates and incentives for installing new, eco-friendly AC systems, and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Consult with your local HVAC company because they’ll have the most knowledge about government incentives in your area.
Benefits of Installing a Ductless Mini Split
Here are the main benefits of installing a ductless mini split:
- Ideal for Small / Older Houses: A ductless mini split is optimal for houses that don’t have existing ductwork (like older houses), or smaller houses that don’t have much room to install a central air conditioning unit. Smaller houses usually don’t need a larger central air conditioning unit anyways and can often make do with a single or dual-zone mini split system.
- Individual Room Temperatures: A ductless mini split allows you to control the temperature inside individual rooms and spaces in your home. This is especially useful if one of your spaces gets significantly cooler or warmer than the rest of your home.
- More Efficient: Ductless mini splits are more energy-efficient than central air conditioning systems and can save you money on your electric bill. They also consume less power and produce fewer carbon emissions than central AC.
- Lower Cost: In addition to being more energy-efficient, mini split systems are usually cheaper to install than central AC systems.
- Quieter: Central air conditioning usually operates at a sound level of 50 to 80 decibels. Mini split systems are much quieter and typically operate at 30 decibels.
How Mini Split AC Systems Get Installed
HVAC technicians will install a ductless AC in two phases:
- Installing the indoor unit
- Installing the outdoor unit
Install the Indoor Unit
- First, the HVAC technician will inspect your home and select the best locations to install the indoor evaporators, based upon the type of system that’s being installed. They’ll make sure the unit is best positioned to avoid sunlight, heat sources, and places where indoor air can’t circulate efficiently.
- They will need to locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder before drilling pilot holes for the indoor unit mounting brackets. Then they’ll drill a larger hole for the refrigerant lines, control lines, and drain tubing.
- The technician will drill another pilot hole that’s intended to line up the exterior hole used to connect the outdoor unit.
- The technician will install the mounting brackets, making sure they’re kept perfectly level.
- The technician will unfold the lines and tubing so they can be easily pulled through the exterior hole, and then they’ll mount the indoor unit onto the brackets, making sure it’s securely fastened.
Install the Outdoor Unit
- The HVAC technician will locate a suitable area on your property to install the outdoor unit. If the unit is going to be mounted on the ground, the technician will install a pad on which to secure it.
- The technician will mount the condenser on the pad.
- The technician will drill a hole in the wall to access the pipes and tubes from the indoor unit.
- If a pre-charged system is being installed, the technician will connect the pipes and tubes to the outdoor unit. The technician will make sure the lines aren’t cut, which can cause severe burns by the refrigerant that’s released.
- Some systems require the lines to be cut and then charged, which is a hazardous task that should only be done by a professional.
- The technician will attach the pipes and tubing to the wall to hold them in place, and place covers over them for a nicer appearance.
- Finally, the technician will connect the pipe joint and wiring from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
Ductless Mini Split AC Installation Final Checklist
Once the technician has installed the indoor and outdoor units, they’ll perform a final inspection to make sure everything has been assembled and is functioning as designed. The technician will make sure that:
- The condenser and indoor units are level
- The circuitry is sized correctly
- The line set was blown out before being connected
- The refrigerant levels are charged and calibrated
- The vacuum was pulled before the king valve was opened
- There’s proper wiring and communication between the indoor and outdoor units
It’s essential that all components are hooked up correctly, or else your system can be damaged or have a shortened lifespan.
Contact Hurricane AC if You Are Interested in a Ductless Mini Split AC System
Once the technician has installed the indoor and outdoor units, they’ll perform a final inspection to make sure everything has been assembled and is functioning as designed. The technician will make sure that:
- The condenser and indoor units are level
- The circuitry is sized correctly
- The line set was blown out before being connected
- The refrigerant levels are charged and calibrated
- The vacuum was pulled before the king valve was opened
- There’s proper wiring and communication between the indoor and outdoor units
It’s essential that all components are hooked up correctly, or else your system can be damaged or have a shortened lifespan.
Mini Split Installation FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a mini split?
The cost of a mini split installation depends on the type of system you’re installing and how many zones you’ll have. On average, a 12,000 BTU system will cost between $1,700 and $3,040.
Can I install a mini split myself?
It’s best to have a professional HVAC technician install any type of AC system, including mini splits. Improperly installed mini splits can damage the machinery or put you at risk of electric shock and exposure to leaking refrigerant.
What are the advantages of a mini split?
Ductless mini splits are beneficial because they’re:
- Energy-efficient
- Installable in any type of home
- More affordable than central AC systems
- Quiet
- Able to set individual temperatures in different rooms
Do mini splits have to be professionally installed?
There are some mini split systems that can be manually installed by homeowners, but it’s always better to enlist a professional HVAC technician. A technician will make sure the system is suitable for your home a
- The condenser and indoor units are level
- The circuitry is sized correctly
- The line set was blown out before being connected
- The refrigerant levels are charged and calibrated
- The vacuum was pulled before the king valve was opened
- There’s proper wiring and communication between the indoor and outdoor units
It’s essential that all components are hooked up correctly, or else your system can be damaged or have a shortened lifespan.