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Ductless mini-splits may have caught your attention, and you may have wondered how they would compare in terms of price, performance, or utility to conventional air conditioners or furnaces.
They are an ideal solution for certain heating and cooling problems. They give you a high level of control over your home temperature while reducing costs.
When deciding if a mini-split is the right choice for you, there are numerous crucial aspects to consider. The unit cost is the fundamental deciding factor for the majority of buyers, despite comfort and system capabilities being crucial. You may choose a model that offers the most value for your money by being aware about the aspects and components that affect the price of a standard ductless mini split system.
Below, we’ve described the factors that go into the cost of a ductless mini-split, and how each contributes to your home’s comfort. By the end, you’ll know how much a mini-split can cost, as well as whether or not it’s an option that is right for you.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE TOTAL COST OF A DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT
The cost of a Ductless HVAC varies depending on several factors which makes it difficult to provide the overall cost of a mini split system. The most essential elements are broken down as follows:
Integrated technologies:
The cost of a Mini Split system usually increases with the level of technological sophistication of its components. An example is the quick-heating technology as well as the sophisticated compressor system.
Mitsubishi Electric Mini Split systems are a great option if you reside in a region where the typical summer temperature regularly surpasses 90°F. They typically include technologies that allow their products to perform well even under harsh cold temperatures as well.
Manufacturer and Brand Name
Like any consumer good, the mini-split brand you select does influence the price, at least somewhat. The more prominent names in ductless heating and cooling, such as Frigidaire, Panasonic, and Mitsubishi, may charge more than budget brands like Daikin.
A great way to be sure you'll receive your money's worth is to choose a reputable manufacturer.
Mitsubishi Electric has established itself as one of the top producers of air conditioners in the world as it has proven to be trusted and reliable.
SEER Rating
Another element that can raise the cost of your ductless mini-split system is its SEER rating.
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The SEER rating indicates how efficiently your mini-split system utilizes energy. It's frequently compared to miles per gallon.
To determine the SEER, divide your air conditioner's cooling output during the summer by the energy it consumes.
A SEER rating of 14 used to be considered efficient, but it no longer is.
You want a mini-split with a minimum SEER rating of 16. The closer you can get to 23, the better, with 21 considered an outstanding SEER rating.
The greater the SEER rating of a ductless mini-split system, the higher the cost.
Number of zones
The entire cost of the system can be strongly influenced by the quantity of interior air handler units. While all Mini split options only have one outside compressor unit, the majority of packages have one to five inside units. The average cost of your mini split system will increase as you add additional indoor units.
Unit Type
Not all indoor air-handling units are the same. A ceiling-mounted air-handling system will cost between $700 and $2,000.
A ceiling cassette costs at least $500 and can cost up to $2,000. As a result, you can save some money.
Of course, regardless of which type of air-handling device you prefer better, you still have to pay for refrigerant lines. which works out to roughly $5/ft.
Then there's the outside compressor or condenser, which can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000.
Complexity of installation
Depending on how your building is laid out, different mini split systems have different installation costs. The number of rooms in your home and its total size are the two most important variables that determine installation prices. When discussing ductless air conditioner costs with a HVAC professional, keep in mind that accessibility and installation site might affect the final price.
What then is the cost of a Mini-Split?
The total cost can vary significantly depending on the factors such as the distance from indoor to outdoor units, type of indoor heat, control options. However, you should budget $5,000 to $8,000 for each zone. You should budget $11,000 and higher if you have more than two zones. Expect to spend at least $20,000 for a complete house with ductless units. This results in a total range of $5,000–$30,000 or perhaps more. Also, make sure all labor charges and other expenditures are covered in the estimate when comparing costs.
Depending on the system, installing a mini split can be quite expensive and difficult, requiring specialized skills and equipment as well as flammable and combustible materials. The expertise of the installing firm is also a key factor to check out for when comparing prices. The difference between a great installation and a mediocre one is years off of the lifespan of your system, as well as a reduction in efficiency and comfort. It’s possible to find cheaper installations, but there’s a very large risk of it costing more in the long run due to lack of 24/7 support, certified installation and service, and the proper training to ensure you’re getting the efficiency you deserve from your system.
To put it another way, if something is less expensive, there is a reason for it. Before assessing all of your options, make sure you understand why.
Otherwise, the lower pricing category represents single-head systems that require no more than 15 feet of line and minimum additional installation work such as drilling into the woodwork of a home or adding a condensate pump. Multi-head systems with more complex installation and mechanical requirements, as well as a more powerful outside unit supplying the numerous inside units, would be at the top end of the range.
Is a Ductless Mini Split Worth It?
You may still be interested in upgrading to a ductless mini-split system after crunching the figures, but it will be costly.
You will first invest a lot of money on a system. Although, the mini-split pays dividends over time.
Here are some of the benefits you might expect:
1. Efficiency: Mini-splits can operate up to a 33 SEER Rating! This is much higher than even high-efficiency air conditioning systems.
2. Zone control: This can result in significant cost reductions. You may heat your basement game area while cooling your attic guest room, turn units on and off as you go about your day, or automate them with your phone so you never have to worry about your energy usage.
3. No duct work: Particularly for homes without existing ductwork, the cost to properly install ductwork can exceed that of a heating and cooling system.
4. Even Heating and cooling: Modern systems can sense hot or cold spots within a room and adjust accordingly to provide optimal, consistent comfort throughout a zone.
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