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The Daily Insight

How much do ductless mini splits cost

Author

David Perry

Updated on May 01, 2026

The average cost for ductless mini split air conditioning installation costs between $1,700 to $8,500. To heat or cool an average living room alone with a square footage of 350 square feet, a 12,000 BTU ductless AC unit with a 21 SEER rating would end up costing around $3,500 for the unit + installation costs.

How much should it cost to install a ductless mini split?

The average cost for ductless mini split air conditioning installation costs between $1,700 to $8,500. To heat or cool an average living room alone with a square footage of 350 square feet, a 12,000 BTU ductless AC unit with a 21 SEER rating would end up costing around $3,500 for the unit + installation costs.

Is a mini split system worth it?

When you consider everything you get in return, ductless mini splits are definitely worth the cost. Not only do you save money upfront, but you do so over the long run as well. If you have questions about the cost of installing a ductless mini split AC system in your home, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Are ductless mini splits expensive to run?

The primary disadvantage of mini-splits is their cost. Such systems cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. … Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate. Some people may not like the appearance of the indoor part of the system.

Do mini splits really save money?

Here’s the thing – ductless mini-splits really do save you money. Not only are the cheaper to install, but they’re proven to lead to more long-term savings and cost way less in maintenance fees.

How much does it cost to run a 12000 BTU Mini Split?

Mini Split AC Unit (BTU)WattageCost Per Hour12,000 BTU Mini Split AC3,516 WCosts $0.46 per hour14,000 BTU Mini Split AC4,102 WCosts $0.53 per hour18,000 BTU Mini Split AC5,725 WCosts $0.74 per hour21,000 BTU Mini Split AC6,154 WCosts $0.80 per hour

Why are mini splits so expensive?

The biggest factor that affects the cost of a mini-split is the number of “heads” that it has. A head is an individual indoor unit that is connected to the outdoor unit and provides cooling or heating to a room or area. Residential mini-splits generally go up to five heads.

Do mini splits increase home value?

Ductless mini split installation can boost value by creating a more desirable home. While we don’t know the specific percentage by which a ductless air conditioning system can increase a home’s value, they do offer advantages that can help create the most comfortable home possible.

How much does it cost to run a 24000 BTU Mini Split?

Mini Split AC Unit (BTU)Estimated Cost Per Hour12,000 BTU (1 ton) Mini Split ACCosts $0.16 per hour24,000 BTU (2 ton) Mini Split ACCosts $0.32 per hour36,000 BTU (3 ton) Mini Split ACCosts $0.48 per hour48,000 BTU (4 ton) Mini Split ACCosts $0.64 per hour

Are ductless mini splits loud?

The mini split systems are the quietest air conditioners you can find on the market. They have an average noise level of 32 decibels. … Mini split systems are not only the quietest, but they also offer some of the highest SEER ratings (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and most dynamic performance on today’s market.

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Should I run my mini split 24 7?

A mini-split system uses less energy and keeps temperatures most consistent when it runs continuously, as in, 24/7. You also don’t need to turn the units on and off or adjust temperature settings when you’re away like you might with a central heating and cooling system controlled with a thermostat. Set the fan to AUTO.

How long do mini split systems last?

Ductless mini-splits – 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.

How much electricity does a mini split save?

Price per kWhSavingsYears Pay Off$0.22025.00%3.86

How big of a mini split do I need for 1000 square feet?

Area 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 BTUs

Can I install a mini split 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 mini split in a garage?

Many people install a mini split by themselves in their garage but if you need a professional to help, it’ll cost anywhere between $300 and $1500 to install depending on where you live.

How much electricity does a mini-split heat use?

Many models offer around a 9,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) cooling capacity, using roughly 600 watts of electricity on average. During periods of high heat, energy use can be much higher.

How much does it cost to run a 9000 BTU Mini-Split?

Split System Costs The proof of that energy efficiency lies in the power bill pudding. Split systems typically use about 9,000 BTU or 900 watts. Running for eight hours per day at the national average kWh unit cost of 13.2 cents, a ductless mini-split would cost only 95 cents per day to run, or about $28.50 per month.

Which is more efficient mini split or central AC?

Ductless systems are potentially much more efficient, so your utility cost is generally much less than with central air. The downside is that the initial cost is more. This can be counterintuitive, because we think of mini-splits as the “smaller” option.

Is Mini Split same as central air?

Working of Mini-Splits They are similar to a window AC unit as they are designed to cool a single room. However, unlike window ACs, they have a separate outdoor unit. What separates mini-splits from central air conditioning units is that no ductwork is required.

Are mini splits quieter than window units?

The mini-split cooling system is also much quieter than window units. Additionally, the ductless mini-split system can also be used to heat the home when winter comes, which gives it a marked advantage over window air conditioners that can only be used to cool a room.

Can you put a mini split in a bathroom?

Bathrooms. Ductless systems work particularly well for small, confined spaces. … In this case, a ductless mini-split system can heat up the room quickly. You can also use a ductless mini-split system for your master bedroom and bathroom together.

Why is it called a mini split?

They’re called mini-splits because they’re smaller versions of traditional central air conditioning systems, known as split systems, which have an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor air handler. The air handler might be placed in its own small closet or hidden behind sheetrock.

How many hours a day does a mini split run?

Do mini-splits stay on all the time? A ductless mini-split doesn’t run 24 hours a day. But, they are designed to run for much longer lengths of time than traditional HVAC systems. And, they’re often working in a low-power mode rather than at full capacity.

Should I turn my mini split off at night?

It is not necessary as the heat pump operates so efficiently. However, you can safely turn the temperature down a few degrees at night and while you are away and raise it back up again when you wake up in the morning or when you come back home.

How do I keep my mini split from freezing?

  1. Choose a Higher-Heat Mini Split System with Heat Pump for Extremely Cold Temperatures. …
  2. Position Your Outdoor Condenser Unit for Sheltered Operation During Cold Weather and Snowfall. …
  3. Set the Condenser Controls on Defrost Mode to Eliminate Frost and Maintain Top Performance.

How long does a mini split install take?

But for those skilled professionals, installing a ductless mini split is usually a fast job that will go without complications. The average installation job takes one or two days. The actual length depends on the size of the system, in particular how many indoor air handlers need to be mounted inside the home.

How long does Freon last in a mini split?

The refrigerant in your HVAC system should last as long as the unit itself, or about 15 years. However, if your unit has a leak, an HVAC professional may need to add refrigerant to your mini-split after repairs have been completed.

Do mini splits work in cold climates?

Mid-level mini splits run at 100 percent efficiency down to 20°F and typically require a base pan heater. These work well for heating moderate to cold climates. Economy-level mini splits run at 100 percent efficiency down to 30°F and may shut off at temperatures below 20°F.

Is a mini split cheaper than propane?

More cost effective than electric resistance and propane If you use fuel oil, a mini-split is more cost effective to operate when the outside temperature is 25 degrees or above. For natural gas, mini-splits are more cost effective when the temperature is 60 or above.

Does a mini split dehumidify?

Mini-split systems are capable of drying some of the added moisture during warmer months. Unfortunately, they are not designed to dehumidify in cold weather and will not pull moisture in the winter months. Dehumidification should run independently of cooling systems to ensure proper moisture removal.