2023 Ductless Mini-Split Installation Cost

Mini-splits have recently seen their popularity increase due partly to rising interest in eco-friendly technology for the home. They are hugely efficient compared to fossil fuel or electric resistance heating and have the benefit of being able to both heat and cool your house.

Thanks to their high efficiency, their running costs are low. Still, critics point to the relatively high initial price of the units themselves as a reason to think carefully before buying. As you’ll see in the rest of this article, the sticker price of the units is not the only upfront cost you need to consider. Labor costs make up a significant proportion of the overall initial cost of a mini-split system, and you might be surprised at how these differ from company to company and between different projects.

Average Cost Range:

The cost to install a ductless heat pump can range from a low cost of $1,800 to a high cost of $7,542 for the average size single story home. It will depend how many mini split heat pump units you want to install in your home. If you want to install a heat pump air handler unit in 4 different rooms or zones, you could expect to pay up to $10,000 or more for the units and associated materials.

Mini Split Single Zone Heat Pump

A single Indoor Heat Pump Unit could handle anywhere from 6,200 BTUs to 35,000 BTUs and be used in a small home or garage to maintain heat and cooling. You could expect to pay around $1,850 for installation.

Multi Zone Heat Pump System (4 Units)

If you replace or install a 4 zone (rooms) ductless mini split heat pump system you could expect to pay anywhere from $8,500 to $10,000 for installation costs.

Large Multi-Zone Heat Pump System (5+ Units)

A homeowner installing a large mini split ductless heat pump system with 5 or more units could expect to pay more for materials as well as labor needed to get all of them installed in each room. You could expect to pay $15,000 or more depending on local labor rates and brand you choose to install.

What Is Involved in a Mini-Split Installation?

The main elements of a mini-split installation include:

- An outdoor unit mounted on the wall or ground outside the house.

- One or more indoor units, which are also called air handlers or head units.

- Line sets to convey the refrigerant around the system.

- Electric cables.

- Power supply cables.

- Communication cables.

- A condensate drain to remove the condensate from the units.

- Conduit to keep the lines tidy and to protect them from weather and pests.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Install a New Ductless Mini-Split AC?

While mini-split costs aren’t cheap, they can still be a more affordable option than central air conditioning. Various factors, including the size of your mini-split system, the location, number of rooms you’re cooling, and the contractors you hire to get the job done all influence mini-split installation costs overall.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Mini-Split AC System Yourself?

Do-it-yourself mini-split installation should be left to only the most advanced DIYers. It’s usually better (and safer) to hire a HVAC company to complete this relatively complex project for you. Plus, a professional will better be able to estimate what kind of system you need to properly cool your home most efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill in the long run. In order to complete your project, you’ll also have to handle electrical wiring and refrigerant lines, which require a licensed pro in most states.