Homeowners thinking about installing a split AC system, or ductless air conditioning system, in their homes should also be aware of all the costs associated with doing so. After all, it is necessary not only to purchase the AC unit itself, but to have it installed by a trained and qualified HVAC professional. Unlike a simple window unit, there are a few specific connections that must be made between the condenser and the evaporators to ensure the system runs properly. Furthermore, proper insulating must be done to maximize energy efficiency. When hiring an HVAC company or contractor for mini split AC installation, there are some specific factors that must be taken into account. The cost of the unit itself usually ranges between $1,100 and $1,400. Beyond that, however, there are of course labor costs associated with any mini split installation. Depending on the amount of time it takes to install the unit and the number of evaporators being installed with it, labor can cost anywhere from $600 to $700 and usually takes around 10 hours.

Finally, there is also the cost of the materials needed to properly install and insulate the unit, such as tubes and insulation. Homeowners should expect to spend around $40 to $50 on these materials altogether. Researching and gathering quotes from various HVAC companies is key. Furthermore, having the installation done at certain times of the year, such as the fall or winter, can yield lower costs, as HVAC companies tend to be less busy. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for special promotions and discounts, such as free installation or discounted labor. Homeowners who do not have ductwork in their homes and are considering a mini split air conditioning system should start by carefully weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of such a system. One of the largest advantages of installing a mini split AC system is the fact that there is no need to retrofit an existing home with the appropriate duct and ventilation work, which can cost thousands of dollars. Furthermore, since these ductless AC systems do not require much complex wiring or tubing, they tend to take less time to install, lowering the average cost to install a mini split AC system.

Another great aspect of a split air conditioner is the fact that they can be customized to the home. For example, one condenser may have as many as four evaporators connected to it, all of which can serve different rooms around the home. These evaporators can be independently controlled, which is great for keeping electric costs down. For example, if a homeowner wants to cool just one room in the home, all he or she has to do is shut off the evaporators to the rest of the home.air conditioning unit fires Finally, unlike a window-mounted air conditioning unit, most mini splits are mounted on the ceiling and do not need to be exposed through a window to the home's exterior. ac unit 1 pkThis creates an increased sense of security for homeowners as break-ins through window units are sadly quite common.in cab ac unit

Of course, mini split AC systems do not come without their potential drawbacks. For starters, these units are not nearly as energy efficient as a forced-air system like central AC. In fact, according to Energy.gov, mini split AC units can cost 30% more to run than a central air conditioning unit. Furthermore, not all homes are well suited for mini split air conditioning systems. It will take a qualified HVAC contractor to come out to a home, assess the space and determine whether or not such a system can be installed. Finally, some homeowners are also unhappy about the look and space requirements of the split AC system. As we already said, mini split systems are cheaper (to install) than most other air conditioning systems. While a split AC unit may not cool a room like a heat pump or traditional system, it does provide the necessary coolness we all need. Fortunately, when comparing the average installation costs, you’ll understand why some homeowners choose mini split AC systems.

In addition, if you don’t have ductwork in place, you would have to install it. According to our duct installation cost estimator, that will add roughly $1,000 to your total installation cost. When choosing a mini split AC system, homeowners need to decide which unit is best for them. In general, there are two common types of mini splits: Single zone units are less expensive, but are generally only used to cool one area of the home. These are ideal for smaller spaces such as studio apartments. However, multiple zone units are designed to cool several spaces within a home. These also tend to be more expensive, as the capacity for these systems must be higher and more powerful. Like other air conditioning systems, mini split AC systems move hot and cold air where you need it. In the summer, your mini split evaporator will remove the heat inside your house, transport it to you condenser and release it outside. In the winter, the system can reverse the process and bring cold air outside.

Furthermore, mini splits are also great for moving cold or hot air from one room to the other. Therefore, if your basement is cold (which they tend to be) and you’re sleeping in your bedroom, the mini split can take that cold air from the basement and move it upstairs. Like other AC systems, the capacity of mini splits is based on its BTU and SEER rating. Both help determine the strength of airflow. A single unit should be rated at 24,000 BTU with a SEER of at least 17. To determine what system you need, please check out AJ Madison’s BTU calculator. Design should be considered with any home remodeling project and mini splits are no different. Luckily, you can install your mini split AC system in a few different areas. Mini splits can be attached to your ceiling or wall. High up on the wall is more common, but as time has evolved, more homeowners are disguising them in the ceiling. If you choose to install your mini split ac unit in the ceiling, you can have it suspended, recessed or concealed.