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Ductless mini split air conditioners provide an alternative way to keep your home cool without complex ductwork installation costs. Installation cost will depend on equipment type, size, brand name and number of zones required.
Find an HVAC contractor offering competitive prices by getting estimates from several contractors. Carefully consider each unit’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
Are you curious about the pros and cons of installing a ductless mini split? After reading today’s blog, .
1. System Size
Prices of ductless mini-split air conditioners depend on various factors. A key one is system size – an appropriately sized system will deliver sufficient BTU capacity for your space and an HVAC technician can conduct load calculations to identify it.
Typically speaking, the larger the space you need to cool, the more BTU power from your system will require. There may also be other factors affecting its energy requirements; kitchens alone can add up to 4,000 BTUs to a room load. Ceiling height can also have an effect; an eight-foot ceiling requires more BTUs than a seven-foot ceiling.
Insulated windows and doors, direct sunlight exposure and occupancy levels all play into this equation as well.
Ductless systems come in either single-zone or multi-zone configurations. When choosing a multi-zone system, each outdoor unit will pair up with an air handler (wall-mounted or recessed).
2. Energy Efficiency
Ductless mini-split AC systems are energy efficient. In particular, models with an excellent seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) typically consume less electricity.
Your contractor can help you calculate the size of the system required based on square footage, or alternatively, you can calculate this yourself using BTUs to estimate how much energy is necessary to cool a given space.
Installing additional indoor units requires contractors to do more complicated calculations and braze, fit, and refrigerant vacuum lines – increasing labor costs considerably. When installing multiple indoor units simultaneously, labor costs become even greater, increasing with every additional installation.
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems add substantial value to any home by making it more energy-efficient and reducing moisture issues, like peeling paint or condensation, as well as decreasing humidity levels to inhibit mold growth and eliminate unpleasant odors. Furthermore, energy-efficient homes are highly sought-after in the real estate market.
3. Installation Location
Ductless mini-splits deliver chilled air directly into rooms without leakage while using less energy than central HVAC systems – translating to significant energy savings for you!
Location is of key importance when it comes to both efficiency and aesthetics of wall-mounted indoor air handlers, as their placement should promote consistent home design elements such as consistent and balanced home designs. Also important: ensure wall-mounted indoor units remain free from obstructions such as furniture doors and plants that could potentially stop air from flowing freely between units.
Ductless mini splits can be ideal for cooling basements after remodeling to increase usable space or provide air conditioning where ductwork isn’t viable. Speak to a Carrier expert in your area for a complete overview of your options.
4. Equipment
Professional assistance can assist in selecting and installing equipment to provide maximum comfort and energy efficiency, including knowing what wattage each unit must produce in order to efficiently cool a home without overworking the system.
Outdoor condenser units typically cost $1,000 to $6,000. Installation requires a concrete pad, holes drilled in exterior walls, and wiring to connect it to power sources in your home. Indoor air-handling units (known as heads) cost between $400 and $2,000. They can be mounted directly to floors or walls or installed like recessed lighting for seamless integration.
Homeowners seeking multiple zones will require additional condenser units, increasing material and labor costs. Some homeowners attempt to save money on ductless mini-split installation by doing simple tasks themselves, such as vacuuming or brazing refrigerant lines. However, this could result in damage to the system as well as an inferior installation.
