How Much Do Ductless HVAC Systems Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,350 - $12,250
The installation will cost about $7,500. Your overall cost will depend on several factors, including type, size, zones, energy efficiency, and more. Most homeowners spend between $4,350 and $12,250.
Installing a ductless HVAC system costs anywhere from $4,350 to $12,250, with an average price of $7,500. Your final bill depends on various factors, including the unit's size, type, and efficiency. If you don’t want to blast the AC or heating through all the rooms of your home unnecessarily, the cost of a ductless HVAC (commonly called a mini-split system) could be a worthwhile investment. These zoned units are easy to install with the help of a professional AC installer and can slash your energy bills.
- Average
- $7,500
- Low end
- $1,200
- high end
- $17,000
Price of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems by Type
Ductless HVAC systems aren’t as easy on the eye as the more disguised ducted ones and include units that need mounting within the rooms they’re heating or cooling. The price you pay per unit depends on the mounting type and shape. Smart thermostat features, like remote temperature control and timers, up the price.
| Type of Ductless HVAC | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wall Mounted | $400–$1,500 |
| Floor Mounted | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Ceiling Suspended | $700–$2,000 |
| Recessed Ceiling Cassette | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Vertical Air Handler | $500–$2,000 |
Wall Mounted
Wall-mounted units that sit below the ceiling are the most economical and budget-friendly option. The cost of a single-zone unit ranges from around $400 to $1,500.
Floor Mounted
Floor-mounted units cost about $1,500 to $4,000 and are more challenging to source than wall-mounted ones. While these still require mounting to the wall, the position is closer to the floor. This is an ideal choice if you have sloped ceilings or high windows.
Ceiling Suspended
Don’t want a unit to take up space on your walls? Opt for ceiling-suspended units. They also provide better airflow around a large space. You can expect to pay between $700 and $2,000.
Recessed Ceiling Cassette
Ceiling-suspended units can look a touch unsightly. Recessed, concealed units installed into the ceiling are more subtle. However, you’ll need a bigger budget. These units cost between $1,000 and $5,000, and labor costs will be significantly higher because of the tricky installation process.
Vertical Air Handler
This multi-faceted, portable unit allows for installation in a cabinet, so there are no unsightly boxes on the room walls, ceilings, or floors. It also allows you to direct the airflow up or downwards. Expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for this type of unit.
Ductless Air Conditioning System Installation Cost Factors
Ductless HVAC systems consist of an outdoor unit that connects to a chosen number of indoor evaporative units. However, when it comes to cost, there are more factors than the number of zones in which you opt to have the system heating or cooling. Consider the following when budgeting for mini-split costs.
Size by BTUs
A modest home featuring a modern, open-plan layout might only need a single-zone system. This includes the outdoor unit, an indoor cassette, and the associated refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. A single-zone mini-split costs anywhere from $700 to $4,300, excluding installation. A standard unit with a capacity of 12,000 BTU (British thermal unit) costs around $3,000.
You'll need a multi-zone system in larger homes with lots of rooms. Typically, you’ll pay an additional $1,000 or more per zone for the equipment, and you'll need a more powerful outdoor unit that can accommodate up to four or five zones.
You'll need two outdoor units if you need more than five indoor cassettes for a spacious, multi-level family home. Costs can be over $10,000 for equipment alone. Here’s what you can expect to pay, depending on the capacity of BTUs needed:
| Unit Size (BTUs Needed) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 6,000 | $450–$1,600 |
| 9,000 | $600–$2,300 |
| 12,000 | $700–$3,200 |
| 18,000 | $1,000–$4,200 |
| 24,000 | $1,100–$5,200 |
| 30,000 | $1,600–$5,700 |
| 36,000 | $1,800–$7,300 |
| 42,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
Zones
One of the main differences between a mini-split AC vs. central air is the capability of a mini-split system to create different temperature control zones throughout your home. These zones allow you to cool different rooms at various temperatures. Temperature zones lower your utility bills and keep your home’s temperature at your desired comfort level. Here’s what you can expect to pay to install zones throughout your home:
| Number of Zones | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,400–$5,500 |
| 2 | $3,100–$7,800 |
| 3 | $3,800–$10,100 |
| 4 | $4,500–$12,400 |
| 5 | $5,200–$14,700 |
| 6 | $5,900–$17,000 |
Energy Efficiency
The more energy efficient the mini-split system you purchase is, the more it will cost. But, if you can afford this upfront investment, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the long-term savings on your energy bills.
The higher the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating, the more heat efficient the unit is, and a higher SEER rating indicates a more efficient cooling system. Add $2,000 or more to your ductless air conditioner cost to invest in a more energy-efficient system.
Ductless Mini-Split vs. Multi-Split Ductless System Costs
A standard mini-split ductless system has just three main pieces of equipment—the outdoor compressor unit, inside air outlet, and remote control. These systems work like a heat pump and are suitable for open-plan spaces or homes with just a few rooms. That’s why mini-split costs are typically lower than multi-split costs.
You’ll need to opt for a more pricey multi-split system if you have a large home or one with lots of rooms that need heating or cooling at different temperatures. Instead of just one inside air outlet, there will be multiple. Installation requires more piping and wiring leading to these inside air outlets, and you might even need a more powerful outdoor compressor.
Outdoor Condenser Units
The cost of an outdoor condenser unit ranges from $750 to $5,500. How much you spend depends on the number of zones it needs to connect to. A condenser to cover one zone requires 5,000 to 42,000 BTU to generate enough heat for that area. Outdoor condensers for five-zone units have a BTU range of 35,000 to 78,000.
When consulting with multiple AC installers for pricing options, determine whether the pro includes the cost of installing an outdoor condenser unit in the total price of a ductless unit or charges a separate fee.
Labor and Installation
You can spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for professional installation of your ductless HVAC system. Ease of access, size, and complexity of the installation affect the final labor costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
When pulling together your budget for associated mini-split costs, keep these additional factors in mind.
Standard Heat Pump vs. Hyper-Heat Pump
If you live in a state where temperatures plummet in the winter, you might have to add extra to your budget. Conventional types of heat pumps on mini-split ductless HVAC systems can’t operate in temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, as the refrigerant doesn’t work as efficiently. The last thing you want is cold air blowing into your home when the temperature falls. Investing in a hyper-heat pump means staying toasty in temperatures as low as 13 degrees below zero.
Adding a Heat Pump Refrigerant Line
For a large house, you’ll have a longer distance to run the refrigerant lines to the interior cassette from the outside unit. These lines allow the heat to move from one place to another. On average, it costs $5 per foot of refrigerant line.
Maintenance
Budget to get your unit an annual service. An HVAC service maintenance contract costs $150 to $500 per year. The pros will clean all the components and check if any parts need replacing or repairing. Your ductless HVAC system could last 20 years or more with appropriate maintenance.
Removal of the Old HVAC System
Are you replacing an old HVAC system with a ductless one? Some professionals include removing the old system in their quote, but budget between $50 and $200 for taking it away. Doing it yourself can lead to structural damage, and you could be dealing with risky electrical wiring and refrigerant products.
Additional Features
Many new ductless heating and cooling systems offer options to make your system smart and WiFi-compatible. Depending on the model and rebate incentive, you may not have to pay more for these additional features, but you can expect to pay an additional $50 to $425 for add-on features, including:
Bluetooth control
Automatic sleep mode
Remote controller with temperature sensors for each zone
Motion sensor installation for each room
Automatic timers
Automatic preference memorization
Self-cleaning with quick-dry and sterilization modes
Continuously logging your energy use
Cost to Install a Ductless Heating and Cooling System Yourself
While installing the ductless HVAC system yourself can save about 30% to 50%, this isn’t a job for inexperienced homeowners. Installing the ductless system incorrectly can cause costly damage to your home or the system. Plus, handling refrigerant chemicals and electrical wiring requires a licensed professional in most states.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a professional HVAC installer provides peace of mind, and they can offer advice on the best system for your home setup. It’s possible to DIY single-zone mini-split systems, but you’ll still need to bring in an electrician near you to help with the wiring, and a pro might need to add refrigerant. DIY kits cost an average of $1,500 to $7,000.
4 Ways to Save on Ductless HVAC Installation
There are many ways to make savvy savings when purchasing and installing a ductless HVAC.
Get quotes from multiple reputable contractors.
Investigate whether your local or state government is offering tax incentives for installing energy-efficient systems. Check with your local utility company to see if they offer rebates.
Make sure you get the right size system. Go too small, and your overworked system won’t work efficiently, your bills will go up, and it could break down sooner. If your system is too large, you might pay for extra zones unnecessarily.
Check whether the manufacturer offers off-season discounts (usually in the summer and winter).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient heating and cooling system to heat a compact to average-sized home, then a ductless system is absolutely worth considering. The installation is less hassle when compared to a ducted heat pump system, and because your electricity bills should drop, it’s an excellent long-term investment.
Mini-split air conditioners are less expensive to run than central air and are considerably more energy efficient. You can run the heating or cooling units in individual rooms and turn off the units in the rooms you aren’t using. This method allows you to save about 30% off your energy bill compared to a ducted system.
There are some disadvantages to a mini-split system. If you live in a large family home with many rooms and multiple floors, the cost of installing a multi-split system with numerous indoor units and a couple of outdoor units could become prohibitive. You’ll also have to consider the aesthetics—not everyone wants large units hanging visibly from the walls, floors, or ceilings.
Regular maintenance means your ductless mini-split system should last about 10 to 15 years. With careful care, you most likely won’t have to replace it for a couple of decades or more. Efficient usage, regular cleaning, professional servicing, and the right weather conditions can all extend your system’s lifespan.
No, a mini-split doesn’t need to be in every room, which is one benefit of the system. If you have a rarely used basement, guest bedroom, or spare bathroom, you might not feel it would benefit from inclusion in a ductless HVAC system. This means you’ll have fewer zones in your home, reducing the cost of purchasing, installing, and running the unit.