How Much Does It Cost to Install a Mini-Split Unit in a Garage? [2025 Data]

Garage Mini-Split Unit Cost Factors

Although the average cost to install a mini-split unit in a garage is $3,500, you’ll pay more for certain factors, including the type of system and the mini-split unit’s size, which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).

Types

Mini-split units are an efficient way to cool smaller spaces, like garages, thanks to the individual units placed in the room. A pro can install a mini-split for a garage on the wall, ceiling, or floor, depending on how you utilize the room. 

For example, if the ceiling accommodates an automatic garage door, hanging bike racks, and overhead organizers, you may find more space on the wall or floor for AC installation. If your garage walls are loaded with organizational shelving, a ceiling- or floor-mounted unit may make better use of the available space.

Size

Mini-split units come in different BTUs, which measure how much heat the unit can remove from the garage per hour. The larger the garage size, the more BTUs you’ll need to effectively cool off the space. Here are the costs you can expect to spend on a mini-split unit, not including installation, based on garage size and BTUs.

Labor

Installing a mini-split unit in a garage costs $300 to $2,000 for labor, not including the cost of the unit parts. Some AC pros charge $50 to $100 per hour, and this project takes four to six hours.

Because AC installation requires working with refrigerant lines and wiring, it’s best to leave this complex job to an AC installer near you.

If the garage doesn’t already have wiring, refrigerant lines, or insulation, you’ll need to hire pros to get the space ready to accommodate the cooling system. Here’s what you’ll pay to hire the following contractors:

• Electrician costs: $50–$100 per hour

• Carpenter costs: $30–$200 per hour

• General contractor costs: $50–$150 per hour

Prep

There are several projects you may need to tackle before you can install a mini-split in your garage, so budget accordingly for the following tasks:

Permits

Building permit costs for an HVAC project are $250 to $400, but if you have additional work to do, like hiring an electrician for wiring, you’ll need to grab more permits for $10 to $500 each. Be sure to check with the AC installation pro to determine what permits you need.

Garage Mini-Split Ongoing Costs

Once you’ve outfitted your garage with a mini-split unit, one disadvantage of a mini-split is that you’ll see higher energy bills with the system in use compared to just using a fan or no cooling unit at all. Plus, you’ll need to budget for regular maintenance if you want the unit to last as long as possible. Keep in mind that mini-splits are still less expensive than installing a traditional HVAC system in the garage, and energy-efficient models can keep energy bills low.

Maintenance 

HVAC maintenance costs about $300 to $550 per year for a mini-split system. Keeping up with routine maintenance, including pro inspections, unit cleaning, and tightening and lubricating the parts, can save you money on repair costs down the line.

Operating Costs 

To enjoy that fresh, cool air from your new mini-split unit, you’ll need to pay more for energy costs when the unit is in use. For an average two-car garage with a 9,000-BTU system, you’ll pay $0.02 to $0.15 per kWh of use, adding around $5 to $36 to your monthly bill to run the unit eight hours a day. 

However, your total cost to run a mini split unit will vary widely based on local electricity rates, the energy-efficiency rating of your cooling unit, and how frequently you run the AC. If you’re only spending a few hours in the garage on weekends, you’ll hardly notice a change to your cooling bill.

Repairs

While paying for regular maintenance will minimize repair costs for a mini-split unit, repairs are still inevitable. HVAC repair costs for a mini-split unit in a garage are $300 to $550 per repair. The most common problems for these units are low refrigerant levels and compressor issues.

DIY Mini-Split Unit Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a mini-split unit is not a DIY project unless you have previous on-the-job experience with AC installation. Because installing AC systems involves handling parts containing refrigerant, many laws state that only certified pros can complete this work. 

Cost of Common Garage Mini-Split Unit Add-Ons

After your garage is nice and cool, you may have the itch to get it organized, replace the cracked concrete floors, upgrade to higher-efficiency windows, or do any number of projects to turn a formerly boring space into a sanctuary for your hobbies. Here are some other projects to consider completing after installing a mini-split:

• Garage cabinets cost: $500–$2,200

• New garage floor cost: $2,400–$11,200

• Energy-efficient window installation cost: $325–$2,000 each

• Garage door replacement cost: $750–$1,700

• Garage heater cost: $1,500–$4,000

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Installing a Garage Mini-Split Unit

Installing a mini-split can make garage chores and hobbies a much more blissful experience when temperatures outside are soaring. However, it can still be a high up-front investment cost, so consider these tips for saving money on installation and operating costs.

• Schedule off-season installation: AC installers may offer deals for installations in seasons with lower demand. Consider a winter or early spring installation to save.

• DIY prep work: If you have the skills and ability to insulate the garage or install a concrete pad outside for the exterior unit, you could save hundreds on the project total.

• Avoid oversized units: Bigger isn’t always better. Stick to the recommended BTUs for your garage’s square footage to avoid overspending on the unit and your energy bills.

• Consider SEER: SEER ratings refer to an AC unit’s efficiency. SEER ratings of 21 or higher mean better efficiency. While the up-front cost of a higher-SEER unit may be more, you’ll save in the long run on operating costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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