There are many times when it makes sense to consider a ductless HVAC system. For example, if your current home doesn’t have central air conditioning, a ductless system is more efficient, as you don’t have to add ductwork.
If you’re interested in ductless HVAC, there’s a good chance you have one question on your mind before moving forward: how much does it cost?
When it comes to installing any type of air conditioning system – either ductless or central air – you can expect to pay into the thousands of dollars. However, due to the setup associated with ductless HVAC, you’re in position to save some money.
Factors that Impact the Cost
According to HomeAdvisor, ductless mini-split air conditioning systems range in cost from $2,000 to $14,500.[i] However, they also note that the average cost of a 12,000 BTU system is roughly $3,000.
Some of the factors that impact the cost of a system include:
- Size of the system (measured in tons)
- Number of indoor units (single vs. multi-zone)
- The type of system you choose (some manufacturers have a better reputation than others)
- Cost of labor
- Energy efficiency rating
For example, you may be interested in the cheapest possible ductless system for cooling a small home. You only need a single zone and the energy efficiency rating isn’t super important to you.
Conversely, there may be another person who owns one of those big old Boston homes with three floors and five or more bedrooms. This makes it much more complicated to choose a ductless system, as there’s a need for additional zones. And due to the complexity of the install, the cost of labor will be higher.
Don’t Make these Mistakes
When shopping for a ductless HVAC system, it’s easy to make mistakes as you have your sights set on saving as much money as possible. Here are some of the things you want to avoid:
- Shopping for the cheapest unit, regardless of its energy efficiency rating and the reliability of the manufacturer
- Skimping on labor, with hopes that you can install it on your own
- Opting for a smaller system than what you really need, which puts too much strain on it and results in less than ideal cooling of your home
Yes, it’s important to get the best deal possible on your ductless HVAC system. However, if you cut corners to save a few dollars, you could regret it in the long run. It’s best to do everything right the first time around, as that’ll give you peace of mind in the future.
So, to answer the question of whether or not ductless HVAC is expensive, it all depends on your situation and budget. When compared to installing central AC in a home that’s never had it, you’ll come to find that ductless is much more affordable.
New England Ductless Experts
If you have questions about ductless HVAC installation, pricing, or related details in the Boston area, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.