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How Much Should It Cost for a Ductless AC Installation?

ductless air conditioning installation

It is essential to remain healthy and comfortable in the summer days of Texas, and for that, you have to rely on air conditioners in your home and workplaces, etc. Hence, a central air conditioner with a complex ducted system is not a proper choice all the time. Ductless ac systems, commonly called mini-split air conditioners, are a popular and better option nowadays to tackle extreme heat as they are versatile and efficient. However, you have to decide on ductless ac installation by carefully observing your budget. 

Here, we will make this easy for you as we will discuss the various estimates of the costs of Houston air conditioning and also the various factors on which the cost depends.

Key Takeaways:

  • The breakdown of ductless ac unit cost can be done on the basis of size, brand, efficiency and on the type of mini-split ac (wall-mounted, floor-mounted,etc.). The average price range is $1200 to $16000, and the average price is $4500 for a standard system.
  • The overall installation cost of your ductless ac unit can depend on various factors, such as the size of your rooms, efficiency rating, number of zones, upgrades to features, warranty plans, labor costs, or operating costs.
  • There are many benefits to a ductless air conditioner, such as versatility, improved efficiency, upgraded features, etc.
  • There are certain ways in which you can save on installation costs, such as by installing the unit off-season or contacting the best and most suitable HVAC professional.
  • You have to maintain your ductless air conditioner routinely, like cleaning air filters or condenser coils, to retain efficiency.

A basic breakdown of installation costs:

A ductless air conditioner installation cost will fall under the price range of $1200 to $16000, involving the various factors of size, brand, and efficiency of the ac unit. An average estimation costs $4500 for a standard system. 

Lowest Price$1200
Highest Price$16000
Average Price $4500
General Price Range $1200-$16000

 

Let’s take a look at the costs depending on the type of mini-split ac you want to install:

Wall-mounted$1250-$4500
Floor-mounted$1350-$3750
Ceiling cassette$2500-$6000
Ceiling-mounted$2500-$6000
Single-zone$2050-$7900
Multi-zone$2750-$14000

Some factors that affect the costs of ductless ac installation

Size of rooms

The size of rooms you want to get cooled with your ductless ac largely impacts the installation cost. The larger your rooms will be, the greater the output of the ac unit should be. Large rooms require wall units with higher British Thermal Units(BTU), which measure the amount of heat your HVAC system will release per hour. Thus, the cost of installation will also be expensive.

Efficiency rating

The SEER rating, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, of an air conditioner can denote its energy usage. The higher the SEER rating of a system, the higher the installation cost will be. Despite the high installation cost, the advantage of going for a higher-rated HVAC system is that it will consume less energy, saving money on your later energy bills.

ductless ac installation

Number of zones

Different temperature control zones are created if you install a mini-split or ductless ac. These zones help the system maintain the desired comfortable temperature by cooling the different zones at various temperatures. The cost of your ac installation depends on how many zones you want to set up.

Upgrades to features

Ductless ac systems have many advanced features that require constant upgrading. These upgrades include heat pumps, remote Wi-Fi connectivity, noiseless motors, an enhanced thermostat, etc. The installation cost varies depending on which upgraded features you want to opt for. If your current electrical setup does not match with the mini-split unit you want to install, you will require an upgrade. Also, if you have a central ac system and you want to replace it with a ductless mini-split system, you have to pay more for the removal of the old system along with the installation cost.

Warranty plans

Always choose the company that ensures the correct warranty plans to guarantee the unit’s efficiency and performance when you are going for ductless air conditioning installation. High-rated and expensive systems should have proper warranty periods because they have invested properly in manufacturing an ac unit with no defects and good features. Therefore, it is always recommended to thoroughly check the warranties to prevent paying for future costly repairs.

Labor or operating costs

You have to keep in mind the labor cost while going for a conditioning system installation. The labor or operating costs vary from company to company. Always hire a good contractor or company for ac installation who ensures the right services and warranty plans along with the right charges.

ductless air conditioning installation

Why should you install a ductless air conditioner? 

The benefits of a ductless air conditioning system are plentiful in comparison to a central air conditioning system, like improved efficiency, upgraded features, versatile designs and systems, and also cost-effectiveness. Mini-split systems are also easy to install as there is no complex ductwork. Their simple and versatile designs are perfect to accommodate in a closed space or in homes. Ductless ac systems with a higher SEER rating are also likely to consume less energy while maintaining decent utility bills. Also, the installation of ductless ac units is very simple compared to central ac systems.

Tips for reducing the cost of ductless ac installation 

If you need to save money because your budget is tight, you can consider these tips to reduce the cost of installation: 

  • Contact and discuss with at least 3-4 top HVAC professionals to compare and finalize the actual estimates and services.
  • Choose the wall-mounted mini split unit, as they are the most common and budget-friendly among all the types of ductless ac units.
  • Install a mini-split ac with a higher SEER rating so that your energy bills do not become too high.
  • It is recommended to install your unit in the off-season to prevent peak service and labor charges.
  • Go for a single-zone unit initially to obtain a lesser installation charge, and later, increase zones if required.

How do I maintain a ductless or mini-split ac?

After installing your ductless ac, it is your responsibility to maintain your air conditioner regularly to avoid complex and costly repairs. Make sure the air filters do not get clogged by debris. Perform regular cleaning of the condenser coils to prevent them from getting dirty or frozen. Regular HVAC maintenance is necessary to retain the efficiency of the ac unit and keep it running smoothly.

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