The cost to install a ductless (also called mini-split) system ranges from $3,000 to $20,000 in Boise.
We know—that’s a very big price range.
So, why does the cost vary?
Well, the cost to install a ductless system can vary depending on the following factors:
- How many rooms you want cooled
- The size of the system
- The efficiency of the system
- Installation considerations
- Add-on features
Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.
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Factor #1: How many rooms you want cooled
The more rooms you want cooled, the higher your upfront cost will be.
Here’s why…
Unlike central ACs, which only require 1 indoor unit to cool the entire house, ductless systems require an indoor unit in every room you want cooled.
Why?
Like their name suggests, ductless ACs don’t use ducts, which means cool air comes directly from the indoor unit.
So for each room or area of your home you want cooled, you’ll need 1 indoor unit. Adding additional indoor units raises the total cost of the installation.
Note: One outdoor unit can service up to 8 indoor units. Let’s say you want 4 rooms cooled. That means you’ll need 4 indoor units and 1 outdoor unit.
Factor #2: The size of the ductless system
The “larger” the mini-split system, the more expensive it will be.
When we talk about the “size” of a ductless system, we’re not referring to the physical dimensions of the units, but rather their cooling capacity.
The cooling capacity of a ductless system is measured by its BTU (British Thermal Units) output, which refers to how much heat the system can remove from a room in a given time.
Most ductless systems range from 9,000 BTUs to 44,000 BTUs.
You might be thinking: “Is a system with a higher BTU output better?”
Not necessarily. When it comes to choosing a ductless system, you want one that is the right size for the space you want cooled.
If you get a system that’s too big or too small, you’ll run into high energy bills, frequent repairs and comfort issues.
An HVAC professional will help you calculate what size ductless system is right for your home via a heat load calculation.
A heat load calculation takes into account several factors specific to the space you want cooled, including:
- The square footage of the room
- The number of windows and doors in the room
- The height of the ceilings
- The type of flooring
- The insulation levels
- And much more
Factor #3: The efficiency of the system
More efficient ductless systems are also more expensive upfront. However, high-efficiency systems cost less to operate, which means you’ll save money in the long run if you opt for one.
Mini-split efficiency is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Most ductless systems have SEER ratings that range from 14 to 22.
The professional you hire to install your ductless system can help you determine what SEER is best for your home, based on your budget.
You can learn a little more about SEER by reading our article, “What SEER Rating Should I Buy For My Boise Home?”
Note: The blog above focuses on SEER recommendations for central AC systems, but the same general recommendations apply to ductless systems.
Factor #4: Installation considerations
If the technician installing your ductless system needs to make significant modifications to your home to accommodate the new system, then the overall cost will increase (more labor = higher cost).
Some examples of modifications a tech may need to make include:
- Upgrading your home’s electrical panel
- Adding a dedicated dual-pole, 20-amp circuit breaker
- Running refrigerant/electrical lines through hard-to-reach places
Factor #5: Add-on features
If you decided to add certain comfort features to your ductless system, the upfront cost will increase.
These add-on comfort features include:
- Programmable thermostats
- Multi-speed fans
- Washable air filters
- Adjustable airflow
- Dehumidification features
Want a FREE quote for a new ductless system?
We’ll give you upfront and honest pricing to install a mini-split system in your home. When you hire us for the installation, we’ll stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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