The cost of installing a ductless mini split will depend on where you live and the contractors that are available in your area. Not all contractors are specialized in ductless mini splits so the final cost can vary a lot from one region to another. Furthermore, the local suppliers may affect the cost of material. The total cost is really the sum of two components: (1) materials and (2) labor.
1. Materials:
1.1 Cost of Mini Split Units
A 9K BTU ductless mini split (air handler + condenser) will typically cost around $1000. A 12K BTU model will cost approximately $1200. A 18 K BTU model will cost around $1500 and a 24K BTU model will cost approximately $1800. The actual price of the product may vary by ~20% and depend upon such factors as: brand, SEER rating, and extra features. Most mini split models include a heat pump and can therefore both cool and heat your home. The SEER rating will range from 16 to as high as 27 SEER. Since mini splits are highly efficient, there is very little energy savings beyond 20 SEER.
1.2 Cost of Lineset, Electrical Signal Wire & Accessories (mini split pad or mounting bracket)
The cost of this item is between $100 to $200. Some mini split products come with the linesets and electrical signal wire included.
1.3 Cost of Lineset cover
The lineset cover is the white cover that goes on the outside of your house. This piece hides the tubing and electrical signal wire. This should be around $30 to $50.
1.4 Cost of Electrical Disconnect Box
Many of the experienced mini split installers will include an electrical disconnect with the installation of your outdoor condenser. The electrical disconnect box allows you to safely turn off power to your air conditioner in case of an emergency. The electrical disconnect box will cost around $100 (including installation).
2. Labor
It takes approximately 4 to 8 hours to complete a typical installation. The time required for installing your units will depend on the site location, the difficulty of the installation job, and the experience of your installer. The most straight forward jobs have the outside condenser sitting right outside the room of the indoor air handler. For this type of job, your refrigerant line is less than 15 feet. If you have to place the outdoor condenser on a roof, you will need extra labor and a condensate pump for the water drainage. The pump can cost between $50 and $100 extra. Expect to spend between $500 to $1000 on the labor of each unit.
Total cost:
The total cost of a mini split is (item 1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3 + 1.4 + 2) = $1650 to $2350 (depending upon the conditions mentioned above). This is the average quote for a 9K BTU unit. A 12K BTU unit will cost a couple hundred more than the 9K BTU (the only difference is the unit's cost). 18K and 24K BTU will require 220V electricity and therefore you will need to spend more money to run the electrical lines. This price is for standard ductless mini split products and installation. For higher end products from brands such as Panasonic, Daikin, and Mitsubishi; you can expect to spend between $2500 and $4000 per unit.
At D-Air Conditioning, our prices range start as low as $1400 for the unit installed. By doing more than 2000 installs each year we are able to get bulk discounts on our equipment and materials for the job. Furthermore, our technicians specialize in mini split installations and are always findings ways to improve their processes.