How much does it cost to install a ductless mini-split AC system?
How much does it cost to install a ductless mini-split AC system?
$2,000 – $6,000 Single-zone cost installed
$3,200 – $10,500 3-zone system cost installed
$5,500 – $13,000+ 5-zone system cost installed
Ductless mini-split installation cost
A single-zone mini-split installation costs $1,800 to $6,000. The cost to install a 3-zone ductless mini-split system is $3,200 to $10,500. A mini-split AC unit costs $1,500 to $8,000 for the system alone. The labor cost to install a 3-zone mini-split is $1,200 to $5,000+.
Each additional zone costs $500 to $2,000 in a multi-zone system. Mini-split HVAC prices depend on the size, type, brand, number of zones, and labor.
| Zones | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 2 | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| 3 | $3,200 – $10,500 |
| 4 | $4,000 – $11,500 |
| 5 | $5,500 – $13,000+ |
Ductless mini-split systems:
Cost 30% more than central air (ducted system)
Costs $30 to $150 per month to run, depending on size
Work without ductwork are not as effective as central AC in large homes
Average cost to install ductless mini-split AC
| National Average Cost | $5,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $1,800 |
| Maximum Cost | $20,000 |
| Average Range | $3,000 to $10,000 |
*Based on 316 project costs reported by homeowners on HomeGuide.
Mini-split system costs by type
A standard mini-split system costs $1,500 to $8,000 without installation, depending on the type and number of zones. Mini-split systems include an outdoor condenser, indoor air handler(s), and sometimes a wireless remote control.
| System type | Single-zone | Multi-zone |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor wall-mounted | $700 – $4,100 | $1,900 – $7,800 |
| Indoor ceiling cassette | $1,800 – $5,800 | $2,600 – $9,900 |
| Indoor ceiling-suspended | $2,400 – $6,400 | $2,400 – $8,000 |
| Indoor floor-mounted | $1,600 – $3,300 | $2,700 – $8,000 |
| Indoor concealed | $1,700 – $6,000 | $2,600 – $7,900 |
| LG Art Cool Gallery wall mount | $1,300 – $2,100 | $2,900 – $6,400 |
*Not including installation.
Outdoor split AC condensers are placed on a concrete pad or wall-mounted with brackets. Each unit supports up to five indoor air handlers.
Wall-mounted air handlers are installed at least 7' high and are the most popular and least expensive option for homeowners. LG Art Cool Gallery wall mounts hide the air handler behind a picture frame for a stylish look.
Ceiling cassettes are recessed so the grill is flush with the ceiling and distribute air in up to four directions via controllable vents.
Ceiling-suspended units protrude 14" to 16" and work best in rooms with high ceilings or limited wall space.
Floor-mounted air handlers mount at the bottom of the wall at floor-level for rooms that don't have upper wall space available.
Concealed duct air handlers, or slim ducts, mount inside the ceiling and connect multiple vents to provide even cooling in large rooms.
Vertical air handlers connect to pre-existing ductwork and are installed vertically or horizontally. They are self-contained in an insulated metal cabinet for noise reduction and offer a cost-effective alternative to central air.
Single vs. multi-zone mini-split system cost
The average cost to install a single zone mini-split is $1,800 to $6,000 for the system and labor, plus $500 to $2,000 per additional zone for a multi-zone system. One outdoor condenser supports up to five indoor air handlers, or "zones," depending on size.
A single-zone unit cools one room or area with an open floorplan. Enclosed spaces need their own indoor units.
Large open areas may require more than one air handler.
Small bathrooms and hallways do not require their own zones.
| System type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Single-zone system | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Multi-zone system | $2,500 – $13,000+ |
Mini-split sizing chart and prices
Ductless mini-splits cost $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 BTU) of cooling capacity. An HVAC contractor conducts a load analysis to calculate the correct size of each indoor air handler and determine the best location for its installation.
| Square feet | BTUs needed | System price |
|---|---|---|
| 150 – 250 | 6,000 (0.5 ton) | $450 – $1,600 |
| 300 – 400 | 9,000 (0.75 ton) | $600 – $2,300 |
| 450 – 550 | 12,000 (1 ton) | $700 – $3,200 |
| 600 – 1,000 | 18,000 (1.5 ton) | $1,000 – $4,200 |
| 1,200 – 1,600 | 24,000 (2 ton) | $1,100 – $5,200 |
| 1,600 – 1,900 | 30,000 (2.5 ton) | $1,600 – $5,700 |
| 1,900 – 2,500 | 36,000 (3 ton) | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 | 42,000 (3.5 ton) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| > 3,000 | 48,000 – 60,000 (4-5 ton) | $3,500 – $10,000 |
*Not including installation.
Other factors required to calculate the correct mini-split size are:
Kitchen – Add 4,000 BTUs for kitchens.
Floor – Add 2,000 BTUs for a third floor.
Ceiling height – Add 20% BTUs for ceilings higher than 8'.
Climate and insulation – Add 30% BTUs for climates with seasonal temperatures over 90°F or poorly insulated areas.
Sunlight – Add 10% to 20% BTUs for rooms with large windows that receive direct sunlight.
Occupancy – If the space is regularly occupied by more than two people, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
Shade – Reduce the BTUs by 10% to 20% for heavily shaded spaces in a temperate climate.
Mini-split AC installation cost calculator {installation}
Mini-split air conditioner prices vary based on the size, type, brand, number of zones, upgrades, electrical work, and labor complexity. The following table shows the typical installation factors for a multi-split system.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Ductless multi-zone AC system | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Labor | $500 – $2,000 |
| Electrical circuit and wiring* | $150 – $800 |
| Carpenter or handyman | $200 – $400 |
| Refrigerant line set | $70 – $400 |
| Remove old HVAC equipment* | $80 – $150 |
| Permits | $250 – $400 |
*Electrical circuit is not needed for every installation. Most HVAC companies include removing old equipment in their quote.
Labor cost to install ductless air conditioning
The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000. Replacing a single-zone costs $300 to $1,500, while a multi-zone system costs $1,200 to $5,000+. Labor costs depend on each zone's location, electrical work required, and the complexity of running refrigerant lines.
| Zones | Average Labor Cost* |
|---|---|
| Single-zone | $300 – $1,500 |
| Multi-zone | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
*Not including ductless system.
Other potential labor costs include:
Electricians charge $150 to $800 to install a new 110 to 240-volt circuit with a box to support the outdoor system.
New electrical wiring costs $5 to $17 per linear foot for labor and materials to run wire to the indoor air handlers.
Electric panel replacement costs $850 to $2,500 and may be needed in older homes.
A carpenter or handyman costs $200 to $400 to cut 3" holes in exterior and interior walls to run the refrigerant lines.
Existing installations may need additional mini-split repair services.
Price factors for mini-split installation
Location – Second or third-floor installs require additional wiring, conduit, and refrigerant lines. Labor and material costs increase for refrigerant lines longer than 25 feet or lines running through crawl spaces or attics.
Accessibility – Installations through difficult exterior siding or in hard-to-access areas may increase labor costs.
Permits – Permits for ductless AC installation cost $250 to $400, depending on location.
Climate – Extremely cold climates need a mini-split system designed to perform in temperatures below freezing.
Season – Many HVAC companies offer installation discounts during off-peak seasons, which run from January to March and September to November.
Rebates and Tax Credit – Energy-efficient systems may be eligible for utility company rebates and federal or state tax credits.
Warranty – Major brands require installation by a certified HVAC contractor for the warranty to be valid.
Ductless HVAC cost by zone
The following table shows ductless AC system prices by the number of zones, not including installation.
| Zones | System Cost* |
|---|---|
| 1 | $500 – $4,000 |
| 2 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| 3 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 4 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| 5 | $3,500 – $8,000 |
*Not including installation.
Split unit AC cost by component
Individual ductless heating and cooling system components are also sold separately for system customization:
| Component | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Outdoor unit | $600 – $4,600 |
| Indoor wall-mounted unit | $300 – $1,300 |
| Indoor ceiling cassette | $600 – $1,600 |
| Indoor ceiling-suspended unit | $700 – $1,200 |
| Indoor floor-mounted unit | $650 – $1,500 |
| Indoor concealed duct | $650 – $1,700 |
| LG Art Cool Gallery wall mount | $550 – $700 |
| Vertical air handler cost | $1,500 – $3,400 |
*Not including installation.
Mini-split accessories and upgrades
| Component | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Wireless remote controller | $50 – $300 |
| Wired controller / thermostat | $100 – $300 |
| Drain pan heater | $140 – $560 |
| Condensate removal pump | $120 – $280 |
| Replacement filter | $10 – $70 |
| Concrete or plastic condenser pad | $40 – $100 |
| Wall mount bracket for outdoor unit | $40 – $100 |
| Condenser stand / snow legs | $100 – $210 |
| Installation kit | $150 – $870 |
*Not including installation.
Drain pan heaters keep the system from freezing up in colder climates or at higher elevations.
Condensate removal pumps improve dehumidification by draining excess condensation when using a gravity drain isn't possible.
Replacement filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced annually.
The outdoor compressor is either mounted on a prefab condenser pad or wall-mounted.
Condenser stands, or snow legs, elevate the condenser off the ground in areas that regularly receive 3" to 5" of snow.
Installation kits include line sets, connector boxes, wiring, and drain tubing.
Ductless split system HVAC cost by brand
Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, and Daikin are leading brands offering ductless systems with varying price points, features, SEER ratings, and BTU sizes.
| Brand | Single-zone | Multi-zone |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi / Trane | $1,200 – $4,000 | $2,600 – $7,800 |
| Fujitsu / Rheem | $1,100 – $3,900 | $2,300 – $8,300 |
| Daikin | $900 – $4,700 | $2,500 – $7,600 |
| LG | $900 – $4,200 | $2,000 – $7,600 |
| Panasonic | $950 – $2,900 | $2,200 – $6,000 |
| MR COOL | $700 – $2,400 | $2,200 – $5,900 |
| Cooper & Hunter | $700 – $1,900 | $1,750 – $4,850 |
| GREE | $750 – $3,200 | $1,950 – $6,000 |
| Senville | $900 – $1,500 | $1,800 – $3,300 |
| Samsung | $1,700 – $3,600 | $3,900 – $9,400 |
| Frigidaire | $600– $2,500 | $2,500 – $3,700 |
Mitsubishi mini-split cost
Mitsubishi mini-split systems cost $1,200 to $7,800, depending on the BTU size, number of zones, and features. Mitsubishi split system air conditioners are customizable and operate efficiently in extreme heat and cold.
Fujitsu mini-split cost
Fujitsu mini-split systems cost $1,100 to $8,300, depending on the size, number of zones, and SEER rating. Fujitsu split system air conditioners are discreet, have deodorizing filters, are energy-efficient with zone control, and comes in several design options.
Ductless mini-split vs. central air cost
A ductless mini-split costs $3,200 to $11,000 for three zones. In comparison, central air conditioning costs $5,000 to $8,300 (without new ductwork) for the average home. Central air is more effective for larger homes, while ductless mini-splits cost less to run and maintain.
| AC type | Average Cost Installed | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless mini-split (single-zone) | $2,000 – $6,000 | Small homes or single room |
| Ductless mini-split (multi-zone) | $2,500 – $13,000+ | Homes with 2 to 5 zones |
| Central air system | $2,500 – $7,500 | Homes with existing ductwork |
| Heat pump | $3,800 – $8,200 | Homes without ductwork |
| HVAC system with new ductwork | $7,000 – $16,000 | Homes without existing ductwork, AC, or heating |
The most cost-effective choice depends on the size of the home and whether the house has pre-existing ductwork.
Ductless mini-split vs. central air pros and cons
The following table compares the pros and cons of mini-splits vs. central AC units.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless mini-split |
|
|
| Central air |
|
|
Mini-split AC cost to run
Mini-split AC systems cost $0.15 to $0.50 per hour or $30 to $150 per month to run. The operating cost depends on the units' size in BTU's, SEER rating, climate, insulation, and electricity rates. Mini-splits with a higher SEER rating are more efficient and cost less to run.
| Mini Split AC Unit (BTU) | Cost Per Hour | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 12,000 (1 ton) | $0.06 – $0.16 | $15 – $40 |
| 24,000 (2 ton) | $0.12 – $0.32 | $30 – $75 |
| 36,000 (3 ton) | $0.20 – $0.48 | $50 – $120 |
| 48,000 (4 ton) | $0.30 – $0.64 | $75 – $150 |
*Monthly costs are for running 8 hours per day.
Other home modifications reduce how often the AC needs to run, lowering electricity bills:
Attic insulation costs $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot and provides savings of 15% to 25% on utility bills.
Window tinting costs $6 to $15 per square foot and reduces 85% of the interior heat generated by sunlight.
Ductless mini-split FAQs
What is the lowest priced ductless mini-split AC unit?
The lowest-priced ductless mini-split AC unit costs less than $700 from brands such as GREE, Cooper & Hunter, and MR COOL. Other brands such as LG, Daikin, Panasonic, and Senville also offer low-cost wall-mounted mini-split systems for under $800, not including installation.
How long does it take to install a mini-split AC?
Installing a single-zone mini-split AC takes a professional less than one day. Installing a multi-zone ductless mini-split system takes 1 to 4 days, depending on the number of zones, type of air handlers, and complexity.
How long do mini-split air conditioners last?
Mini-split air conditioners last 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. In comparison, conventional AC units last 10 to 15 years. Clean the filters and air handler monthly and hire an HVAC technician to inspect the system annually to prolong its lifespan.
What is a mini-split SEER rating?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is the ratio of an air conditioner's cooling output divided by the amount of energy it uses. AC units with higher SEER ratings cost more up front but are more energy-efficient and lower electric bills.
AC's with high SEER ratings may be eligible for utility company rebates and state and local tax credits.
Is a mini-split air conditioner or heat pump best for cooling?
Ductless mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps are both equally effective at cooling. Some ductless systems only provide cooling, while a heat pump is capable of heating and cooling a home.
How much does Home Depot mini-split installation cost?
Home Depot mini-split installation costs $500 to $2,000 on average, depending on the number of zones and complexity. Home Depot outsources this work to a network of local installers. These HVAC installers are licensed, insured, and background checked.
Does ductless air conditioning increase home value?
Installing a new ductless air conditioning system in a house with no previous ductwork increases home value. However, if the home has existing ductwork, replacing the central AC system with a ductless mini-split does not add value to the home.
DIY mini-split air conditioner cost
DIY ductless air conditioners cost $800 to $3,000 for a single-zone or $2,500 to $4,500 for a multi-zone system. DIY mini-split systems come with wall-mounted indoor air handlers and are pre-charged with refrigerant, so no EPA license or special tools are needed for installation.
| Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-zone system | $800 – $3,000 |
| Multi-zone system | $2,500 – $4,500 |
Installing a ductless air conditioner yourself is possible with significant electrical, plumbing, and carpentry experience. However, most brands void the warranty for DIY installations.
Hiring an HVAC contractor
Licensed HVAC installers are trained to evaluate your home's heating and cooling needs and calculate the ideal ductless mini-split size. Before hiring an AC installer near you, be sure to:
Look for a NATE or ACCA certified technician with experience installing ductless mini-split air conditioners.
Get at least three estimates to compare from mini split installers.
Let professionals know you’re getting bids from multiple contractors, so they offer you a competitive price.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a written contract and warranty.
Get a full breakdown of all costs involved.
Avoid making large payments up front. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.
Questions to ask
How many ductless mini-split systems have you installed?
What size mini-split system do you recommend for my home?
How many zones or indoor are handlers do you recommend for my home?
Which brands and product lines do you carry, and what are the benefits of each brand?
Are there any accessories or upgrades you recommend, and why?
What should I do to prepare my home for the installation?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
What is your payment schedule?