When considering different heating and cooling options, Boston homeowners often base their decision on the upfront cost of the units. This is a perfectly understandable response when confronted with a significant investment such as the installation of a new HVAC system. But, upfront expenses only represent a small fraction of the overall cost of heating and cooling units. There are other factors to take into account when determining which system is the most cost-effective in the long term.
How much are mini-splits?
The cost of a ductless HVAC system hovers anywhere between $2,000 and $14,500, including installation. The exact price of a mini-split is dependent upon a number of factors including the brand, capacity, and ease of installation. Boston homeowners can expect to spend around $3,000 for a 12,000 BTU system – which is enough to provide temperature control for roughly 500 square feet.
In comparison, a centralized HVAC system can range from $3,900 and $7,500, depending on the same factors mentioned before. As you can see, the primary costs of ductless mini-splits can reach higher than their conventional counterparts. Although this price difference is enough to convince some people to opt for standard HVAC systems, initial expenses don’t tell the whole cost story.
How much money does a mini-split save?
The advantages of ductless mini-splits quickly offset their higher upfront costs. In other words, Boston homeowners come out ahead financially in the long run when opting for ductless HVAC systems as opposed to centralized systems. Overall, ductless mini-splits can help homeowners save between 30% and 40% on their energy costs.
These reduced energy expenses are owed to the increased efficiency of mini-splits. Instead of heating air using fossil fuels, as many centralized units, ductless HVAC systems transfer heat through the use of refrigerant. With this process, an advanced mini-split can utilize up to four times more heat energy than it consumes in electrical energy.
Get paid to install a ductless HVAC system
The increased energy efficiency of ductless HVAC systems has caught the attention of the Massachusetts government which is encouraging residents to make the switch. When compared to centralized systems, mini-splits emit fewer greenhouse gases and waste less energy. In an effort to make the entire state more environmentally sustainable, lawmakers have provided incentives to help cover the cost of mini-splits. Through the Mass Save® program, Boston homeowners can get receive a $10,000 rebate when installing a ductless HVAC system.
Tips for optimizing mini-split savings
Mini-splits operate more efficiently than conventional HVAC units by design. But, there are ways Boston homeowners can maximize this energy efficiency to further increase their overall savings. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your mini-split:
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically turn down the temperature seeing when you’re not home.
- Improve your home’s insulation to prevent heat from escaping or entering (depending on the time of year).
- Set your mini-split on cruise control or auto
- Schedule routine maintenance to keep things running smoothly.
Find the perfect mini-split for your home
Ductless mini-splits clearly outperform their centralized competitors when it comes to energy efficiency and operational expenses. Boston homeowners looking to get the most savings out of their ductless HVAC systems should work with a mini-split specialist to identify the ideal unit capacity for their specific heating and cooling needs.
An expert knows precisely how many square feet a mini-split cools and heats based on its brand and BTU ratings. Choosing a unit that’s too large leads to unnecessarily high energy costs while an undersized system fails to meet a homeowner’s temperature control needs. Optimizing your overall savings is dependent upon finding the right mini-split size.
Ready to make the switch to ductless HVAC systems for optimal savings and increased comfort? The experts at New England Ductless can help! We specialize in helping Boston homeowners take full advantage of ductless mini-splits. Book an appointment today to get started.