Whether you need to replace your HVAC system or you’re building a new home, you’ll need to weigh the different heating and cooling options available. For the vast majority of Boston homeowners, the cost of installation is going to play a key role in their final decision.
Although centralized and window units are more popular throughout the US, you might be surprised to learn just how much you can save with a ductless system. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of installing these modern HVAC systems to help Bostonians make the most cost-effective choice.
How much does it cost to install a ductless HVAC system?
On average, it costs roughly $3,000 to install a ductless HVAC system. You can expect to pay around $2,000 on the low end and potentially over $10,000 on the high end. Why such a difference in price? Well, there are some key factors that influence the installation cost of your ductless mini-split, including:
The size of your home.
Bigger homes require ductless mini-splits with greater output since there’s more air to cycle. The $3,000 installation cost estimate is for a 12,000 BTU (a unit of measurement for energy output) mini-split which is capable of handling the heating and cooling needs of a standard-sized family home.
The quality of the mini-split.
As with any home appliance, there are many mini-split models with varying degrees of quality. The higher-end units will naturally increase the overall cost of installation. While you don’t need the most expensive mini-split to reap the benefits of ductless systems, you don’t want to go for the cheapest either. You get what you pay for!
The number of zones.
Unlike traditional systems which push air throughout a home from a central unit, ductless systems give Boston homeowners the flexibility to control the temperature in single rooms – a process known as zoned heating and cooling. The number of rooms or zones you want in your ductless system will impact the overall cost.
What’s the cost breakdown of installing a ductless system?
Now that you have a better idea of what it would cost to install a ductless heating and cooling system, let’s take a closer look at how these costs are divided. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates. The final price for your installation could be lower or slightly higher depending on the various factors we just mentioned.
| Component/Service | Cost |
| Outdoor Unit | $1,000 |
| Ceiling Mount | $700 |
| Indoor Handling Unit | $500 |
| Wall Mount | $400 |
| Installation | $300 |
| Refrigerant Lines | $5/foot |
| Total | $3,000* |
*total estimated with 20ft of refrigerant lines
How mini-splits can help you save money.
Installing a ductless system is a one-time expense. You’ll definitely save money when compared to the cost of installing a new centralized unit or extending your ductwork, but that’s not where the savings stop. Here are some other ways switching to a mini-split system can cut down on your costs.
You can take advantage MassSave benefits.
The MassSave program is an initiative put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Energy and a host of local energy providers with the goal of decreasing the state’s carbon emissions. There are several discounts and rebates put in place to encourage homeowners to adopt more sustainable practices. Through the program, you can get up to $25,000 to invest in energy-efficient upgrades including a new min-split!
Ductless systems are more energy-efficient.
One of the main selling points of ductless mini-splits is their increased energy efficiency when compared to traditional systems. The ductwork of conventional heating and cooling systems actually detracts from their efficiency as a significant amount of air escapes when being pushed through the network of ducts. With improved energy usage, you’ll see a noticeable drop in your heating and cooling bills after making the switch to mini-splits.
Looking for ductless mini-split experts in Boston? You’re in the right place! New England Ductless has been helping homeowners in the Boston area for years with their ductless needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.