Cost Of A Ductless Mini Split Vs. Traditional System
If you’re considering moving from traditional central heating and air to a ductless mini split, then it’s time to talk about cost. Mini splits offer more advantages than central HVAC in just about every way. But, it does cost more upfront. And, that’s something people need to consider.
So, we’re taking a deep dive into that topic with this article. We’ll look at what you can expect to pay for different systems and what you’ll get for your money.
Ductless Mini Splits From Broadley’s
In particular, we’ll cover:
- What Does A Heater And Central Air System Cost?
- What Does A Ductless Mini Split Cost?
- Conventional Central HVAC Vs. Mini Splits
- Our Recommendation
- Heating And Cooling Installation In South Jersey
What Does A Heater And Central Air System Cost?
The least you can expect to pay for a furnace and central air system is maybe $5,000. The average is closer to $7,000, and you can go up to $15,000 for the set.
Now, it’s important to note that you want to replace both at the same time. Even if, say, the AC coil is working fine, but your furnace is shot, we recommend you replace both.
That’s the best way to make sure everything works well together. Otherwise, the mismatched parts and technology can cause problems. It’s possible to replace just one, and we can swap out a part or two to try and bridge the gap.
But, you need to have the right expectations if you were to try that.
At any rate, the two significant factors for this cost are the size of your home and the load calculation. And the quality of the system you purchase.
Home size and load calculator go hand-in-hand. It’s basically a measure of how many BTUs you need for heating and the tonnage you require for cooling.
Next, you have options as far as efficiency and features. The less energy the system uses, the better efficiency — and the higher the price.
You can also consider options like two-stage systems. That’s when the unit can operate at a low speed to maintain the temperature better than just clicking on or off.
Heating and Cooling This Ocean City Condo With Mini Splits
What Does A Ductless Mini Split Cost?
Pricing for mini splits is different from conventional setups, and it ranges from $3,500 to $20,000. We’ll explain how to get a more accurate number for your home.
First of all, you don’t have to go ductless for the entire house. Instead, you can treat just one “problem” room. Or, add more indoor units and cover more ground.
If you were to treat just one room with a one-to-one or single-zone system, expect to pay $3,500. THat’s a heat pump with one indoor air handler.
You’d then add more air handlers to treat more parts of the house (each heat pump can service up to eight air handlers). So, the price doesn’t double with each new room because you use the same heat pump.
However, you will pay more for a Hyper Heat setup. Those are the ones that can keep your home warm even when it’s negative 13 degrees F outside. Non-Hyper Heat systems are more for cooling and adding a little bit of heat in the fall and spring.
Most homes end up costing around $17,000, which includes heating and air conditioning. That’s more than the high-end conventional units.
So, why pay that much? Well, a mini split will give you plenty of benefits that forced-air systems don’t. Let’s take a look at those.
Read More: Cost Of A Ductless System In South Jersey
Conventional Central HVAC Vs. Mini Splits
Conventional forced-air systems cost less upfront. But, they use more energy than mini splits, so you’ll pay more each month on your bills.
Mini splits are the opposite: They cost a lot more to purchase and install. But, they cost a tiny fraction of what a furnace and central air require to run. In most cases, ductless pays for itself in cost savings over a few years.
Next, there are the features: With central heating and air, you can’t control the temperature in different rooms. That’s why the bedrooms upstairs, or a great room with a cathedral ceiling, never quite get warm or cool enough.
It’s because the entire system is on one thermostat, and it can’t account for all those different temperatures.
Case Study: Mitsubishi Ductless System Cools HIgh-Ceiling Bedroom In Ocean City, NJ
But, every air handler on a mini split has a built-in thermostat. So, you control the temperature in each room individually. And, you get more consistent heating and cooling.
The heat pump usually runs in low-power mode. This way, it keeps the temperature within a degree of your setting all the time. That’s different from the five degrees (or more) of a drift you get with forced air.
You can read more about mini split benefits here and here.
Our Recommendation
If you have the budget upfront, we recommend a mini split every time. Yes, you’ll pay more when you purchase. But, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. And, your home will be much more comfortable.
Of course, central heating and air still work great! And, today’s models are more efficient than ever. If ductless isn’t in your budget, we’ll help you find the system with the right features to keep you and your family comfortable all year long.
Heating And Cooling Installation In South Jersey
Which system is right for your home? That’s not always an easy decision to make. There’s your personal preference, of course. Then there’s the structure (and limitations) of your home. And, of course, your budget. Luckily, Broadley’s is here to help!
We’ve served South Jersey’s heating and cooling needs for more than a century. You can call us at (609) 525-4080 or click below for an appointment or free consultation.