How much to install mini split?
Installing a mini-split is a big decision. You have to make a lot of decisions to select the right one for you and your home. That’s why taking a little time to understand the factors that affect the cost of installing a mini-split can save you from a shock later.
Let’s get started to help you make smart decisions and enjoy a comfortable living without any financial burden.
What is a mini-split?
Mini-split systems heat and cool a house without the ductwork needed for a traditional HVAC system. They still use an outdoor compressor and condenser, but they feed each indoor air-handling unit with a simple conduit that operates like a heat pump.
The indoor evaporating unit is installed in each room where homeowners want individualized temperature control. It’s typically mounted to a wall or ceiling and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Any room with this air-handling unit will have its own thermostat to control heating and cooling.
How much to install a mini split in 2025?
Including both equipment and labor costs, the total mini-split installation price, on average, ranges from $2,500 to $12,000 in 2025. The cost depends on a number of factors which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Factors that affect the cost of installing a mini-split?
1. Zones
A “zone” refers to the number of indoor units that will be used to disperse cool or warm hair throughout the home or business. The rule of thumb is that it costs about $4,000 to $6,000 per zone. Here are some other nuances:
A single-zone mini-split system typically provides 6,000–18,000 BTU, suitable for small spaces ranging from 150 to 1,000 sq. ft. Installation costs range from $2,500 to $4,500.
A dual-zone mini-split system offers 12,000–24,000 BTU, ideal for cooling a combined area of 800 to 1,600 sq. ft. The average installation cost is between $4,500 to $7,500.
A three-zone mini-split system provides 18,000–36,000 BTU, covering a total area of 1,200 to 2,500 sq. ft. Installation costs typically range from $6,500 to $9,500.
A four-zone mini split system delivers 24,000–42,000 BTU, suitable for spaces totaling 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft. The average installation cost is $8,000 to $12,000.
A five-zone mini split system supports 30,000–60,000 BTU, designed for multiple zones covering 2,500 to 3,500+ sq. ft. Installation costs range from $10,000 to $15,000.
Prices jump significantly for 7-zone and 8-zone setups and beyond. These projects need a lot of equipment. The labor sometimes spills over into three days’ worth of work, too, which really drives up the project costs.
2. System size/capacity
The size of a mini-split is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A 12,000 BTU system will suit an average home. But the larger the house or space to be heated or cooled, the larger the unit you’ll need, and the more expensive it will be.
Sizing a ductless mini-split is different than sizing a central HVAC system; it only requires knowing the square footage of the room where a unit will be installed. Here’s an estimate of installation cost for different mini-split capacities:
3. Brand
The brand you choose also impacts the total cost of your mini-split installation project. The most expensive brands, like Mitsubishi and Fujitsu mini-splits, cost $8,700 to $12,000 but also offer smaller units for as low as $1,200. Less expensive brands, such as Rheem or Pioneer, offer larger units as low as $4,800 to $8,100.
4. Head styles
When most people imagine a mini-split, they probably think of the rectangular boxes mounted high on a wall. That is by far the most popular and affordable style of ductless indoor unit. Other styles of heads are also available, designed to fit into a ceiling, or closer to the ground, among a few other varieties. The cost of those alternative indoor units tends to be higher than the standard high-wall heads.
Here’s an average cost overview for different head styles:
Wall mounted
Wall units, which are mounted at or above eye level against the wall and offer efficient cooling and heating for open spaces. The installation cost is between $1,200 and $4,300.
Floor-mounted
Floor-mounted mini-splits operate similarly to other mini-split systems but they’re designed to be installed at a lower level, typically along the baseboard or on a wall near the floor. The cost for this type of unit varies between $1,300 and $4,000.
Ceiling cassette
Ceiling cassettes are nearly flush with the surface of your ceiling on a roof, providing a sleek and unobtrusive design. The air is pushed through a vent in this ceiling cassette. Many people prefer this design, but ceiling cassettes are a more expensive mini-split type, costing between $2000 to $6000 for a standard size. Larger sizes will cost more.
Note
The carpentry, electrical work, or other elements of the installation can differ significantly between these types. In general, ceiling cassettes will be the most expensive. While they are the least obtrusive, they also usually require additional work to install properly.
5. Condensate drainage
In addition to installation, condensate drainage is a factor in cost, and this can be affected by the placement of the indoor unit. If an indoor unit can utilize gravity to drain its condensate to an outdoor drain, no additional equipment is needed. However, if the condensate needs to be forced out to a drain because it can’t leverage gravity, a condensate pump is required. Not only is a condensate pump an additional upfront cost, but it can be an ongoing maintenance cost as well.
6. Energy efficiency
Higher efficiency units cost more to install, but you’ll see long-term savings. Like many other types of HVAC systems, mini-splits are rated using the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the number, the more efficient a unit is, and the more it can reduce your utility bills. Higher efficiency units are recommended for larger homes or if you live in a hot climate.
7. Labor cost
Labor typically accounts for $500 to $2,000 of the total installation cost as of 2025. Factors such as running refrigerant lines through walls, mounting units, and electrical wiring can increase the cost. Multi-zone mini-split systems and installations requiring longer line sets tend to involve higher labor fees.
More complex projects require additional contractors. Aside from an HVAC company, you may need a new breaker box or wiring, which requires an electrician who may charge $50 to $100 per hour. Depending on the project, a carpenter may need to cut through a wall or perform ceiling modifications. They generally charge an average of $60 per hour.
8. Permits
Permits are often required for HVAC installations and may add $250 and $500 to the overall cost. It varies from different local regulations and whether electrical upgrades are needed to comply with building codes.
Call Mr. Good Guy for affordable mini-split installation
Choosing Mr. Good Guy Heating & Air means trusting a team with over 25 years of HVAC experience, led by Scott and Gina—people who genuinely care about your comfort and home. We bring expert, reliable installation for mini‑split systems, with technicians who treat your space with respect, show up on time, and take the time to listen to your needs.
Reach out today for your free, no-pressure estimate, and let Mr. Good Guy Heating & Air make your mini‑split upgrade smooth, affordable, and perfectly suited to you.