Would you come home and turn on every light in every room of your home? No. However, most of us do condition rooms we’re not using. Minisplit air conditioner installation can change that by giving you more control over which areas you heat and cool, and how much.

These systems can be added to your existing AC or replace it as a whole-home solution. Whatever application you’re considering, there are many factors to consider. We’ve created this guide to help you navigate them.

Benefits of Minisplit Installation

• Zoning: A minisplit air conditioner allows you to split your indoor environment into zones. This setup gives you control on a room-by-room basis — minimizing waste while maximizing and individualizing comfort. You can set the temperature for each space based on whether it’s occupied, and when it is, you can set it to the occupants’ preferences.
• Energy Efficient: Most minisplit systems are also ductless, which makes them dramatically more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. According to Energy Star, an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the air distributed through ducts is typically lost due to leaks, holes and poor connections.
• Flexible: In addition to being them more efficient, ductless minisplits are also more flexible, as they can be used to heat and cool areas where there isn’t existing duct or room to install it.
• Quiet: Minisplit air conditioners operate so quietly that you may not even notice they’re running.

Minisplit Installation 101: Terms to Know

Ductless Minisplit

In most applications, the terms ‘ductless minisplit’ and ‘minisplit air conditioner’ are used interchangeably. A ductless minisplit is a console unit mounted on the wall (floor or ceiling mount are also available, but more expensive and not as popular). There is no ductwork, as the supply and return air flow is all within the console.

Ducted Minisplit

These are minisplit systems with ducted indoor units. They are popular with new apartment buildings, as they are sized appropriately and do not require backup electric heat strips, which require high current wiring. Occasionally, we will install these in special applications, such as rooms with high architecture requiring no visible indoor unit.

Minisplit Heat Pump

The term ‘minisplit heat pump’ is also synonymous with ‘minisplit air conditioner’ for most applications. Nearly every unit sold is a heat pump, which can cool or heat the space depending on season and settings. While technically cooling-only minisplit systems are available, they are only used for special applications, mainly for IT equipment rooms where heat is never needed or desired. Cooling-only units are slightly less expensive than heat pumps, but not to the point that it’s worth it not to have heat in most situations.

Like a conventional heat pump, a minisplit heat pump has two main components: an outdoor condensing unit and an indoor air handling unit. Unlike conventional units, minisplit systems allow more than one air handler – each with its own thermostat – to be attached to a single condenser.

Our Minisplit Installation Process

Once you have decided to move forward with minisplit installation – perhaps for a garage, extra room, s/he-shed, or other fun room – the process is not as simple as it is for a conventional air conditioner installation. The minisplit system will need:

• Power to the outdoor unit with a disconnect and appropriate breaker
• Control/power wire from the outdoor to indoor unit
• Control wire to the thermostat (or it may just use a remote control)
• Copper lineset between the two units for refrigerant
• Condensate drain line, which may also need to be pumped. While we prefer to use a simple drain from the indoor unit to outside by gravity, in some applications this is not possible, requiring water to be pumped upwards first.

Efficient will typically handle everything required for your minisplit installation in one day by sending out both an AC crew and a licensed electrician. We will leave you with a fully functioning system.

Our Minisplit Replacement Process

Replacing an existing minisplit is easier (and less expensive) than a new minisplit installation, as the electrical, refrigerant lines and condensate runs are already in place. Efficient will verify that the existing disconnect, copper lineset, electrical wiring and breaker will work for the new minisplit. The replacement system does not necessarily need to be the same brand as previous, although small differences need to be considered. The replacement will come with a new controller, as the old will typically not be compatible with the new.

Replacement is typically also a single day job; however, we plan on a half day in most cases and finish in roughly that time.

Minisplit Air Conditioner Brands

We repair, maintain and install all major brands and will help you choose the one that best fits your application and budget.

How Much Does Minisplit Installation or Replacement Cost?

For a new minisplit installation, a typical one-ton unit (up to approximately 500 square feet of normal space) will run between $4,500 and $6,000 depending on the scope of work. Larger units will run higher but will cover larger spaces. We do recommend sizing a little larger for garages due to heat from vehicles and losses through garage doors. Replacing a one-ton minisplit will run between $3,000 and $3,500.

Efficient’s pricing is all inclusive (all trades and tax), and we will provide a free quote upfront.

With proper maintenance, your investment in a minisplit air conditioner should get you 10-15 years of comfort and energy savings.

Ideal Uses for Minisplit Air Conditioners

Minisplits are the most versatile AC option because, with both ductless and ducted models available, they can be installed almost anywhere. They are ideal for heating and cooling:

• Offices
• Additions
• Garages
• Occasional rooms
• IT/equipment rooms
• Casitas
• Other small spaces
• Master Bedrooms – This is one of the most popular applications for minisplit installation. Imagine being able to sleep in a 65 degree room in the summer time while also lowering your air conditioning costs overall.

Considerations Before Choosing Minisplit Installation

While minisplit air conditioners are versatile and offer many advantages, there are some applications that will not benefit your property in the long run – such as using them to compensate for poor duct design and installation. If you have an uncomfortable room, minisplit installation may be the quickest and easiest solution. However, it should be reserved for when other options – such as restoring or replacing accessible ductwork – are not reasonably feasible.

There is no one solution that fits every property and customer, and Efficient will work with you to help decide your best option – whether that’s minisplit installation, repair or another HVAC solution. Call us at 512-501-2275 or fill out our quick contact form to get started.