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Ductless heating and cooling systems are becoming more and more popular. That is because they are easy to install and involve lower costs compared to other cooling solutions. One major consideration for homeowners considering to install a ductless system is the cost. The cost of the system plays a big part in the decision to install the system.

Ductless air conditioners, or mini-splits, can help you cut your annual cooling costs by half. They are also particularly suitable for older homes that have no ductwork or homes with additional rooms built into them.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Ductless Systems

The cost of a ductless air conditioning system is not a one-size-fits-all cost. Rather, it depends on several factors that differ for each homeowner. We discuss these factors in the following sections.

1. The Number of Rooms

Different homes have different needs due to the size and number of rooms. Each room that you need to cool requires an indoor unit. Thus, the more rooms, the more indoor units you would need to install. Therefore, the cost of installing a ductless system would increase with each room that needs cooling.

When installing the ductless system, you will need indoor units as well as outdoor units, either in a multi-zone or single-zone system. If you opt for a single-zone system, you will need to install an outdoor unit for each indoor unit. That means that each room that needs cooling would have both an indoor and outdoor unit.

If, on the other hand, you opt for a multi-zone mini-split system, then you will need to install an outdoor compressor that handles at least two indoor units. An outdoor unit or compressor can normally serve up to eight indoor units.

The multi-zone mini-split and single-zone split systems have advantages and disadvantages. For the multi-zone system, you will need fewer outdoor units while also enjoying a better exterior home appearance. On the other hand, the single-zone system is less costly as it is easier to install.

On average, a single-zone mini-split costs between $5,000 and $7,000. A four-zone mini-split would cost between $7,000 and $10,000 on average.

If you are unsure how many indoor or outdoor units you need for your home, contact a professional to give you expert advice. Sun City Mechanical LLC has a team of professional technicians that can help you evaluate your home needs and determine the right solution for your ductless system. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch services to homeowners in Sun City, AZ and surrounding areas.

2. The Size of the System

The size of the ductless air conditioning system does not mean its physical size. Rather, it means the amount of heat it can remove from a room per hour. The measurement used is British Thermal Units (BTU). A system with a higher BTU output would be considered bigger. The cost of such a system would also be higher.

When evaluating the size of the mini-split system you want to install, a major consideration is the number of rooms it would serve. The system should be large enough to cover all the rooms as per your needs. Consulting a qualified technician is crucial in determining what to go for, as they would take into consideration your home’s specific and unique needs.

Some of the key considerations a professional would consider when evaluating the size of system you need for your home include the insulation in your home, the climate of the area where you live, the number of doors or windows in each room, the number of people living in your home, and the number of rooms that need cooler air.

Ordinarily, a 400- to 600-square-foot room would require a 12,000 BTU mini-split. A 600- to 1,000-square-foot room would require an 18,000 BTU mini-split, while a 1,000- to 1,300-square-foot room would need a 24,000 BTU mini-split.

You do not want to install the wrong size of ductless system for your home as it would cause you problems. A system that is too small would struggle to cool your rooms, while a system that is too big would result in wastage of energy, leading to high power bills. Thus, the input of qualified technicians is very important. At Sun City Mechanical LLC, we have a team of certified technicians ready to assist you at all times.

3. Efficiency of the System

The measure of a ductless system’s efficiency is in terms of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The SEER rating is the ratio of the system’s cooling output to its energy consumption. A ductless unit with a higher energy efficiency usually has a high initial cost. However, in the long-term, it has a lower cost. That is because its efficiency allows you to save on energy costs. Your monthly power bills would be lower compared to a low energy-efficient system.

4. Your Contractor

The final factor that influences the cost of a ductless system is the contractor you choose to install the system. Different contractors have different costs, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Typically, it would cost you more to engage a highly experienced and skilled contractor. However, such a contractor is likely to provide quality services that would result in savings in the long term.

The installation of a ductless system is technical and requires expertise. It may require upgrading your home’s electrical capacity and cutting spaces for the refrigerant lining to run through. You may also need to remove the existing cooling and heating system. That may require a good understanding of such systems to avoid damage to your home. Thus, a more experienced and skilled technician is likely to offer greater value since they are able to perform all the required tasks to ensure proper installation.

In your consideration of the contractor, you need to check whether they are licensed and insured. You also need to confirm their experience in the installation of mini-splits. They should also be able to provide written cost estimates for the installation of the ductless system. Lastly, you need to try and look for testimonials from their previous clients.

The choice of the contractor has a direct effect on cost. The contractor will charge for labor, which would influence the initial costs of the system. The contractor’s experience and skills may indirectly affect the cost as a poorly installed system may develop issues in the future, requiring repair and maintenance.

Your Trusted Mni-Split Professionals

Sun City Mechanical LLC is proud to offer trusted ductless mini-split systems to the people of Sun City and surrounding areas. Our core values are integrity, innovation, satisfaction, development, and unity.

We have a team of certified technicians that will help you install or repair your ductless system at a cost that fits your budget. We provide emergency HVAC repairs 24/7, a full line of plumbing services, and indoor air quality solutions. We also offer financing on approved credit, and our prices are always honest, fair, and competitive.

Contact Sun City Mechanical LLC today for all your cooling and heating needs.