Ductless mini-split installations in Pittsburgh range from $4,000 to $8,000+, with an average cost somewhere around $6,000.
We’re willing to guess that your first question is probably something like: “Where is my installation going to fall in this range?” The only way to know exactly how much your mini-split installation will cost is to have a professional assess your home and cooling needs.
That being said, there are a few key factors that will influence the cost to install a ductless mini-split, including:
- Size
- Number of indoor units
- Efficiency level
- Labor cost
Below, we’ll walk through these cost factors to help you develop a rough estimate of the cost to install a ductless mini-split in your Pittsburgh home.
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Cost factor #1: Size
The size of a ductless mini-split system is measured by its BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which measures the amount of heat a system can remove from your home in an hour. Ductless mini-split systems usually range from 9,000 to 48,000 BTUs.
The bigger the system (the higher the BTU output), the more expensive the system is.
Note: The size of your mini-split is not a cost factor that you have control over. Why? Because the system size you need is determined by a variety of factors that are specific to the room you want cooled, called a load calculation.
Load Calculation:
A load calculation is an assessment performed by a professional that takes into account factors like:
- The number of windows and doors in the room
- The climate of the area
- The square footage of the room
- Whether or not the room gets direct sunlight
- The quality of insulation
- The ceiling height
- The number of people who live in that room
- The type of flooring
- Etc.
A load calculation is the only way to find the right size system for your home. If the technician you hire skips the calculation and installs the wrong size AC, you’ll run into issues like:
- Increased energy bills
- Shortened AC lifespan
- Uneven cooling
- Increased humidity
If a contractor won’t perform a load calculation before installing your system (or wants to base AC size on square footage alone), we would recommend finding a new contractor. Ensuring you’re installing the right size AC system will save you time and money in the long run.
Cost factor #2: Number of indoor units
For a ductless mini-split system, you’ll need to install an indoor unit in every room you want cooled.
The more indoor units you need, the more expensive your installation will be.
For example, let’s say you only need 2 rooms cooled. You’ll only need 2 indoor units. But, if you want your entire home cooled, you’ll need to install an indoor unit in every room of your home, greatly increasing the cost of installation.
Note: You can install 8 indoor units per 1 outdoor unit. If you have more than 8 rooms you want cooled, you’ll need to install more than 1 outdoor unit.
Cost factor #3: Efficiency level
The efficiency level of your ductless mini-split is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
The more efficient your system is, the higher the SEER will be. The higher the SEER, the more expensive the system will be upfront.
Although higher-efficiency systems are more expensive upfront, they usually result in lower monthly utility bills, which can save you money in the long run.
Cost factor #4: Labor cost
When it comes to labor costs, you usually get what you pay for. The same is true of a ductless mini-split install. If you pay for a more qualified technician, they will likely cost more than an unqualified tech. That being said, just because a technician charges more, doesn’t mean they are more qualified.
To find a quality tech, you should look for:
- Proof of license and insurance
- Great reviews on sites like Google or Yelp
- Verification that they will provide a written estimate before any work begins
Ready to install your ductless mini-split system? Hire Pittsburgh’s best techs
If you’re ready to move forward with your ductless mini-split installation, we’re here to help. Our AC install team can have your new system up and running that same day (or the following day at the latest). If you choose us to install your ductless mini-split system, we’ll also throw in a free touchscreen thermostat.
