How Much Does Split AC Installation Cost in 2024?
Highlights
Split AC installation ranges from $2,000 to $16,400, averaging $4,500.
Primary installation cost factors include BTUs, type, SEER rating, labor, and brand.
Single-zone systems cost $2,200 to $5,500, and multi-zone systems add $700 to $2,300 per head.
Wall-mounted indoor heads are the most budget-friendly, costing $1,200 to $4,300 each.
Concealed duct air handlers have the highest top-end cost at $7,500 per head.
Expect to pay between $2,000 and $16,400 to install a mini-split AC system. On average, split AC installation costs $4,500. The size of your home and its overall cooling load have the greatest impact on the required BTUs, zones, and overall cost.
Average Split AC Installation Cost
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $4,500 | $16,400 | $2,000 |
Split AC Installation Cost Factors
Several factors, including capacity, brand, and labor, influence the total cost of a split AC installation.
BTUs
On average, mini-split systems range from $450 to $10,000, depending on the size and layout of your home. Mini-split system sizes are measured in British thermal units (BTUs), which refers to how much energy an air conditioner uses to extract heat from indoor air over one hour. On average, each square foot of your home needs between 20 and 60 BTUs. For example, a 1,000-square-foot home needs at least 20,000 for efficient cooling.
Before installation, your local HVAC contractor assesses your home and conducts a load analysis to determine cooling demand and required split AC capacity. Square footage provides a baseline estimate for BTUs, but your home’s layout, number of levels, windows and doors, insulation, and other factors also play into the final cooling load.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Unit Size (BTUs) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 6,000 | $450–$1,600 |
| 450 | 9,000 | $600–$2,300 |
| 600 | 12,000 | $700–$3,200 |
| 900 | 18,000 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| 1,200 | 24,000 | $1,100–$5,200 |
| 1,500 | 30,000 | $1,600–$5,700 |
| 1,800 | 36,000 | $1,800–$6,000 |
| 2,100 | 42,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 2,400+ | 48,000 | $3,500–$10,000 |
SEER Rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings refer to an air conditioner’s overall energy efficiency over peak cooling season, with higher ratings corresponding to higher efficiency. The minimum SEER rating is 14 or 15, depending on the region.
Split ACs with high SEER ratings typically have more advanced technology and high-quality components, such as variable-speed compressors and smart controls. Ductless systems also gain energy advantages over conventional ductwork, which loses energy through cracks and seams. These features increase the unit’s upfront cost but translate to lower energy consumption and bills.
Brand
Prices vary between mini-split air conditioner brands. Some brands are affordable but lesser-known, while others may have wide recognition, more features, or better warranty options that result in premium prices and higher total AC unit installation costs. See common AC brands below.
| Brand | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Daikin | $1,200–$6,000 |
| Fujitsu | $1,900–$6,400 |
| LG | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Mitsubishi | $1,700–$8,650 |
| Panasonic | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Rheem | $1,150–$8,300 |
| Frigidaire | $600–$3,700 |
| Senville | $900–$1,500 |
| Samsung | $1,700–$3,600 |
Labor
Split AC installation labor costs range from $300 to $2,000 for a single-zone system. For multi-zone systems, labor increases to $700 to $3,000. Total labor costs depend on the installation’s complexity. For example, a recessed ceiling unit requires more work to install than a floor-mounted unit.
HVAC contractors generally charge about $50 to $150 per hour, and mini-split installations typically take two to eight hours. Hourly HVAC service costs depend on the contractor’s experience level, demand, and other factors.
Location
The placement of your indoor units, outdoor units, and electrical and refrigerant lines affects total costs. For example, installations with accessibility challenges, such as mountings on high walls or ceilings, may have greater labor demands. Higher floors typically have a higher cooling load than lower levels and may require more powerful units.
Permits
Depending on local building codes, regulations may require permits for mini-split installations. Expect to pay between $250 and $400 in permit fees. Budget for more if you need electrical work or structural changes to your home.
Ongoing and Add-On Costs
Several ongoing and add-on costs affect your bottom line. Consider these factors:
Electrical upgrades: Your installation may require partial rewiring or other electrical work to accommodate the AC’s electrical load, especially if your home’s electrical system is outdated.
Removal of the old system: Some contractors include removal in their estimate. Otherwise, HVAC unit and ductwork removal averages $50 to $200.
Outdoor setup: Outdoor condenser units may require certain landscaping or mounting work. Building a concrete pad or another stable base can add $100 to $300.
Maintenance: Annual maintenance covers cleaning, inspections, and minor adjustments and costs between $300 and $550.
Extra features: Advanced features like smart thermostats increase the upfront cost but offer enhanced convenience or energy efficiency.
Split AC Installation Cost by Head
Mini-split ACs divide spaces or rooms in your home into separate cooling zones. Connected to one outdoor condenser unit, each indoor head or unit serves a specific zone and has its own thermostat, allowing your household to set temperatures to specific preferences. Zoning also allows you to control rooms that don’t need as much cooling as others, such as the garage or basement, improving overall energy efficiency.
A single-zone mini AC system ranges from $2,000 to $5,500. Add approximately $700 to $2,300 per head for multi-zone systems. The total number of indoor heads and the BTU rating of each depends on your home’s assessed cooling load. Most homes operate with one outdoor unit and one or more indoor heads. Large homes may need additional outdoor units.
| Number of Zones | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,400–$5,500 |
| 2 | $3,100–$7,800 |
| 3 | $3,800–$10,100 |
| 4 | $4,500–$12,400 |
| 5 | $5,200–$14,700 |
| 6 | $5,900–$17,000 |
Split AC Installation Cost by Handler Type
Costs vary between handler types, mainly distinguished by their mounting design.
| Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted | $1,200–$4,300 |
| Floor-Mounted | $1,300–$4,000 |
| Ceiling-Mounted | $2,400–$6,400 |
| Ceiling Cassette | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Concealed Duct Air Handler | $2,900–$7,500 |
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted split ACs average $1,200 to $4,300 each. Generally installed near the ceiling for optimal airflow, wall-mounted units are the most common and budget-friendly air handler type. They’re relatively simple for HVAC technicians to install and offer efficient cooling for most homes.
Floor-Mounted
Floor-mounted units are installed on or near the floor and range from $1,300 to $4,000 per head. These units have versatile applications, adapting to spaces with sloped ceilings, tall windows, or otherwise limited wall or ceiling space.
Ceiling-Mounted
Ceiling-mounted units cost an average of $2,400 to $6,400 per head. Similar in design and appearance to wall-mounted units, ceiling-mounted handlers attach to the ceiling for a more discreet appearance and efficient airflow.
Ceiling Cassette
Ceiling cassettes range from $2,000 to $6,000 each. Recessed into the ceiling, these discreet units resemble built-in ductwork. Installing these units flush with the ceiling is more involved and costly than other options.
Concealed Duct Air Handler
Concealed duct air handlers, which range from $2,900 to $7,500 each, are one of the most costly mini-split AC options. Each head connects to rooms through concealed ductwork, maintaining the benefits of a split AC system but with the unobtrusive look of central AC. These costs don’t include ductwork installation, which costs $450 to $2,200.
Does Split AC Installation Increase Home Value?
Mini-split AC systems generally increase home value, especially for homes without an existing air conditioning system. They’re energy-efficient and outperform central ACs. Ductless split ACs can achieve up to 42 SEER, while central ACs typically max out at 26 SEER. They’re especially appealing in areas with hotter summer temperatures and higher cooling needs since they offer the biggest cost-saving potential. Using the same technology as heat pumps, many mini-splits also provide heating and can be an all-in-one HVAC solution.
Split AC systems also offer other benefits, including:
Customized zoning
Easy maintenance
Quiet operation
Budgeting for Split AC Installation
Budget for your mini-split AC installation and maximize your investment with these strategies:
Get multiple quotes from HVAC contractors to compare prices and services.
Explore rebates and incentives for energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Invest in a mini-split with a high SEER rating to increase energy savings.
Plan your installation during the off-season to avoid peak HVAC rates.
Ensure proper system sizing—undersizing or oversizing can cause system strain and waste.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mini-split ACs need professional maintenance about once yearly, although some contractors may recommend maintenance before and after the cooling season. Between professional services, change your mini-split filters at least every three months or sooner if your home has high levels of pet dander, dust, or other airborne debris or pollutants.
Mini-split ACs are versatile systems that can adapt to the needs of most homes. They’re efficient and effective in small and medium homes and can match or sometimes outperform central AC in larger homes. Some homeowners install mini-split ACs to support their existing central AC, such as in-home additions and remodeled or zoned areas.
Mini-split systems operate quietly, between 20 and 35 decibels or about the same level as a whisper. In comparison, the quietest central AC systems operate at about 50 decibels. Most central ACs run at about 60 decibels, equivalent to someone speaking to you from a meter away.
