Mini-Split Installation Cost in central virginia
The cost of a ductless mini-split installation in Charlottesville, VA starts at around $6,500 for a single-zone system and goes up from there depending on your specific needs. A 3-zone system could cost $15,000 to $20,000 before rebates and tax credits. Federal tax credits of up to $2,000 are available on qualifying equipment.
Most homeowners start with a single or 2-zone system and they wind up coming back to us for one or two more zones after they’ve had some time to experience the comfort and low operating cost of a ductless heat pump system.
buyer beware
If you’re reading this article, and you are truly interested in buying a ductless mini split heat pump for your central Virginia home, you have probably seen that you can purchase a system directly from an online seller for anywhere from $600 to $1,600 for a single-zone system. The thought is, you can either install it yourself if you’re handy, or hire someone to do it for you more affordably than using an authorized contractor.
I get it. I’m frugal too. And I know we’re biased. If you are an experienced HVAC person or plumber, you might be able to DIY your installation. But we get calls weekly from homeowners who made this choice and they want us to fix it for them. And it’s often impossible because of the equipment they purchased or the way it was installed.
We install Carrier so we can give you a 12-year warranty on all major components of the system. You’re not getting that from an online seller. Our installers are factory trained and certified on the equipment they will be installing in your home. This is how we know we can stand by that warranty.
The Components of a Ductless mini split system
As I mentioned, a basic, single-zone ductless min-split system is made up of one indoor air handler, one outdoor condenser and the line sets that connect them.
Indoor air handler
OUTDOOR CONDENSER
LINE SETS
The cost of a single-zone system like this is driven by the size of the indoor heat pump, the size of the outdoor condenser and the length of the line set between them. Each of these components are selected based on the area you want to condition. A large family room with a cathedral ceiling will require a larger system than a typical bedroom or sunroom. We’ve seen single-zone system cost as little as $6,000 and as much as $7,500 depending on these factors.
The cost of a multi-zone ductless system in Charlottesville
The cost of a multi-zone ductless system here in the Charlottesville area can range from $12,000 to $50,000 or even more, depending on the number of zones you need to condition. I have seen as many as fourteen zones in an Airbnb. Even the tiny bedroom under the steps had an indoor air handler.
The cost correlates directly to the number of zones you want to condition, the sizes of each zone and the distances between the outdoor condenser and each of the indoor air handlers.
Makes sense, right? A five-zone system will cost more than a three-zone system, and some five-zone system cost more or less than others. Again, depending on your specific needs.
Why carrier ductless mini-splits?
We know you have alternatives when it comes to selecting the brand of mini-split system for your home, and while we have worked with other brands, we have found Carrier’s technical support, local distribution, and the availability of parts to be the best. Especially since 2020 when so many people were working from home and upgrading the comfort systems in their home offices.
You can find cheaper options, but Carrier ductless gives you and us the best of all worlds; reliable, high-performance equipment, an excellent warranty on parts, and a name we know and trust.
Ductless is a whole home solution
Ductless mini-split systems have evolved from a system to solve a problem room to a whole-home solution for many families. And for a bunch of different reasons.
– Your home was built without AC or ducts
– You want to reduce your energy bills
– Your family requires different temperatures in different spaces
– You no longer use every room every day
– You’ve made expansions or additions that have no ductwork
Multi-zone systems offer you the greatest potential energy savings in addition to the impeccable comfort they provide. Since each indoor unit operates independently, you have the flexibility of tailoring the temperature in each zone and turning off the zones that are not in use.
Why work with The Otter guys?
The Otter Guys have been a locally-owned and family-operated business since 1960. We have a vested interest in the community and treat you the same way we expect to be treated. We take all your service needs to heart, and it’s been that way since we began serving the Charlottesville, Albemarle County Area over 60 years ago!
We are also licensed to provide plumbing services, so we can make sure you’re comfortable and help you conserve water and keep your drains cleared.
