Homeowners always ask us, “How much does it cost to install an up-to-date ductless mini-split A/C?” In general, the cost ranges from $2,750 to $5,000+, with the average being $2,200. Four factors determine the price: the number of indoor units, the size of the system, its energy efficiency rating, and the heating and air conditioning company you hire. True to its name, the mini split is split into two main components: outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. However, unlike a central A/C system, a mini-split unit can have many indoor units. Each indoor component creates its own “zone” of comfort, allowing you to cool individual rooms with separate remote controls. The more indoor units you want, the higher the final cost. “Size” refers to the mini-split cooling capacity, measured in tons or BTUs. The larger the mini-split, the more it costs, so proper sizing is crucial. Oversized or improperly situated air handlers can result in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not supply common temperature or humidity control. It is more costly to buy as well as operate an immense HVAC system. Too small a unit won’t supply enough cooling, and too big of a system wastes energy, but there’s no need to figure out what size you need. Find the right size by contacting a heating and air conditioning company that offers mini-split systems, yet labor costs vary from company to company, making them hard to predict. Heating and air conditioning companies officially charge hourly or flat rates, and hourly pricing will be given before any work is done. But the actual price won’t be known until the replacement is complete. After the installer determines the system’s size, the number of indoor units, as well as your desired energy efficiency, they will supply you with an actual price. This means that you can get the price upfront and then choose to get a price elsewhere if you want.