The typical mini split cost for a ductless heat pump is about $2,500 to $6,000 installed for one zone, meaning one indoor head in one room. Each additional zone adds roughly $1,500 to $2,500. Whole-house systems with three to five zones typically cost $6,500 to $15,000.
Mini split cost by number of zones
| Zones | Typical use | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedroom, addition, garage, sunroom | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| 2 | Two bedrooms or an open-plan floor | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| 3 | Small house or apartment | $6,500 – $11,000 |
| 5 | Most of a house | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| 8 | Large house, room-by-room control | $18,000 – $20,000+ |
Mini split cost by size
| Capacity | Area it serves | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 BTU (0.5 ton) | up to about 250 sq ft | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| 12,000 BTU (1 ton) | about 450–550 sq ft | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| 24,000 BTU (2 tons) | about 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| 36,000 BTU (3 tons) | about 1,500–2,000 sq ft | $8,000 – $11,000 |
| 48,000 BTU (4 tons) | about 2,000–2,500 sq ft | $12,000 – $15,000 |
Find the right capacity for each room with the BTU calculator.
What drives the price
- Line set length: each indoor head connects to the outdoor unit with refrigerant lines. Long runs and runs through finished walls cost more.
- Indoor unit style: wall-mounted heads are the cheapest. Ceiling cassettes and concealed ducted units cost more but are less visible.
- Cold-climate models: units rated to heat at −13°F or lower cost 15–25% more.
- Electrical: a new 240V circuit usually runs $300 to $800.
Mini split vs central air
| Ductless mini split | Central air / ducted heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs ductwork | No | Yes |
| Cost, whole house | $6,500 – $20,000 | $5,000 – $10,500 (AC) or $10,000 – $25,000 (heat pump), plus ducts if missing |
| Efficiency | Very high, often 20+ SEER2, no duct losses | Lower; ducts in attics can lose 20–30% of the energy |
| Room-by-room control | Yes, each head has its own setpoint | One thermostat per system unless zoned |
| Looks | Visible indoor units on walls | Hidden, only vents show |
| Air filtration | Basic washable filters | Can use high-MERV media filters |
Which should you choose?
- No ducts: mini split. Adding ductwork to an older house often costs $10,000 or more before you buy any equipment.
- One problem room or an addition: a single-zone mini split is cheaper than extending ducts.
- Good ducts already in place: a ducted heat pump or central air is usually cheaper for the whole house.
- Replacing baseboard heat: a mini split can cut heating costs by more than half. Check with the heat pump savings calculator.
Can I install a mini split myself?
DIY kits with pre-charged line sets exist, but most manufacturers only honor the warranty if a licensed technician installs the system, and connecting refrigerant lines requires EPA certification. A poor vacuum or a small leak can ruin the compressor. For most people, professional installation is worth it.
Related: heat pump installation cost, AC replacement cost.