Installing a ductless system costs several thousand dollars — the price is comparable to many traditional HVAC systems, but once installed, the operating costs tend to be a lot lower. Thinking about installing ductless? Want the biggest bang for your buck? Then, check out our money-saving tips.
To get started now, contact us at N.E.T.R., Inc. When we work with clients, we customize a package that works with their heating and cooling goals, but also, with their budget.
1. Hire a Professional
Hiring a pro may not sound like a money-saving tip. After all, isn’t it cheaper to take the DIY route? That’s what a lot of people think, and then, they realize that they don’t have the tools or expertise to finish the project. That can drive up the cost. Additionally, DIY installation voids a lot of warranties.
When choosing an HVAC professional, look for someone who has dedicated experience with ductless equipment. Also, make sure that they are licensed and insured — that ensures that an accident during installation doesn’t cost you money.
Finally, consider a professional who has completed dealer training with the top ductless HVAC manufacturers such as LG and Mitsubishi. Dealer training means that the pro understands the best workflows for equipment installation, and in a lot of cases, hiring someone that has completed dealer training can enhance your warranty.
2. Consider Fewer Zones
Your installer will help you determine the number of zones you need based on the size and layout of your home, but the right answer isn’t set in stone. There are a lot of different ways to design your ductless HVAC system, and by reducing the number of zones, you can also reduce the amount of equipment you need to buy.
Here’s a popular example. Imagine that you have three bedrooms on your upper level. If desired, you can put an indoor air handling unit in each of them. That gives you individual thermostat controls for each room.
But if you’re on a budget, you may prefer to put an air handling unit in the attic and then duct the air to the bedrooms. This means the bedrooms all share the same thermostat, but it also saves you money on equipment costs.
Note that we’re not advising you to reduce the number of zones in a way that compromises your comfort. We only make this recommendation in situations where you can reduce equipment costs, without reducing comfort.
3. Look Into Off-Season Installation
Every HVAC installer is different, but in many cases, you may be able to save money by setting up an off-season installation. During the heating and cooling seasons, HVAC companies are busy. They’re answering emergency calls about equipment breakdowns and installing new equipment when people are driven to upgrade by hot or cold temperatures.
During the more temperate seasons, these companies tend to have more time. To drum up extra business, some HVAC companies offer lower installation costs during the off-season.
4. Always Apply for Rebates
To reduce the cost of ductless installation, look for rebates. The options vary depending on where you live, but in Massachusetts, MassSave offers a stunning rebate program. The exact savings vary based on the equipment you purchase, and once the money is gone, the program is over for the year. At the time of writing, you can get rebates of up to $10,000 per home for a whole-home air source heat pump system.
5. Look for Tax Incentives
The Inflation Reduction Act created a tax credit worth up to 30% of the cost of ductless air source heat pumps, and you can claim up to a $3,200 credit every year. The credit also applies to other energy-saving upgrades to your existing personal residence, and it’s scheduled to last for 10 years.
To make the most of it, you may want to spread your upgrades out. For instance, get an air source heat pump this year and a heat pump water heater next year.
6. Consider Financing
Financing can go a long way to reducing your upfront out-of-pocket costs for ductless installation. With financing, you spread the cost out over time, and in many cases, you don’t even have to pay interest.
7. Work With an Installer Who Helps With Rebates and Financing
Dealing with rebates and financing on your own can be confusing, and when you’re not familiar with the options, you may miss out on opportunities. To ensure that you save every dime possible during ductless installation, you should work with an installer who can help you apply for rebates and financing.
At N.E.T.R., we have extensive experience installing ductless in all kinds of residential and commercial establishments. We have also completed dealer training with Mitsubishi and LG.
When you contact us, our comfort consultant will learn about your goals and your budget. Then, they’ll help you find the best system for both. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
