Updated: February 2025
In the Greater Boston area, a fully-installed, single-zone ductless mini-split starts at about $7,000. A multi-zone system consisting of two indoor evaporator units can run as low as $12,000, while a 5 to 6-zone system starts at about $32,000. From there, the cost can go up depending on a number of factors.
Buyer Beware
You may have found websites that offer rock-bottom prices for a new ductless mini split, including professional installation. Beware—chances are, you’ll be getting the cheapest, least efficient unit on the market. You should also be suspicious of contractors who charge too little for labor, since this often means they are unlicensed or inexperienced.
Instead, look for a qualified contractor like N.E.T.R., Inc. that provides a transparent pricing structure and delivers maximum value for your money.
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The Growth of Ductless Technology in America
Ductless mini-split technology has been around for more than 50 years, but has only been available to New England homeowners for about thirty years. In Japan, ductless accounts for 90% of all HVAC systems sold, and more than 80% in Europe.
However, the lack of familiarity with ductless technology and spotty access to educational information about it has slowed the growth of ductless acceptance in the United States. That said, the efficiency of these systems has caused major utility companies, government agencies, and homeowners to start taking notice.
In Massachusetts, financial incentives offered by Mass Save have made it one of the fastest growing solutions for residential heating and air conditioning replacements.
The Cost of Ductless vs. Other Heating and Cooling Methods
At first glance, the cost of ductless heating and air conditioning can seem steep. However, the benefits in energy efficiency will save you a lot in the long run.
For example, typical forced air systems experience duct losses equivalent to about 20% of the system’s energy consumption. Often it’s over 30%. But since a mini-split has no ducts, you don’t waste energy through leaky ductwork.
Plus, a multi-zone configuration comes with an additional energy saving benefit. You can control the temperature independently in every room where an air handler is installed, so if you’re not using a room, you won’t have to keep it heated and cooled along with the rest of the house.
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How the Cost of a Mini-Split is Calculated
The price of a ductless system is determined by four primary factors:
- The size of the unit
- The type of unit
- The number of areas (or zones) being conditioned
- The degree of difficulty of the installation
Unit Costs
A ductless system, on its most basic level, consists of at least one indoor air handler, at least one outdoor condenser, and line sets to connect everything.
Some New England homeowners need only one ductless unit, while other applications are better served by 3, 4 or 5 units. It all depends on the layout of the home and what works best for you.
We can run as many as five indoor units with a single outdoor condenser. We can also come back to add more indoor units at a later date if you later decide to expand.
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Labor and Installation Costs
Labor and installation costs for ductless systems can vary quite a bit depending on the complexity of the installation. In general, the more complex the setup, the more you can expect to pay. For instance, if the installation requires special modifications, like working around structural obstacles or running wiring through difficult-to-reach areas, your labor costs will likely be higher.
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Ongoing Costs of Ductless HVAC
Operating and maintaining a ductless system is usually cheaper compared to traditional HVAC systems. Since ductless systems use inverter technology, they can adjust their output to match demand and reduce energy waste.
Plus, maintenance is easy and generally only requires annual servicing to clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and ensure proper airflow. While some systems may need occasional repairs, the absence of a fuel source and lack of ductwork reduces the likelihood of expensive issues.
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Interested in Ductless? Call N.E.T.R., Inc.
If you’re interested in ductless for your home or business, call N.E.T.R., Inc. at 781-933-6387, or click the button below to learn more and schedule an appointment.
