The cost of ductless heating and cooling installation can be a deterrent for many people considering switching to heat pump technology.
Ductless heat pumps offer superior comfort and energy efficiency compared to other HVAC systems.
While this technology is lacking in the United States, the overwhelming majority of the population in Europe and Japan uses ductless HVAC systems at home and work.
In time, it’s likely that the U.S. will eventually follow suit. Home and business owners can enjoy the efficiency, comfort, and cost savings of a ductless system now by investing in a new installation.
Here’s how to estimate the cost of ductless heating and cooling in your home or office.
Benefits of Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat and air conditioning comes with many benefits that should be considered along with its cost.
Central heating and air conditioning systems typically lose between 20% and 30% of their heat as warm air is pushed through the ducts.
This results in higher energy bills every month, especially on very cold or hot days when the system has to work extra hard to compensate for that lost energy.
Ductless heat pumps are also more efficient than oil heat and produce cleaner heat than wood or pellet stoves.
Replacing your central heat and air with a ductless HVAC system can drastically reduce the amount of energy you use, meaning it will eventually pay for itself over time in cost savings.
Other benefits of ductless heat pumps include but are not limited to:
- Fewer hot and cold spots
- Improved air quality
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Whisper quiet operation
- Easier to keep clean
- Smart thermostat control
Determining the Cost of Ductless Heating and Cooling
There are several factors that come into play when determining the cost of ductless heating and cooling:
- How large the unit needs to be
- The size and layout of your space
- The brand and model of the ductless unit
- How many zones you want to have
The simplest configuration for a ductless HVAC system is one indoor air handler, one outdoor condenser, and refrigerant lines to connect them.
This setup generally costs between $4,000 and $6,500 and is perfect for adding heating or air conditioning to a single room or to supplement central heat and air, oil heat, etc.
There are often incentives and rebates available for switching to ductless that can help lower this cost.
Zoned Heat and Air Conditioning
Some home and business owners in New York need a larger ductless HVAC system with more than one indoor air handler.
A “zone” is an area in your house or office building with independent temperature control. Each zone can be turned on and off or set to its own temperature without affecting the other zones in the space.
How many zones are needed and how many indoor units and outdoor compressors you need is determined by the size and layout of your home, among many other considerations.
A multi-zone ductless heating and cooling system with one outdoor condenser and two indoor units that will give you two zones can cost between $8,500 and $12,000.
As many as 5 indoor units can be hooked up to one outdoor condenser and these can even be added to the system later.
A large house or office space needing 5 to 8 individual temperature zones could cost between $20,000 and $40,000 depending on the project’s complexity.
Compared to other heating and cooling methods, the startup cost of a ductless system tends to be significantly higher.
However, investing in the cost of ductless heating and cooling typically pays for itself in energy savings over time. Your electric and natural gas bills are likely to be much lower, and your system will last much longer than it takes to pay it off.
Is Ductless Heating and Cooling Worth the Money?
The upfront cost of ductless heating and cooling can be intimidating at first. However, it’s important to consider the many benefits of ductless HVAC systems and the value they offer for the money.
Ductless heat pumps aren’t as expensive to maintain as central heating and air conditioning. Coupled with their excellent energy efficiency, this makes the ongoing cost of ductless heating and cooling even less expensive.
You should also factor in any applicable rebates or purchase incentives offered by ductless HVAC equipment manufacturers. This can help cut down the upfront cost of switching to ductless heating and cooling.
In many cases, home and business owners qualify for 0% payment plans, which can make the cost of ductless heating and cooling affordable.
Contact Jones Services for a Quote Today
An investment in ductless heat and air now can benefit you for years to come in many different ways, from better quality air to significantly lower operating costs.
At Jones Services, our NATE-Certified service professionals are dedicated to providing 5-star service to customers. We can answer your questions about ductless HVAC and help you get a quote for ductless installation in your home or office.
Call us now by dialing (845) 286-9603. Our technicians are standing by to assist you.