Is $26K out of line for whole house ductless minisplit AC?

We had 2 floors done – one condenser/4 air handlers (12, 12, 9 and 9) in 2012 with Mitsubishi, for about $13K, and then the remaining 2 floors – condenser on roof/4 handlers (9,9,9,12) just done about month ago for $16K incl. electric. Hid as many of the ducts as possible which meant going through brick, the ceilings, drywall, through the old coal chimneys down 4 flights to cellar, cutting open the roof, etc — in short, a pretty big job. So – if our complicated project was $29K for 4 floors/8 zones, seems your $26K quote for 3 floors/7 zones may be a TAD bit high, but not crazy.
BTW, we LOVE our ACs. So quiet and efficient. Good luck!

empathie00

in Heating and Cooling 7 years and 11 months ago

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fhtudor | 12 years and 1 month ago

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We’re working through the NYSERDA rebate and finance program to update mechanicals in our home and got a quote for $26K to do our whole house with Mitsubishi Mr Slim ductless AC (the system will also have supplemental heat pumps, though we are keeping our steam boiler in place for primary heating). The house is three stories, detached frame with easy access all around for set lines, drain, etc., with about 2200 sf of living space. The main floor will be run off a 24K BTU compressor and three air handlers (6, 6 and 9K btu) for the kitchen, LR, and DR. The second and third floors will run off a quad zone compressor and four air handlers  for the bedrooms. (9, 9, 9, and 12 btu) Bringing in increased electrical service is not included in the price. At first blush it seems high, when I’ve seen quad zone compressors online (Fujitsu, which I know are a bit cheaper than Mitsubishi) with four airhandlers included in the $4500-5500 range.  $16K for an install seems pretty steep, when I thought one of the main virtues of the ductless systems was a faster installation with less labor. Thanks.

brucef | 12 years and 1 month ago

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26K does not surprise me, in fact I could not imagine doing it for less. There is substantial complexity in multiple evaporators. Each requires a line set (power plus copper refrigerant lines). In addition provision has to be made from each location for a gravity drain of condensate. I have installed one 24K single in an open floor plan parlor floor that adequately cooled the entire floor. This may not work in your layout, but that simplification -namely single high SEER mini with one line set, one exterior drain can knock quite a bit off the budget. For what you describe, 26K sounds fair. Could it be specced more intelligently, I just don’t know.

brucef | 12 years and 1 month ago

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FYI, I wouldn’t consider Fujitsu any cheaper, in fact they often are the “high price spread”.

curated | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Price actually sounds very reasonable

brucef | 12 years and 1 month ago

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You definitely are at the threshold of a conventional “dumb” system being simpler and cheaper. I can understand that you might not be able to live with ducts, so you are stuck with Unico or ductless, but once you are doing this many rooms, you are mistaken about faster and cheaper.

eme1million | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Mini-split installation is a price-gouging racket.  I’ve installed them myself for pennies and if you can do basic electric and plumbing work, there is not much to it as long everything is accessible and you can follow instructions and the code (they need their own dedicated 220 line with an outdoor shut off and in indoor shut off. Its unfortunate that when using licensed tradespeople in NYC for split units you really get raked.  I think part of the problem is that minisplits are still somewhat new in our area and so there is some mystery to them and we get taken advantage of.   A competent handyman should have little difficulty installing a split unit. He will though need access to a pump to charge it, and of course all warranties will be voided. But, these units are pretty much bullet proof and by saving 10-15000 on an install you can just swap it out down the road should it fail prematurely.

citigyz | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I had similar done for about 12K. You would be overpaying.

brucef | 12 years and 1 month ago

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The misinformed have taken over the planet.

snarkolepctic | 12 years and 1 month ago

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We had 2 floors done for $12k. $26k sounds really high.

stella2009 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I believe 26K is high. Suggest you get a quote from Don Emanuel, Power Air …. They did a fanstastic job for us amost 2 years ago: Daikin (the most expensive of all those mentioned) 4 zones, mini-splits…very complex situation to start with, and it was a great experience and the most competitive quote. Tell him Anna from St. Johns Pl. recommended them.

mazgan | 10 years and 4 months ago

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let me focus on this part of the question: “I thought one of the main virtues of the ductless systems was a faster installation with less labor”. That is not entirely true for the following reasons: If the house is not being renovated, and the walls are closed, and you don’t want dust and broken walls, Ductless mini Splits are the way to go. However, its a lot of work to flare the ends and make sure there are no leaks. Run the copper and condensation lines neatly and with kinking them. It takes about a day to install one unit and sometimes more. We go through brick walls, plaster walls, roofs and floors to run the piping. The condensation pipes need to be pitched properly and sometimes even need a pump to properly install the unit. Running ductwork requests two people, which is no different than installing a ductless split. Lastly check out the companies reviews online. We at Mazgan Air Conditioning and Heat Repair do this type of work all the time and we are highly rated. Mazgan Air Conditioning and Heating Repair thank you, Mark, manager

lindatuzz | 7 years and 11 months ago

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I think it is reasonable and affordable price. You can decide according to your budget but I think this is the cheapest price for ductless mini split AC.

katdov | 7 years and 11 months ago

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I had 4-zone Fujitusu mini-splits installed in BK last year (albeit with badly insulated refrigerant lines, as it later emerged) for less than half of your quote. Am also having 4-zone Mitsubishis installed on Long Island next month, and was quoted between $9.5k and $14.5k for the same exact equipment. Seems like labor is priced entirely arbitrarily, but generally mom & pop operations charge less than bigger companies.