How much does a mini-split cost in 2025?

Ductless mini-split heat pumps make it easy to tailor heating and cooling to your home—no ductwork required. However, that flexibility also means it's tough to pin down a "normal" price for an installation.

In 2025, EnergySage Marketplace quotes showed that ductless mini-splits averaged $19,556 after state and local incentives. Prices range from budget-friendly single-zone setups to large, multi-zone systems costing tens of thousands of dollars, with an average cost of $4,944 per ton.

Let’s take a closer look at what drives the wide range in mini-split pricing, and what you can expect to pay for your own system.

Number of zones: The main driver of mini-split installation costs 

Arguably, the biggest factor affecting the cost of your mini-split system is the number of “heads,” or indoor units, you need. These are the small air handlers that distribute the heating and cooling around your home.

Not all heat pump contractors break down their bills by the number of heads, so data is limited. Generally, expect to pay a few thousand dollars per zone, up to around $8,000. Labor drives most of this cost, since each indoor head must be carefully connected to the outdoor unit—a process that takes time and attention to detail.

Brand: Bigger names have bigger costs

The brand you choose can make a noticeable difference in price. Bigger, well-known names often come with higher costs, while lesser-known brands can be more budget-friendly. 

Source: GotDuctless.com, October 2025

Head styles: Wall vs. ceiling vs. floor

When most people think of a mini-split, they likely envision rectangular boxes mounted high on a wall—that’s by far the most popular style of ductless indoor unit on the EnergySage Marketplace (and likely everywhere else, too).

That said, mini-splits also come in ceiling- or floor-mounted units, which can be a better fit for certain layouts. These alternative styles generally cost more than standard wall heads.

Here’s how the prices compare across the Mitsubishi lineup:

Source: GotDuctless.com, October 2025

Head sizes: More capacity costs a little extra

It’s no surprise that larger indoor units come with a higher price tag—after all, bigger rooms need bigger heads. However, the price difference isn’t huge. For example, in the Mitsubishi wall-mounted lineup, the largest and smallest units differ by less than $600, and the cost per Btu actually decreases as unit size increases.

Outdoor units: It matters a little bit

Again, it makes sense that you'll pay more for higher-capacity outdoor units with more ports for multi-zone systems, but it's a smaller factor than the total number of indoor units.

Source: GotDuctless.com, October 2025

Your home’s infrastructure

If you’re retrofitting a heat pump, you may need to update parts of your home’s infrastructure to ensure your mini-split system runs efficiently. Common upgrades include:

• Electrical panel upgrades: Homes with a 100-amp breaker box may need an upgrade to fully support a heat pump and other electric appliances.

• Insulation and air sealing: While not strictly required, improving insulation and sealing drafts can help your heat pump work more efficiently and make your home more comfortable.

• Removing old equipment or capping the gas line: Many contractors include the removal of old HVAC equipment in the installation cost. However, hauling away additional equipment—like an old boiler, oil tank, or radiators—or disconnecting the gas line may add extra costs.

State and local programs often offer rebates that can significantly reduce the cost of installing mini-splits. These incentives vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local utility or state energy office for the most up-to-date information on programs. 

Federal tax credits expire after December 31, 2025

On top of local rebates, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) can reduce your out-of-pocket costs by 30% on eligible equipment and installation—up to $2,000 for air-source heat pumps like mini-splits. However, this credit is set to expire earlier than initially planned—it’s only available for systems installed through December 31, 2025, and installer capacity is filling up fast.

If the cost of a ductless heat pump system seems high, remember that you’re not just buying a heating and cooling unit—you’re also covering the infrastructure needed to deliver that comfort, whether that’s ductwork, radiators, or something else. It might be helpful to think of the project more as a renovation rather than a new appliance.

Installing all-new ductwork can range from $2,000 for a small, new-construction home to more than $10,000 for a full-home retrofit. Based on EnergySage data, a typical ducted heat pump system costs $15,326 after state and local incentives. Add in the cost of ductwork, and a ducted setup can end up costing about the same—or even more—than a standard ductless system, which averages $19,556.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some homeowners prefer traditional ducts over visible indoor heads, and others may have layout constraints that make ductwork more practical.

Mini-splits are usually a smart investment—especially if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork or you want precise, zone-by-zone control of your heating and cooling. While the upfront cost may seem high, ductless systems offer several advantages that can help offset the price over time.

They’re highly efficient, which typically means lower electric bills compared to traditional systems. Plus, they allow you to heat or cool only the rooms you use, avoiding wasted energy in empty spaces. When you compare the total cost of a ductless system to installing both a ducted heat pump and new ductwork, the investment often ends up being similar.

Still, mini-splits aren’t ideal for every home. If your ductwork is already in good condition, a ducted heat pump may be a more cost-effective option. The best way to determine what works for you is to obtain quotes from local installers who can assess your home and recommend the most suitable system for your needs.