Approximate cost to have mini-split wall unit installed?

[LVDell]

I already have the outdoor unit installed. It is a 2-zone system with only one zone connected currently. I decided I want to add the second zone to the garage and have my garage climate controlled.

What I am looking to have installed is the the following:
LG model LMN125HVT

I have received a few quotes and prices are ALL OVER the map. The unit goes for $550-600 retail and the linest about $100-200 depending on length.

So, what should I (approximately) expect to pay to have this unit installed?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Cheers,
Dell

 

[rickairmedic]

Dell honestly it really depends on your local market. The honest answer is most likely if the installing company is also supplying the unit expect to pay up to double the cost of the unit itself for the unitand install or 50% markup. This will also depend on the ease of instalation . Mini Splits generaly are a fairly easy install.


Rick

 

[LVDell]

Thanks Rick. I assumed something in the $1-1.5K range but one quote I got was for $2.5K! That is downright insulting. Especially since I used them to install the main system just 6 months ago.

 

[Jackfre]

Considering that they have to reclaim all the refrigerant, purge the entire system with nitrogen and re-charge, as well as running the line set,etc, perhaps it isn't so bad. This is one of those cases where it is best to do it all at once. I do think you are better having the same company do the install as you have some consistency and accountability with the equipment. Try to negotiate with them and see where it goes. Don't wait until the seasons change and the contractor gets busy. Do you have a local voc tech?

 

[rickairmedic]

Dell $2500.00 does seem pretty high for what you are wanting to do . Yes I agree having to recover the refrigerant and vacuum the system and install new refrigerant will add slightly to the cost but Honestly 410A which is what all these systems runs on isnt that expensive . Mini splits also dont hold a large amount of refrigerant in the first place .Lets say the equipment worst case is $800.00 plus tax that would be $850.00 in my area roughly . I would say $2000.00 all together would be reasonable even with the refrigerant in mind.They may also be able to recover the old refrigerant into the condensor ( thats where it was when originaly shipped ) . Then they would only have to pull a vacuum on the system after doing the work . Then simply topp off the system with new refrigerant to make up for the aditional lineset and air handler.


Rick

 

[rickairmedic]

Dell one other option for you would be for you to do most of the actual install yourself and then let the company come in and finish it up for you which would cut down on the ( labor ) end of it .


Rick

 

[LVDell]

The part that really pisses me off is when they were here 6 months ago I asked them what it would cost if I wanted to add another unit (like I am doing now) in the foreseeable future. They quoted me just over a grand (with the assumption it would be in the future) and never said once that it would be more than double that if I waited only 6 months.

Like Rick suggested, I might just do the install myself when I can find the time and then have somebody come out to do all those things I cannot do.

How often should a unit like this be serviced anyway and what do a service entail?

Thanks again everybody! Y'all have been very helpful.

 

[rickairmedic]

Dell I do once a year maintenance for most of my regular customers . The main things to do on a mini split are pretty much the same as on a central electric system. Cleaning the coils is the most important thing needing to be done as well as checking the charge on the system . Most units today have sealed bearing motors so much less to do than there used to be.

Rick

 

[LVDell]

Thanks Rick. Much appreciated.