Minisplit installation COST

[tjpavlov]

I am putting a minisplit in my basement and just want to run the prices by you guys (or gals as the case may be).

I'm looking at a Mitsubishi minisplit. You can find the model here:

http://www.ecomfort.com/Mitsubishi-MZ-FH15NA/p56555.html

The online cost is $2,129. The quote is coming in at $5,200. So $3,000 for the install, but I realize that that is not just all labor. There needs to be some sort of pad put down outside for the condensor. All electrical work is included. And they are taking care of the condensation lines, which is really a small job on this one. And I am sure that there are little things like line covers that are probably not included.

I know that I could probably buy online and have my electrician install it and save some money that way. But I value having an HVAC company do it. I want someone to call in the middle of January and this thing needs to be serviced. HVAC is way out of my comfort zone.

So what is reasonable on these things?

 

[ford fanatic]

Get another quote?

I had 3 quotes for and addition that ranged from $42K to $106K...

 

[JimVonBaden]

I'm no AC guy, but that is a LOT of install cost for a Mini-split, which is a pretty simple install. How far is the power box, and difficulty of running the wire? The rest is very simple. I am sure it could be done in half a day, plus electrical.

 

[tjpavlov]

I'm no AC guy, but that is a LOT of install cost for a Mini-split, which is a pretty simple install. How far is the power box, and difficulty of running the wire? The rest is very simple. I am sure it could be done in half a day, plus electrical.

As far as jobs go, this should be an easy one. We are under construction on finishing the basement, so everything is opened up.

I see the price of the unit online, but I just don't know if there is another $1,000 of parts that are being included that you don't get when you buy online.

 

[EdT]

That works out to either a lot of hours or an exceptionally high labor rate. I installed two mini-splits in my shop and did it the hard way with the lines inside the walls rather than outside. Working alone and never having done it before I think it took me a day. I did have my AC guy come and check the pressures and all and add a little coolant to bring it all up to spec. That took less than an hour. I would guess that a two man team could install the mini in way less than half a day if they have a clue what they are doing. It's really pretty simple. AFA a "pad" for the condenser, I used two cap blocks for each one and it's worked out fine. They're not very heavy and they don't vibrate much. Only weird thing I ran into on mine was that the control voltage is line voltage and be sure to keep the "polarity" of the wires the same throughout the system. Of course, if you are getting a turn key system through a dealer you are not getting the system for the internet price, but even if you throw $500 dealer profit on the hardware you're still at $2500 for the install which means that they think it's going to take a lot longer to install than it should. It could also be a "we don't want to do it" quote or a "we've never done one of these before" quote. I think a lot of the traditional HVAC guys don't like mini-splits because they are so easy to install that they don't make any money compared to a traditional system with ductwork and all. Anyhow, I'd get a couple of other quotes or at least ask them to break the original quote down into materials and labor so you can figure out how you're getting screwed.

 

[tjpavlov]

With Mitsubishi, you need a licensed person to install it or else the warranty doesn't apply. I get that there is a cost to doing business and that the installer has to put food on the table for his family.

It does sound like a half day or day long job.

 

[thooks]

Mistu M-Series is junk. Get them to do the P-series for $5k and you will appreciate it.

 

[Git]

It has been two years since I purchased a Dual Zone Mr Slim from eComfort for a DIY install. As I look back - I consider it one of the best purchases I have made when it comes to tools and my 'shop'

All the misc pieces you need added up to be around $750 for me - keep in mind this was two indoor units and the one lineset was 50' and cost me $250. I spend about $140 on tools to cut and properly flare the lines and $300 to commision the unit using a Mitsubishi contractor. Electrical was another $20 or so

It would estimate it would have cost me about $800 total it was just a single zone unit. (Including tools and the contractor). You need to decide how much that ability to 'make that phone call' is worth to you...

thooks - I haven't had any problems with my "M-Series Junk". Do you have any details why you think so? Not sure why you need a 'commercial grade' unit when the smallest P series is an 18k btu unit that sells for $4,500 plus install. Sure they are going to do it for $5k LMAO

This was my costs for both zones:

 

[Furious Filipino]

$3000 for an install seems a bit expensive.

For reference, I had a 1 ton mini-split unit installed on a detached studio on our property. I already had a concrete pad that was part of the foundation the studio was constructed on, and I also already had an electrical disconnect installed on the side of the studio where the condenser was to be placed.

Total cost for installing the interior air handler, running the coolant lines, power, and control wiring, bolting down the condenser, purging and testing was $1000. I hired a commercial mechanical/HVAC contractor, so this was probably an easy day for him, and the cost seems reasonable even at California labor rates.

 

[tjpavlov]

It has been two years since I purchased a Dual Zone Mr Slim from eComfort for a DIY install. As I look back - I consider it one of the best purchases I have made when it comes to tools and my 'shop'

All the misc pieces you need added up to be around $750 for me - keep in mind this was two indoor units and the one lineset was 50' and cost me $250. I spend about $140 on tools to cut and properly flare the lines and $300 to commision the unit using a Mitsubishi contractor. Electrical was another $20 or so

It would estimate it would have cost me about $800 total it was just a single zone unit. (Including tools and the contractor). You need to decide how much that ability to 'make that phone call' is worth to you...

thooks - I haven't had any problems with my "M-Series Junk". Do you have any details why you think so? Not sure why you need a 'commercial grade' unit when the smallest P series is an 18k btu unit that sells for $4,500 plus install. Sure they are going to do it for $5k LMAO

This was my costs for both zones:

Thanks! This was exactly the type of information that I was looking for!

 

[tjpavlov]

So I called ecomfort.com. It looks like there is another $500-700 of parts needed, between the line sets and drain pan heaters.

 

[rgalbert63]

I am putting a minisplit in my basement and just want to run the prices by you guys (or gals as the case may be).

I'm looking at a Mitsubishi minisplit. You can find the model here:

http://www.ecomfort.com/Mitsubishi-MZ-FH15NA/p56555.html

The online cost is $2,129. The quote is coming in at $5,200. So $3,000 for the install, but I realize that that is not just all labor. There needs to be some sort of pad put down outside for the condensor. All electrical work is included. And they are taking care of the condensation lines, which is really a small job on this one. And I am sure that there are little things like line covers that are probably not included.

I know that I could probably buy online and have my electrician install it and save some money that way. But I value having an HVAC company do it. I want someone to call in the middle of January and this thing needs to be serviced. HVAC is way out of my comfort zone.

So what is reasonable on these things?

Seems high to me. I recently had a 12k btu Fujitsu installed for $3,100. This was reasonable considering online prices for the compressor and condenser were in the $1,600 range.

I also recieved $500 back from my State's energy efficiency program to sweeten the deal.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[finn]

Mitsubishi with three heads was $5k, about three years ago.

I thought it has high at the time, especially considering the low number of hot, humid days we have near lake Superior.

Living with it, I now feel it was well worth it.

 

[Wizzard]

I got quoted $3,800 for their 18k btu heat pump if I did the electrical and if I made the holes in our block wall. This was for a simple open wall install. The Mitsu Diamond dealer wanted $4,800 if I wanted the 18k btu Hyper Heat model.

I ended up buying the Hyper Heat unit online for $2,200 and spent another $400 on line set and tools that I will resell once I get it installed. My HVAC guy said he would do startup for ~$200. AND I confirmed with Mitsubishi that I will get the 10 year warranty if HVAC tech does the startup and I register the unit.

 

[tjpavlov]

Wizzard..... interesting that you mentioned the warranty. I researched that a bit and here is what I found:

Everybody gets a basic five year warranty out of the box.

If you register it within 90 days of installation, you get a 10 year warranty.

If you have a Diamond Contractor install and you register it within 90 days, you get a 12 year warranty.

http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/product-warranty-statement

 

[Wizzard]

Wizzard..... interesting that you mentioned the warranty. I researched that a bit and here is what I found:

Everybody gets a basic five year warranty out of the box.

If you register it within 90 days of installation, you get a 10 year warranty.

If you have a Diamond Contractor install and you register it within 90 days, you get a 12 year warranty.

http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/product-warranty-statement

I talked to 2 different Mitsu reps who confirmed the same. The only difference is that after an HVAC tech finds/documents the problem...the warranty claim is handled by the website you purchased from (most all of them are good about this). If you buy from a Mitsu dealer then they order the warrantied parts.

Many HVAC techs try to inaccurately state that internet purchase means no warranty, that is simply not true for most companies.

 

[HotRodBiker]

I don't understand why you couldn't call an AC guy to service your mini-split?

I have no clue who installed my AC, and I'm sure the original owner of this house wouldn't know either. If your AC breaks, call an AC company to fix it.

I'd do it myself and call an AC company to do any repairs, if need be. Now, if you just don't want to do it, I can understand that too. But to waste that much money so you can call someone when it needs service is crazy to me.

 

[Dan Babb]

I got a quote to install a unit in my garage for $1775. Breakdown was:
$1170 for installation/startup
$455 for running a 220v line from my breaker box to the back wall where the unit will go.
$150 for permit (required in my county)

Total cost for the system (buying online from eComfort), needed accessories and installation is $3,934.

I had a local AC company come out first to give me a quote for a mini-split and they came back with $5,644. So I'm saving $1,710 by getting the unit myself from eComfort and using on of LG's authorized installers.

The place that quoted the high price hasn't even checked-in to see what I wanted to do...I guess they have more business than they can handle if they don't have time for sales follow-up.

 

[Marctrees]

TJpavlov -I see you're in Rhode Island climatewise, ok.

Roughly how many sq ft is in this basement you want to AC, and I assume ballpark normal ceiling height, nothing weird?

Marc

 

[rlitman]

So I called ecomfort.com. It looks like there is another $500-700 of parts needed, between the line sets and drain pan heaters.

That covers parts from ecomfort. Then there's parts that ecomfort doesn't supply, such as the disconnect and new circuit, and wiring for that new circuit. And then there's things like permitting fees (and the cost of inspection). In a town local to me, ALL permitted HVAC installs must be signed off by an architect. There's a cost to that too.

 

[Ernie Mccracken]

I'm going to start an HVAC business in my next life. I think their profit margins are even higher than plumbers. Blows my mind these guys get away with charging as much as doctors, easily $500/hr for installs.

 

[-Brent-]

These 2K-$3,500 install quotes are a reality for me, too. I wanted to do the install and have someone come and do the refrigerant charge. I've already got the circuit and disconnect set. Two of the guys told me "there's so much more involved (like parts that I would forget) than I could imagine." I hope there's not folks that believe that line. But it was common enough to hear it from two salesmen within an hour.

Literally, I have 8 feet between the two units (inside/outside), if I can find a DIY kit with less than 25' of line, I'll probably pull the trigger. I wanted a higher end unit, though.

 

[-Brent-]

I ended up buying the Hyper Heat unit online for $2,200 and spent another $400 on line set and tools that I will resell once I get it installed. My HVAC guy said he would do startup for ~$200. AND I confirmed with Mitsubishi that I will get the 10 year warranty if HVAC tech does the startup and I register the unit.

That's good to hear!

 

[rlitman]

...Literally, I have 8 feet between the two units (inside/outside), if I can find a DIY kit with less than 25' of line, I'll probably pull the trigger. I wanted a higher end unit, though.

I couple of weeks ago I put a 9kBTU Frigidaire mini split in my basement. I got the unit new for $500 cash on CL. A disconnect ran me $6 at HD, and I fed it with UF and a breaker that I already had. I already had a vacuum pump and manifold. The micron gauge I used ran me $160ish.

It came with a 16' lineset (which fit perfectly, though I needed every inch), PLUS the wire that goes between the two halves, PLUS the wire that goes from the compressor to the disconnect. Even a lump of white putty to fill the gap around where the lineset exits the wall.

The downside, was that it was only 13 SEER, but on such a small unit, replacing a window unit I already had in place, it was still a big upgrade.

 

[bauschracing]

My son-in-law just installed a 2 1/2 ton Mitsubishi mini split in my new 900 square foot shop. I got the family price on the unit and line kit and installation was free. My cost on the unit and kit was $2000. He would not install any other brand and he is a Carrier dealer.
My daughter has a 2 ton in her pottery studio and it works great.
The thing about the Mitsubishi is that it cools the shop quickly and it makes no noise. If the heat is anywhere as good as the air, I will be a happy camper.