Hey everyone — Mike Sanders here. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that more and more homeowners are asking about: mini split air conditioners — also called ductless mini split systems, split AC units, or “mini split heat and air.” We’ll talk about what they are, how much they cost, when they make sense — and how they compare to going with a traditional matched HVAC system like the Goodman 3‑Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 Bundle.
If you’ve been wondering how much is a mini split?, or whether a “split ac system” is worth the investment instead of your old central or window AC — this is the post for you. I’ll cover real-world costs, what affects pricing, popular mini split models, pros and cons, and my straight-up advice.
What Is a Mini Split (or Split System) AC?
Let’s start with the basics. A mini split, or ductless mini split, is a heating and cooling system made up of:
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An outdoor compressor/condenser
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One or more indoor air-handling units (called “heads”) mounted on a wall, ceiling, or sometimes floor
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A refrigerant line (and often a drain) connecting the two
That’s it: no big ductwork running through your walls or attic necessarily. That’s what makes the mini split system so attractive in many situations — especially when you don’t have existing ducts, or when you want to cool or heat just portions of your home (zones) without running a full HVAC overhaul.
Different Flavors of Mini Splits: Options & Applications
Mini split systems are surprisingly flexible. Here are some of the common configurations and uses:
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Single‑Zone Mini Split: Just one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit. Great for a bedroom, garage, office, or small apartment.
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Multi‑Zone Mini Split: One outdoor compressor can support 2–5 indoor heads (depending on the system). Perfect for multiple rooms without ducts.
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Mini Split Heat Pump (Mini Split AC and Heat): These systems both cool and heat. Useful in regions with moderate winters.
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Split Unit Air Conditioner (AC Only): If all you want is cooling, you can get an AC-only mini split.
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Wall-Mounted Units: The most common style — heads mounted high on a wall.
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Ceiling Cassette or Floor-Mounted: Less common, but useful for design flexibility or specific room layouts.
Popular Mini Split Models to Consider
Here are some real-world mini split units that are good examples, whether you're shopping for a small split unit AC or something more robust:
Here are a few standout picks and what makes them useful:
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Pioneer Diamante Pro 12 000 BTU: High-efficiency inverter, R‑454B refrigerant, great for a single-zone room.
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Costway 12 000 BTU Mini Split AC/Heat: Affordable all-in-one, good for moderate-size rooms, easy to operate.
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MRCOOL Advantage 9 000 BTU Mini Split: Compact, efficient, and designed for standard residential installs.
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MRCOOL EasyPro 12 000 BTU DIY Mini Split: Includes pre-charged line set for DIY installs — a real value if you’re handy.
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Senville 28 000 BTU Dual‑Zone Mini Split: Two indoor units; good for two-room setups.
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TURBRO Greenland 12 000 BTU Inverter Mini Split: Very high SEER2, solid inverter performance, and versatile control.
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MRCOOL EasyPro 24 000 BTU DIY Mini Split: Larger capacity for bigger rooms or open zones, DIY-friendly.
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Mitsubishi 3‑Zone Mini Split System: Premium brand, supports up to 3 indoor heads, excellent for whole-home or zoned cooling/heating.
How Much Does a Mini Split Cost? (Mini Split Cost Breakdown)
Alright, now for the part everyone wants to know: how much is a mini split? The honest answer: it depends a lot, but here are real-world data points (Mike Sanders style):
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Base Installed Cost
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According to HomeAdvisor, mini split installation costs typically range from $2,000 to $14,500, with an average around $3,000 for many homes. (Home Advisor)
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Angi’s numbers align: $2,000–$14,500 is the typical range, depending on how many zones and how complex the install is. (Angi)
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Cost by System Size and Zones
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A single-zone mini split usually costs between $2,000 and $7,800, depending on BTUs and brand. (Forbes)
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According to Brooks Plumbing & Heating, a dual-zone or multi-zone system (2–4 indoor units) often lands in the $4,500–$8,500+ range for 2 heads, or even $10,000+ for more zones. (Brooks Plumbing and Heating)
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According to EnergySage, multi-zone installations (with incentives) can average over $19,500 for full-home systems. (EnergySage)
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Brand & Efficiency Costs
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Brand matters: as PickHVAC notes, lower- to mid-tier brands might cost $500–$2,600 just for the system; higher-end or heat-pump mini splits (multi-zone) go up to $5,500+ for equipment alone.
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From Heat Pump Prices Reviews: a 12,000 BTU (1-ton) mini split heat pump runs $3,000–$5,000 installed; larger, 3-ton systems with multiple heads can hit $5,500–$10,000+ depending on zones. (Heat Pump Prices Reviews)
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Fixr breaks things into “budget” and “mid-range” installs: budget systems (DIY or very simple installs) range from ~$958–$1,742; mid-range starts at ~$2,919 and goes to ~$4,856 for a more typical setup. (Fixr)
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Higher-End or Whole-House Systems
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According to Bryant’s ductless guide, full multi-zone or whole-house mini splits can run $17,000–$20,000+, especially for premium brands and high-efficiency systems. (Ductless Bryant | Whatever It Takes)
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Why Consider a Mini Split Against a Full HVAC System (Like the Goodman Bundle)
Now, here’s where I put on my HVAC-guy hat and compare mini split systems to a traditional central HVAC bundle — especially the Goodman 3-Ton SEER2 setup.
Advantages of Mini Splits:
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Ductless Installation
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No need for major ductwork. That’s a huge plus for retrofit, older homes, additions, or areas without existing ducts.
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Zoned Comfort
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You can control temperature per room (or zone), meaning better comfort and potentially lower energy costs because you’re not cooling unused space.
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Efficiency
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Mini splits often use modern inverter compressors. When sized right, they run efficiently and only work as hard as needed.
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Heating & Cooling
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Heat-pump mini splits provide both heating and cooling — a powerful combo for many climates.
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Flexible Design
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With various indoor unit styles (wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, floor), you can pick what fits your room best.
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Drawbacks Compared to a Full Matched HVAC System:
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Upfront Cost for Multi-Zone
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While small single-zone units are often affordable, a multi-zone setup can get expensive — sometimes rivalling a central HVAC system.
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Aesthetic Considerations
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Indoor units on walls may not be ideal for every room’s look.
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Maintenance
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More “heads” = more indoor units to clean filters, check drain lines, etc.
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Cost per Ton at Scale
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For large homes, multiple mini splits might cost more per ton of cooling than a properly designed central split system.
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Installer Expertise
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Proper installation (sizing, refrigerant charge, vacuum) matters a lot; a bad install can ruin mini split performance.
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When you compare that to a Goodman 3‑Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 Bundle, what you’re really weighing is: one big, matched system vs. several smaller, flexible zones. The Goodman bundle can make a lot of sense if:
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You want to cool multiple rooms or the entire house.
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You already have (or are installing) ductwork, or are comfortable doing a full HVAC install.
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You want long-term value and the simplicity of a single system.
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You prefer a system that’s potentially more serviceable and may have better parts availability for central HVAC.
My Recommendations (Mike Sanders’ Advice)
If I were advising a homeowner right now — here’s what I’d tell you to think about when looking at mini split vs. a system like Goodman:
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Do a Load Calculation
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Don’t guess. Have a professional calculate your cooling (and heating) load for the rooms you want to serve.
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Evaluate Your Zones
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If you’re only cooling/heating one or two rooms, a single-zone mini split can be an efficient, cost-effective solution.
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But if you want zoned comfort across multiple rooms, get quotes for multi-zone mini splits and a central system.
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Get Multiple Install Quotes
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Because labor is a big piece of the cost, shop around for installer pricing (especially for mini splits).
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Ask for “quoted capacity,” permit cost, electrical upgrades, and labor itemized.
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Watch for Incentives
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Check for local or federal rebates, especially for heat pump mini splits.
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Consider DIY (But Cautiously)
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Some systems (like pre-charged line set models) allow for homeowner installs. That can save thousands — but it's not risk-free.
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Think Long-Term
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How long will you live in this home? If you plan to stay, investing in a system that’s efficient and reliable matters.
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Maintenance, repair costs, and warranty quality are all part of that long-term decision.
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Real-World Tradeoffs (From My HVAC Experience)
Over the years, I’ve helped folks pick mini splits — and I’ve seen a few common patterns:
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A friend installed a 2-zone Mitsubishi mini split for about $11,000. Nice comfort, but later admitted that for long-term resale, a full HVAC system might have been something buyers would value.
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I’ve seen DIY installs that saved $3K–$5K — but only worked if the homeowner was very comfortable with vacuum pumps, flare tools, and making the system tight.
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On the flip side, I know homeowners who love the flexibility: heat their basement with a mini split, leave the rest of the house on their central system — and save on running costs for parts of the year.
Final Thoughts — Is a Mini Split Right for You (Mike Sanders’ Verdict)
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Mini splits are fantastic when you want targeted, efficient heating and cooling, especially for rooms without ducts, additions, or zones you don’t always use.
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The mini split cost can be surprisingly reasonable for a single zone — but it climbs when you go big or want multiple heads.
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For many homeowners, the flexibility of a mini split outweighs the higher cost, but don’t forget to compare with a matched HVAC system like the Goodman 3-ton bundle: sometimes, one well-installed central system is cleaner, simpler, and ultimately more cost-effective for full-house comfort.
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My advice: get a professional load calculation, weigh your costs (equipment + install), and think 5–10 years ahead. Make sure the system you choose matches not just your immediate comfort — but your long-term goals.
