When you’re shopping around for a ductless heat pump in Olympia, WA, its total cost is probably a major consideration of yours. However, when it comes to ductless heating and cooling systems, be sure to not solely focus on the one-time installation cost. Rather, factor in how much money your system can save you over time. Here we look at the average cost of installing a ductless system in northwest Washington compared to the overall costs for operation.
What is the average cost of installing a ductless system?
The average cost of installing a ductless system with a single indoor heating/cooling zone starts at about $8,000, depending on the customer’s needs and choice. This cost includes:
- Equipment
- Parts
- Expert installation service
- Associated electrical work and permits
Although this cost is not much different than installing a baseboard heating system, another zoned heating solution, you’ll see far more extensive savings over time with a ductless system thanks to reduced energy costs.
In addition, the cost of installing a ductless heating and cooling system is offset by any available energy rebates, which are only offered for energy-efficient methods of heating and cooling.
How much can I save by going ductless?
Once your new ductless mini split is installed, you can expect to see a notable difference in your heating costs. Your reductions can be as much as 25%–50% or more on your monthly heating bills, especially when the temperature drops in the coldest months of the winter. However, savings aren’t just limited to heating. You’ll also see improved cooling bills thanks to the efficient cool air delivery method.
Traditional conventional air conditioning systems depend on ducts to deliver cool air to your rooms. The problem with this method, however, is that the cool air heats up and can leak from improperly sealed ducts. By the time it reaches its destination, the cool air is not so cool anymore. With a ductless system, cool air goes directly into each room rather than traveling through traditional air ducts and losing its temperature.
As a result, you can enjoy cool or warm air far more efficiently and comfortably. Your system will also save you money in repairs and replacements, lasting an average of 20 years or more when the system is properly maintained.
How does this cost compare to other heating and air conditioning units?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures how much electricity is used in an hour. Costs for the most common types of heating and air conditioning units based on kWh are as follows:
- Electric Furnace: About $2.93 per kWh
- Zonal Electric: About $2.34 per kWh
- Ductless Heat Pump: About $0.88 cents per kWh
This is using a base cost of $0.08 cents per kW and heating costs for 1000 BTUs. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is how much energy is needed to increase the temperature of a pound of water by 1° F. This measurement is applied to heating and air conditioning efficiency.
How does the cost compare to other heating/cooling units month-to-month?
Ductless systems avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork which can account for over 30% of the energy consumption of your heating and cooling bill. As mentioned above, you can reduce your energy use by as much as 50% a month, which quickly adds up over time. Additionally, ductless heat pumps run continuously and respond to changes in demand for more heat or cooling, while traditional systems come on at full capacity and then shut off once demand is met, which is not as efficient.
Contact us here or call us at 360-615-2229 to see if a ductless heating system is right for you!
Installing unparalleled comfort with Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems in Mason County including Shelton, Union and Allyn-Grapeview!