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Message
Mini split cost … seeking info and advice
Posted on 2/14/26 at 6:36 am
Posted on 2/14/26 at 6:36 am
Converting a detached garage into a closed off and sealed ‘man cave’ type room with mini split unit.
Total square footage is 500-600 sq ft or so.
Looking to get an efficient mini split unit. The quotes I’m hearing seem pretty outrageous. But I don’t know. I’m curious what’s the cost I should reasonably expect.
I don’t want to say it yet before hearing responses, but the quotes I’m getting seem double what I assumed.
Thanks,
habz007
Total square footage is 500-600 sq ft or so.
Looking to get an efficient mini split unit. The quotes I’m hearing seem pretty outrageous. But I don’t know. I’m curious what’s the cost I should reasonably expect.
I don’t want to say it yet before hearing responses, but the quotes I’m getting seem double what I assumed.
Thanks,
habz007
7
Posted on 2/14/26 at 7:07 am to habz007
You can diy one for less than $2000 including buying the specialty tools.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 7:46 am to habz007
What'd you assume? What are the explanations offered for the "high" quotes?
Mini split installation ranges from a super easy half day job to a multi day pain in the arse depending on the particulars of where and how you want stuff mounted and how that affects the routing of everything, where power is available, how condensate is handled, etc.
Mini split installation ranges from a super easy half day job to a multi day pain in the arse depending on the particulars of where and how you want stuff mounted and how that affects the routing of everything, where power is available, how condensate is handled, etc.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 9:29 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
I guess I wrongfully assumed up to $5000 range. The quotes I was given are $10,000.
It’s super easy empty access and mount area. The outside space is totally empty and seemingly set up and all the power and circuits and what not. Basically just needs a cut through the bricks. 500 sq ft space unit. Feels like confidently less than half day install.
That’s why I’m asking you folks who would know much better than me. It just feels really high compared to 5 ton Trane I had installed in previous house (albeit back in 2017).
Edit:
Admittedly, I don’t know shite about these things. That’s why I’m asking what to expect. If that’s reasonable, ok cool. I just really and truly don’t know. Thanks.
It’s super easy empty access and mount area. The outside space is totally empty and seemingly set up and all the power and circuits and what not. Basically just needs a cut through the bricks. 500 sq ft space unit. Feels like confidently less than half day install.
That’s why I’m asking you folks who would know much better than me. It just feels really high compared to 5 ton Trane I had installed in previous house (albeit back in 2017).
Edit:
Admittedly, I don’t know shite about these things. That’s why I’m asking what to expect. If that’s reasonable, ok cool. I just really and truly don’t know. Thanks.
This post was edited on 2/14/26 at 10:24 am
Posted on 2/14/26 at 10:32 am to habz007
quote:
I guess I wrongfully assumed up to $5000 range.
That's possible if you have a good HVAC guy who will take cash.
quote:
The quotes I was given are $10,000.
The two-zone upstairs mini-split system we had done a few years ago, Samsung high-efficiency heat pump system, was $18,000. HVAC costs are way higher than they used to be which is why Mr. Cool is doing a lot of business. If you are a good DIYer, you can install your own system and save a lot of money overall.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 11:55 am to habz007
I am about to have a 1.5 ton 18,000 btu Daikin installed at the end of the month in my garage. I have 500 sqft
I have been working on this for many months. Ive been around the damn ringer.
Basically, you can buy the materials and so it yourself for around $2300 and that includes everytrhing you will need. Unit, special tools, concrete pad, etc.
I am paying someone to do mine fully installed for $4800
Im just not going to mess with this one. Ive done so many things but Im tired and gonna let a company install it
I have been working on this for many months. Ive been around the damn ringer.
Basically, you can buy the materials and so it yourself for around $2300 and that includes everytrhing you will need. Unit, special tools, concrete pad, etc.
I am paying someone to do mine fully installed for $4800
Im just not going to mess with this one. Ive done so many things but Im tired and gonna let a company install it
Posted on 2/14/26 at 12:11 pm to LanierSpots
Did mine in an afternoon last year, but had all the tools and was able to get a 410a unit. 250 sqft uninsulated smaller part of garage turned into an office. Got a Della brand 12,000, for like 900. Will freeze/heat you out of the room. Once it cooled down outside I ended up insulating above the room to save on electricity costs. I think I spent like 200 to 250 on the fiberglass. Left the walls uninsulated. If I had insulated the whole room, I could have probably gone with a 9,000 btu unit or smaller.
100% dropped my elec bill by $100 a month vs the window AC that was in there. Quiet and efficient as hell. I went with a 220V unit over a 110V one based on people saying it would be a little more efficient.
100% dropped my elec bill by $100 a month vs the window AC that was in there. Quiet and efficient as hell. I went with a 220V unit over a 110V one based on people saying it would be a little more efficient.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 12:53 pm to habz007
I installed a Pioneer this past June. $2400 for the 36,000 and installed myself. Got a buddy of mine to come get it started once installed. Do not pay someone $10,000 for that job
Posted on 2/14/26 at 1:40 pm to habz007
If youre ok with the condensate going straight on the ground (mine will make 5 gallons in a day sometimes) and have power already in that wall, 10k is absurdly high IMO unless youre getting a mitsubishi and some really good finishing work.
If you want the condensate ran to a drain, dont have the power in the right spot, need a slab mount, etc than 10k could be a very fair price.
If you want the condensate ran to a drain, dont have the power in the right spot, need a slab mount, etc than 10k could be a very fair price.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 5:25 pm to habz007
I put one of those DIY mini splits in one of my small shop buildings. Mr Cool 18k unit. Very easy to install by myself. Just ran a 20 amp 240v line to an outdoor disconnect and a hole saw and you're dang near done.
The lines sets are already charged with freon. They're dang near impossible to mess up the installation.
The lines sets are already charged with freon. They're dang near impossible to mess up the installation.
This post was edited on 2/14/26 at 5:26 pm
Posted on 2/14/26 at 5:26 pm to habz007
My MrCool is probably 3-4 years old now in my enclosed patio. Never an issue. Was about $1200 I think. All DIY
Posted on 2/14/26 at 5:29 pm to LanierSpots
quote:
I am paying someone to do mine fully installed for $4800
Im just not going to mess with this one. Ive done so many things but Im tired and gonna let a company install it
Your situation sounds very close to what I’m attempting to achieve as well. And that price you have feels accurate.
I’m absolutely not doing it myself. I do a lot of my things around the house out of enjoyment and personal satisfaction, but I’m quick to use the “people get paid to do this, and I’m not one of them” policy when it comes to stuff like this.
$10,000 just ‘feels’ way too much.
Thanks for all the feedback so far.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 5:54 pm to habz007
Most HVAC guys are booked solid, so they're going to quote you ridiculously high prices because they don't want small, simple jobs like that. If you find a good handyman type to do it, you'll get by much cheaper.
Posted on 2/14/26 at 6:23 pm to habz007
I think I paid about 5k installed for my 18k Mitsubishi. It’s been solid.
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