Refrigeration System Cost you mean air-conditioner, 1.5 ton ductless $2500
A ductless air conditioner is also known as a mini-split system. Ductless air conditioners are common in homes that require individually zoned cooling and heating or small spaces. The cost refrigeration or cooling system like this, minimum is$1,800 and maximum is $3,200, the average cost is $2,500.
A mini-split or ductless air conditioning unit has several major advantages. In older homes, it is often difficult to install central air conditioning in the wall cavities. A mini-split solves this by using exterior duct channels to the room. A ductless air conditioning system is also considered single zoned, meaning that each room or space can be controlled individually. This can result in considerable savings on energy costs. Ductless air conditioner units can also be easily moved. Most furnace and central air systems require a fairly expensive HVAC visit just to move the unit from one location of the house to another.
The installation of the system, it requires a compressor unit, an inverter unit, refrigerant line, mini-split covers line and covers, a combination of heat pump and cassette style handler.
The compressor unit has both a SEER rating and BTU rating to determine airflow and amount of coolant required. A single unit can be rated at 24,000 BTU with a SEER of at least 17. The compressor draws the air from the room and recycles it into the refrigerant line and coils to cool the room like a standard air conditioner. It is located far away from the room in an obscure location for aesthetics. The inverter unit is the equivalent of the room's duct vent. It manages the flow of air and filters air into the room. Those two connected by a refrigerant line and it comes in specified lengths depending on the unit. Line covers and channels hide the copper refrigerant line to blend in with the exterior of the home. A combination unit converts outside air into heat. Most mini-split or ductless systems have a heat option available for winter. A cassette handler can be installed in the ceiling or wall for a more streamlined look.
In general, a standard 240-volt dedicated circuit will be required for the compressor unit and handler. An electrician charges between $50 and $75 per hour. If the home is under 200 amps, it may require moving circuits or upgraded electric service. A separately dedicated outlet will also need to be located near the unit for safety. The outlet should be grounded and have an arc fault interrupter circuit, a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires, installed due to the unit's proximity to the outside environment and constant cycling procedure.
A compressor unit will require a stable base much like a standard central air unit. A concrete pad is standard, but a paving-stone base can also be used to blend in with a paving-stone patio. However, the unit has a much smaller footprint so the cost should not be above $60. A homeowner can usually install this small base themselves and reduce the cost of installation by a margin.
The installation of refrigerant and electric lines to the unit is an integral part of the process. A compressor is rated to handle a specific length of line to the unit for refrigerant. A contractor may be required to install the channels and copper line to the house, generally costing between $30 and $50 per hour for the work. The homeowner has a choice in where they want the handler located, but should keep in mind that there is a limit on line length.
A carpenter may be required to install an opening for the air handler unit. This will vary from $18 to $30 per hour depending on the carpentry service. Interior porches may require installation from the garage or in the attic for a cassette adapter style opening. Many homeowners install built-in bookshelves or other decorations around air handlers to enhance the room's look.
Apart from the installation cost above, there are other technical consideration and cost for the system installation as follows.
- For a sunny room, add 10% more A/C capacity than required for the room size.
- For A/C units of greater than 12,000 BTU’s per hour (or 3.5 kilowatts) a multi-phase electrical circuit is generally required.
- Add 600 BTU/h’s per person if usually occupied by more than two persons.
- For the kitchen, add 4,000 more BTU/h’s than required for room size
It is also worth to note that from the pricing above taxes and permit fees are not included. In addition to that During the initial inspection, the contractor should inform the homeowner of any and all necessary modification or upgrade of electrical circuits or building structure.
