Updated May 2022
In 1959, Mitsubishi invented the indoor/outdoor AC unit now used throughout the Western world. In order to fit air conditioning into compact Japanese homes, a new multi-room AC unit without bulky ducts or a massive central unit was introduced. The ductless mini-split was born. Today, we see ductless mini-split ACs in all kinds of homes, from sprawling ranch houses to penthouse suites. In North Carolina, ductless AC makes it possible to cool just about any space with compact and clever coolant lines instead of ductwork. The ductless AC system allows us to safely cool historic homes that have never had ducts and run cooling to newly finished parts of the house like the annex, garage, or attic.
Of course, having a unique AC system also means a little less DIY knowledge when it breaks. If one or more of your ductless AC zones is not working correctly, it may be time to call for repairs. So, now you might be wondering, “How much does it cost to repair a ductless mini-split AC in North Carolina?” We’re glad you asked! For the sake of every mini-split owner in North Carolina who will eventually need repairs, let’s answer that question.
Quick Estimate:
Between $150 – $800
Ductless AC Repair Cost Depends On:
- Labor hours required
- The cost of parts and supplies
- The brand of ductless AC unit
To get a more precise estimate of your repair costs, you’ll want to schedule an AC inspection for your ductless mini-split system. Your technician can let you know what the issue is along with the time and cost to fix it. In some cases, you can choose to save money by using non-OEM parts. At the upper end of repairs, especially for multiple head units, your technician may suggest a system upgrade instead.
Ductless AC Repair Cost in North Carolina
The average cost of a ductless mini-split repair in NC is between $150 and $800. Why is that range so large? Well, it depends on what needs to be fixed.
If your AC needs a quick cleaning and a standard part or gasket replaced, this will likely result in the lowest cost. However, a replacement compressor is likely to cost quite a bit more, and some brand replacement parts cost more than others. The higher the cost to complete the repair, naturally, the higher your final repair cost will be. Some ductless mini-splits use standard or easily available parts, and some use manufacturer-specific parts that must be specially ordered. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:
Example Price Ranges for Ductless AC Repair
- Capacitor replacement: $150-$300
- Refrigerant leak: $150-$450
- OEM part replacement: $300-$750
The cost of your ductless AC repair will depend on the situation and how many elements of your system are malfunctioning. The most affordable repairs are those where the unit needs cleaning, new coolant fluid, or replacing a basic and easily available part. The most expensive repairs involve replacing an OEM (brand-specific) part from one of the upper-end brands or models.
Signs Your Ductless AC Needs Repairs
- Puddles under the unit
- Icy buildup on the connectors
- Not responsive to controls
- Can’t keep up with the thermostat
- Not turning on or off
- Switching off and on rapidly
- Unusual sounds
How do you know when your ductless mini-split system needs repairs? There are many potential signs to indicate that a ductless AC unit or system might need a tune-up, replacement, or repair. Puddles and icy buildup are both signs that the lines are not functioning correctly. The issue of the ductless AC not responding to or keeping up with the thermostat could be a problem with the unit itself or an electrical issue.
Having your ductless mini-split tuned up is a good idea to avoid costly repairs in the future. A regular tune-up costs only the hourly rate for labor with your local AC service.
How Ductless Mini-Split AC Works
The repair cost of a ductless mini-split is related to how the unit is designed. This smart HVAC solution is an efficient multi-zone cooling solution for small spaces and homes without existing ductwork or with limited existing ducts.
Like a normal AC, a ductless mini-split has an outdoor compressor/condenser that releases heat from the coolant and pumps the cold fluid back inside to the indoor units. However, the coolant is fed through lines to individual AC units mounted in each room or zone instead of a central unit with vents.
When the coolant warms up, it pumps back to the outdoor unit to release heat. Drain lines are also installed to eliminate the small but steady drip of water condensation created by each AC as it chills and circulates the air.
Since each unit only supports one to three rooms, a mini-split unit doesn’t need to be as big as a household unit. Multiple ‘heads’ on your mini-split make it possible to control between one and eight different home zones, where most homes need between two and five.
Installation Cost of Ductless Mini-Split in North Carolina
Ductless mini-split AC installation in North Carolina is a very practical choice for home extensions, new-construction homes, and old homes that did not originally have central air. Ductless mini-split installation typically costs between $4,000 and $14,000 depending on the size of your house, the number of zones, and the brand you choose. Naturally, larger capacity multi-head models cost more and require more hours of labor to install. However, there is also a significant variance in price with ductless AC brands.
Does your ductless mini-split AC need repairs? The cost of these repairs can range anywhere between $150 to $800, depending on what kind of repairs or replacement parts you need. Whether you need one unit fixed, need to repair the entire system, or plan to install a new ductless mini-split AC in your home, you can count on Bud Matthews Services to take care of all of your home air conditioning needs. Contact us today to consult on the behavior of your AC and schedule a preliminary inspection. We look forward to ensuring your North Carolina home is comfortable and energy-efficient this year!
Featured Image: Nawin Kitpipatphinyo/Shutterstock
