Sadly, mini-split installation is a total ripoff. Can't understand why, other that because they can. It's not a complex job (far less than a regular split system install) but as long as people keep paying, they will keep charging.

Hopefully, you can find a local guy from a big company doing jobs on the side, just check his qualifications and license.

Installation prices depend on the particular contracted scope of work and local market prices. If you have concerns about the price, I suggest you seek proposals from three or more licensed and insured HVAC contractors.

We had mini split system installed in January, had to upgrade our electrical from 100 to 200 amps, 2 condenser units (capable of working in very cold temps in NE), and 6 heads. We paid about $30k for the whole thing, expecting to get $5-7k back in state rebates. We also qualified for a zero interest loan, based on the MA Save program (for a portion of the cost).

It’s not cheap to install. We live outside Boston where labor is high. Our monthly heating costs have dropped dramatically since we removed an older steam boiler (quite inefficient) and all the radiators to switch to the mini splits. We are still only a few months in, but expect our annual energy costs to reduce by $1500-2000. A slow ROI, if you look only at the cost of the mini split system. Our boiler was needing replacement within the next few years anyway. We took advantage of the rebates and loan offered in the state. And our house is consistently a comfortable temperature!

Your post is very interesting. There are often debates about installing mini splits in old houses with multiple rooms in cold climates. There are some who are very negative on the idea.

Did you remove the steam radiators? Did you use window air conditioners for cooling in the past?

Yes, we removed the steam boiler and all the radiators. We used to put in a couple of window units for ac but they were heavy, loud, inefficient and didn’t do much but help remove humidity. We’ve insulated our house and replaced drafty windows. With temps in the single digits this Jan for days on end (plus windy) we remained very comfortable in our home. It was absolutely worth the investment!

Becoming a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer is a long and winding road, with many background requirements to achieve the various levels of Diamond Dealer.

I could never become one for the simple reason a store front is required. Can you say $MONEY$ - this is crap you really don't need. No one has ever called me wanting to see my storefront. This is 1 requirement of Diamond hood for Mitsibushi. If a contractors goal of offering this product isn't diamond hood, then why get involved with it at all?

Why do you wake up of a morning to do what you do?

People who often complain of prices do not realize there is more to this business than just slapping in a system and the cost of varies pieces, parts and materials to do the job. The company may have a fleet of vehicles, multiple dispatchers, manager(s), accountants and so on. These back ground people get paid money to do what they do. (Let's not think about that)

So once a contractor is attibuted to Diamond Dealer the very first level, there are now two additional levels to achieve. Spending money on a system this way is that you are investing in the company doing the work, more or less. Who do you think is going to service this equipment after the job is done?

There is training involved behind the scenes, more than just servicing it's also knowing what product best suits the needs of the customer.

My market is an already established ducted HVAC market, where ductless systems make up less than 5% so this wouldn't pay me to make the kind of investment required to make it a successful venture.

The following link scroll down to page 27 to see the different levels of Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer. There are hidden costs to go up each step. Four steps, however just being a Mitsubishi *DEALER* only is not a level of any recognition. Each step costs more $money$ requires the dealer to perform.

The long and winding road of becoming a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer

"There are often debates about installing mini splits in old houses with multiple rooms in cold climates. There are some who are very negative on the idea."

The OP's experience won't likely be enough to convince the naysayers. For additional case studies, you can look to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 4+/- year pilot program studying heat pumps in both new construction and retrofits in older homes. You can read about some of the case studies here:

https://www.masscec.com/blog/2021/09/13/masscec-pilot-showcases-success-whole-home-heat-pumps#Case_Studies

There was a joint DOE/private sector initiative to develop the next generation of cold climate heat pumps. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/05/f22/emt57_Messmer_041515.pdf I don't know if the initiative is still ongoing, but Unico advertises that their i-series heat pumps operate in the range from -35F to 120F which leads me to believe they incorporated some learning from it in their current product line up.