This guide sets out what Roomwise DC Mini Splits typically charges for a mini split in Washington, and what pushes a house toward the top or bottom of each range. Your own price comes from a site visit and a written estimate.
Our typical ranges
The ranges below are our company rates for DC houses. Each job’s price depends on the rooms, the walls and where the outdoor unit can go.
| Job | Roomwise’s typical range |
|---|---|
| Single zone, standard: one room, short line run, panel has room | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Single zone, complex: historic or roof review, long run, new circuit | $11,000 to $28,500 |
| Multi-zone, standard: two to four heads, straightforward routing | $5,000 to $14,000 |
| Multi-zone, complex: four to seven heads, several floors, panel work | $16,500 to $39,500 |
| Single-zone replacement, like for like | $4,000 to $7,500 |
| Replacement needing new lines, wiring or review | $10,000 to $20,000 |
Standard means the house cooperates: a short run from the head to the outdoor unit, a panel with space, and a spot for the unit at the back. Complex means one or more of those needs real work. See single-zone installation and multi-zone installation for what each job includes.
What moves the price
Five things move a DC price more than the brand or the model.
The line route
Lines run from each head to the outdoor unit. A head on a rear wall with the unit just outside needs a few feet. A front bedroom on the third floor of a row house can need a long run through closets or a chase. Brick and plaster take longer to open and close than drywall.
Where the outdoor unit sits
- A ground pad in the rear yard is the simplest.
- A rear wall bracket adds hardware and labor.
- A roof mount adds a stand, roof protection and a longer line drop.
The panel
Every outdoor unit needs its own circuit. An older panel may have no space left. A new circuit is a modest add; a panel upgrade is a larger one. The electrical requirements guide covers the difference.
Historic district and building review
On a historic property, the permit goes through preservation review, which can steer the unit to a harder spot. In a condo, the building’s rules can do the same.
The number and type of heads
Each extra head adds equipment and a line run. Floor consoles and ceiling cassettes cost more to install than wall heads. The zones guide helps you decide how many you need.
Replacement and add-on costs
Replacing an old system is often cheaper than a first install when the old line set passes a pressure test and the circuit is sound.
- Like-for-like single zone: $4,000 to $7,500
- New line set, if the old one can’t be reused: typically adds $500 to $1,500 per run
- Each additional head on a multi-zone replacement: typically adds $1,500 to $3,000
The replacement page explains how we test an old line set.
Permits and rebates
The DC Department of Buildings mechanical permit is a small line on the estimate. Its fee for refrigeration and air conditioning work is $50.60.
Rebates can change the total far more. DCSEU’s current program lists these amounts for ductless heat pumps:
| DCSEU tier | Replacing electric heat | Replacing gas heat |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR Certified | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | $1,500 | $5,000 |
DCSEU also lists a panel rebate of up to $2,000 for a heavy-up to 200 amps and $400 per new circuit. Each rebate needs a DOB permit and paperwork that matches it. Amounts change during the program year, so check the current form with DCSEU. Details are in the DC rebates guide.
What the estimate covers
Our written estimate puts the whole job on one page, so you can compare it line by line.
- The equipment, by model
- Each head’s location and the line route to it
- The drain path, and any pump
- The electrical work, and whether the panel needs more
- The permit
- The price
If an item depends on what we find inside a wall, the estimate says so. Questions about any line? Call us before you sign.
For running costs after installation, read the operating cost guide. For the bigger question of cooling a house without ducts, start with air conditioning for old houses.