How Much Does a Zoning HVAC System Cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Install Zoned HVAC?

Considering a multi-zone system from Mitsubishi Electric for your heating and air conditioning needs? There are many benefits (comfort, efficiency and health) to zoned heating systems and air conditioning, but you may be curious about the cost of adding an HVAC zone to your existing system or the cost to install a multi-zoned HVAC system in your home.

A Refresher On How Zoned Heating And Air Conditioning Systems Function

Zone heating and cooling systems are comprised of an outdoor unit connected by refrigerant piping to one or more indoor units. Indoor units come in a variety of styles, and can be networked together to create multiple zones – each controlled separately. A single outdoor unit can create one large zone, eight unique zones, and anything in between. 

A zoned HVAC system can consist of ducted or ductless indoor units (or a hybrid of both),  It can provide cooling only or efficient and comfortable cooling and heating, even at temperatures well below zero. You may choose a system to condition one room or your entire home. Consequently, Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions give homeowners maximum flexibility in designing a super-efficient system that can meet nearly any comfort need.

HVAC Zoning Costs Depend On The System You Build

Scheduling a consultation with a local Diamond Contractor® is the best way to get an accurate quote on a single, two zone, three zone and up HVAC system cost. In fact, to be eligible for Mitsubishi Electric's industry-leading 12 year warranty, your HVAC system must be installed by one of our more than 3,500 certified HVAC Diamond Contractors.

Because our Zoned Comfort Solutions are customizable based on your heating and cooling needs, and you have so many options to choose from, pricing can vary extensively. For instance, are you considering a two-zone ductless HVAC system cost, or the cost of a single-zone ducted system? Are you adding an HVAC zone to a home that already has one so you can further customize temperatures in individual spaces? Our certified Diamond Contractors can help advise on ducted vs. ductless systems, how many zones you may need based on how you use your home and your current HVAC system, and provide an estimated cost of installing/adding HVAC zones.

What Factors Contribute To The HVAC Zoning System Costs?

While there are seemingly countless options for your home’s new HVAC system, it is possible to get a sense of how much HVAC zoning costs. Final costs will be determined by your contractor’s evaluation, but we can outline contributing factors and cost ranges to get you started. Your costs will vary and may be higher or lower than the estimates provided below. 

A. New equipment. Each Zoned Comfort Solution includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), controls and parts including the refrigerant line-set, wiring and electrical accessories. Conditioning one room or zone comes at a significantly different price than heating and cooling an entire home with eight or more zones. Generally, new HVAC zoning equipment can range in cost from under $3,000 for a one-room cooling option up to $15,000 or more for multiple zone heating and cooling systems.

B. Installation Labor. This is what you pay your HVAC contractor to install the system (and remove your old system, if necessary). Contractors' labor prices vary widely, but you can expect the cost to install zoned HVAC to be roughly the same as your equipment cost but may vary depending on your geographic location and the complexity of your installation.

C. Possible additional costs.

1. Electrical. You may need to hire a licensed electrician to install a new 240V outlet, which generally costs $200 to $1,000, but varies based on geographic location and the nature of the work being performed. The price will increase if your home’s electrical panel requires a new 240V circuit. To avoid surprises, secure an estimate before purchasing a new system.

2. Equipment pad or stand. Creating an even surface underneath the outdoor unit for proper drainage generally costs $50 to $300. Alternatively, units can be mounted on brackets. Ask your contractor about the best solution for your new system

3. Ductless or ducted? When choosing ducted indoor units, it's difficult to generalize the cost. Some homeowners might be installing ductwork for the first time while others may be repurposing existing ductwork, which adds a level of complexity – and potentially 75 percent to the labor cost. It’s best to communicate directly with an HVAC professional who is familiar with your home for advice and estimates regarding ductwork.

4. There are many controller options which a contractor can assist you with. What you select will affect the cost. Wall-mounted air conditioning and heating units come standard with a handheld wireless controller; or you may choose our popular kumo cloud® App-based thermostat that allows you to program and control each zone from anywhere in the country from your smartphone, or our wireless wall-mounted thermostat that works just like other controllers in your home. For these options, factor in $200 to $300 per controller per zone.

D. Any additional equipment needed for unique situations. Some homes need a little extra something; this is often true for older homes, high-performance homes, and homes in cold weather regions where the ambient temperature regularly drops below minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. These homes often require specialized designs and/or equipment, all of which impacts the cost of the HVAC system. Our Hyper-Heating INVERTER® technology is developed to provide comfortable indoor temperatures in extreme cold-climate conditions (as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit) while saving energy and money, so in many climates you will not need additional heating equipment.

Get An Estimate For HVAC Zoning Costs For Your Home

Mitsubishi Electric's zone heating and cooling systems are flexible, efficient solutions that can be configured to your specific budget and comfort needs. Start by finding a qualified HVAC contractor in your area. Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractors™ are licensed HVAC contractors with specific training and experience installing Mitsubishi Electric products. HVAC systems designed and installed by a Diamond Contractor are also covered by our 12-year parts and compressor limited warranty.

When you meet with your contractor, discuss:

• How many zones you need.

• Where indoor and outdoor units might be placed.

• Whether you need cooling only or heating and cooling.

• If you're replacing or supplementing an existing system.

• If you prefer ductless or ducted options (or a mix) and any special considerations – for example if you're interested in a unit with an i-see Sensor™ that detects temperature variations and controls the airflow. 

Your HVAC contractor will also let you know what to expect during the installation process.

Sounds pretty good, right? Soon you’ll have your estimated cost, and after that – a future filled with personalized comfort and energy savings.