Cost guides › Ductless mini-split
Canada
Mini-split installation cost
Installing ductless mini-splits in 3 rooms, with a separate single-zone system for each room, typically costs $10,000, with most quotes between $7,800 and $13,000 before GST/HST. One multi-zone outdoor unit serving all rooms comes in around $5,150, and concealed ceiling-recessed units run about $19,300.
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Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $5,200 | $10,200 | $19,400 |
| Quebec | $5,200 | $10,200 | $19,600 |
| Saskatchewan | $5,200 | $10,200 | $19,400 |
| British Columbia | $5,200 | $10,100 | $19,400 |
| Ontario | $5,150 | $10,000 | $19,300 |
| Manitoba | $5,150 | $9,900 | $19,100 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $5,100 | $9,850 | $19,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $5,050 | $9,600 | $18,700 |
| New Brunswick | $5,000 | $9,500 | $18,600 |
What's included
Mid-range
- One single-zone ductless heat pump per room, about 12,000 BTU (3.4 kW), with its own outdoor unit
- Wall-mounted indoor head, core hole through the wall, vacuum and start-up per room
- Pre-insulated copper line set, about 5 m per unit
- Condensate drain line for each indoor unit
- Dedicated 240 V circuit with breaker and wiring in conduit for each outdoor unit
- Outdoor unit mounting and connection
- Cooling and heating from the same equipment
What affects the cost
Single-zone vs. multi-zone
Separate single-zone systems let each room run independently, and a fault takes out one room, not the whole house. A multi-zone system uses one outdoor unit for several heads and usually costs less, but all rooms depend on that one compressor.
Cold-climate models
Standard units lose much of their heating output in deep cold. Cold-climate models keep heating far below freezing and cost more, but they let a mini-split carry a real share of the winter heating instead of only cooling.
Outdoor unit placement in snow country
Outdoor units need to sit above the snow line and away from roof drip lines, so a wall bracket or a raised stand is common in Canada. Mounting beyond a standard bracket, and a condensate pump where the drain can't run by gravity, are not included.
Line set length and wall routing
The estimate assumes each indoor unit sits within about 5 m of its outdoor unit on an outside wall. Interior rooms, long runs through attics or closets, and line-hide covers on the siding add labour and material.
Electrical capacity
Each outdoor unit needs its own 240 V breaker. An older 100 A panel with no free spaces may need a subpanel or a service upgrade, which is not in this estimate.
Indoor unit style
Wall-mounted heads are cheapest. Ceiling cassettes, floor consoles and concealed ducted units look cleaner but cost more and often need drywall work to hide them.
How to save
- Put one head in the main living area and use a multi-zone system only where rooms are close together.
- Place indoor units on exterior walls near the outdoor unit to keep line sets short.
- Size each unit to the room rather than oversizing; oversized units cost more and short-cycle.
- Check provincial and utility heat pump rebates before choosing a model, since some require a cold-climate unit, pre-approval or a participating contractor.
Grants, tax and rules
Canada Greener Homes is closed
The Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan are closed; the deadline for grant documents was 31 December 2025.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability
For oil-heated homes, this federal program offers up to $10,000, or up to $25,000 where it is co-delivered with the province. Applications closed on 31 July 2026 in Alberta, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Ontario Home Renovation Savings
As of September 2026, a cold-climate air-source heat pump qualifies for up to $7,500 in homes heated by electricity, oil, propane or wood, or up to $2,000 for gas-heated Enbridge customers. Pre-approval and a participating contractor are required, so confirm your model and setup qualify before you sign.
Licensed trades, permits and GST/HST
Electrical work needs a licensed electrician and usually a permit. GST/HST applies; our figures are before GST/HST (13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ductless mini-split cost for three rooms in Canada?
With a separate single-zone system in each of 3 rooms, expect about $10,000 installed, before GST/HST. A single multi-zone outdoor unit for the same rooms costs around $5,150.
Can a mini-split heat my house in winter?
A cold-climate mini-split can heat well below freezing and cover much of the season, especially in an open-plan or well-insulated home. Most Canadian homes still keep another heat source for the coldest days and for rooms the heads don't reach.
What size mini-split do I need for a bedroom?
A typical bedroom is usually covered by a 9,000 or 12,000 BTU unit. Ceiling height, insulation, windows and sun exposure all matter, so ask the installer for a room-by-room load calculation.
Is there a rebate for a ductless heat pump?
It depends on your province, your current heating fuel and the model. The federal Greener Homes Grant is closed; oil-heated homes may qualify for Oil to Heat Pump Affordability where it is still open, and Ontario Home Renovation Savings covers cold-climate air-source heat pumps with pre-approval.
Do I need a permit to install a mini-split?
Usually yes, because each outdoor unit needs a new dedicated circuit, which must be done by a licensed electrician. Your installer or electrician normally takes out the permit.
How long does installation take?
A crew typically installs one to two single-zone systems per day, so three rooms take about two days, including vacuum testing and start-up.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 33.3 · Labour: $2,640 · Materials: $7,380
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.