Service · Ductless mini-split installation in Seattle

Ductless mini-split installation in Seattle.

A ductless mini-split system delivers conditioned air directly into specific rooms via wall-mounted (or ceiling-cassette, or floor-mounted) indoor heads. No ductwork needed. Single-zone installs run $5,500 to $8,000; most common 3-zone systems run $11,000 to $15,000. For pre-1985 Seattle homes without modern ductwork, ductless typically wins on both cost and install time.

Call (206) 200-9134 → Get a free quote

// MITSUBISHI MULTI-ZONE DUCTLESS · 1-5 ZONES

Single-zone install From $5,500

Multi-zone (3-zone) $11,000 – $15,000

PSE rebate $400 – $1,200

Install time 1 – 3 days

Lifespan 15 – 20 yrs

What drives the price

Number of zones, head style, line set, and electrical.

01
Number of zones

Single-zone is cheapest ($5,500-$8,000). 3-zone is most common ($11,000-$15,000).
02
Head style

Wall-mount, ceiling cassette, or floor console. Wall-mount cheapest.
03
Line set routing

Distance from outdoor unit to each head. Long runs and ceiling routing add labor.
04
Electrical

Each indoor head needs disconnect + breaker. Most 200A panels handle 1-3 zones.

When ductless wins

Ductless mini-splits for homes without ductworkor for additions, ADUs, and zoned upgrades.

Ductless mini-splits deliver conditioned air directly into rooms via wall-mounted (or ceiling cassette / floor console) heads. No ductwork required. Each indoor head can be set to a different temperature, true zoned comfort.

For pre-1985 Seattle homes without modern forced-air ductwork, ductless typically wins on cost and install time. New ductwork costs $8,000 to $14,000, which kills the math for central HVAC.

We install everything from single-zone (one outdoor unit + one indoor head, $5,500-$8,000) up to 5-zone systems for whole-home conditioning ($18,000-$26,000). Mitsubishi is our default brand.

Get your ductless mini-split install quote in 24 to 48 hours.

Free on-site evaluation. Master electrician on every consult. No high-pressure sales. We answer Mon-Sun, 7 AM to 8 PM.

Request a quote → Call (206) 200-9134

Ductless vs central HVAC

When ductless beats central, and when it doesn't.

Factor	Ductless mini-split	Central heat pump
Existing ductwork required?	No	Yes (or +$8,000–$14,000 to add)
Single-zone install	$5,500 – $8,000	N/A
Whole-home (3-4 zones)	$11,000 – $20,000	$14,000 – $24,500
Zoned temperature control	Yes (per head)	Limited (single thermostat)
Wall-visible indoor unit	Yes	No (ducted)
Best fit	Pre-1985 home, ADU, single room	Home with existing ductwork

If you have modern ductwork already, central heat pump typically wins on cost-per-square-foot. If you don't, ductless skips the $8K+ ductwork install entirely.

Cost breakdown

Mini-split cost by number of zones.

Each zone adds equipment and labor. Single-zone is the cheapest entry point; 3-zone is the most common whole-home configuration we install.

✓Free zone planning✓Mitsubishi M-Series default✓PSE rebate priced in

Get a real quote → Call (206) 200-9134

Configuration

Equipment + install

1-zone, 12,000 BTU wall-mount Standard install

$5,500–$7,500

1-zone, 18,000 BTU wall-mount Larger room

$6,500–$8,500

2-zone wall-mount Bedroom + living

$8,500–$11,500

2-zone with one ceiling cassette Hidden in ceiling

$10,000–$13,500

3-zone wall-mount Whole-home (most popular)

$11,500–$15,500

4-zone wall-mount Larger home

$14,500–$19,500

Whole-home 4-5 zone replacement Replaces central HVAC

$17,000–$28,000

Add-on · Premium Mitsubishi M-Series upgrade per zone Hyper-Heat from value spec

+$500–$1,000

PSE rebates apply only when ductless is the primary heating source for the area it covers. See the full PSE rebate stack.

From first call to final walkthrough

How a ductless mini-split install with us goes.

Our process is built around making decisions easy, not pressuring you to make them today. Here's what every Black Lotus install looks like.

See the full process →

01

Day 0Schedule.

You call. We answer. A technician is introduced by name and a two-hour window is confirmed.
02

Day 1Consult.

On-site evaluation, Manual J load calc where applicable, panel + ductwork check, install photos. Written estimate in 24 to 48 hours.
03

Day 2-4Approve.

You pick your option. We pull permits, register warranties, lock in your install date and PSE rebate paperwork.
04

Day 5-7Install.

Full walkthrough before we touch a wire. Combustion analysis if any gas equipment remains, startup, full system test.
05

AfterSatisfied.

Walkthrough at the end. Anything you flag, we fix. Final payment only after sign-off. Warranty starts now.

Equipment lines we install

The systems we install.

Mitsubishi MSZ-FH

Premium

Rated to -15°F

Hyper-Heat single-zone wall-mount. The default Mitsubishi spec for Seattle. Whisper-quiet at 19-21 dB indoor.

Sound (indoor) 19-21 dB

SEER 33

Compressor warranty 12 yrs

Mitsubishi MXZ multi-zone

Multi-zone

Rated to -13°F

One outdoor unit drives 2-5 indoor heads. The most-installed multi-zone in our service area. Hyper-Heat capable.

Zones 2-5

SEER 22

Compressor warranty 12 yrs

Fujitsu Halcyon LZAH1

Value alt

Rated to -15°F

Strong alternative to Mitsubishi at slightly lower cost. Hyper-Heat performance, same Halcyon controller across the line.

SEER 28

Compressor warranty 10 yrs

AHRI Certified

Why homeowners pick us

Three operational choices that change how the install lands.

Real Manual J load calculations.

We don't quote from square footage. Every system is sized from a measured load calculation accounting for insulation, windows, orientation, and air sealing. Oversized equipment is the most common failure mode we see on competitor installs.

In-house electrical.

HVAC and electrical under one roof. No subcontractor coordination, no second permit, no surprise add-ons after the gas guy leaves. If your panel needs work, we do it with the same crew on the same week.

Final payment after walkthrough.

You sign off after we walk the install with you. Anything you flag, we fix. Your money clears only after you say it's right. That clause is in writing on every install.

Black Lotus might not currently have the marketing chops of the bigger outfits, it's worth giving them a meeting. We're glad we did. They charged us 1/2 of other bids I had gotten.

Anna Chen · Local Guide · 132 reviews · Verified Google review

Common scenarios

A few common ductless scenarios in Seattle.

Pre-1985 home without ductwork.

The textbook ductless install. Skip the $8,000-$14,000 new ductwork; a 3-zone ductless system runs $13,200 and conditions the whole home.

ADU or addition.

New ADU, basement conversion, or finished attic. Single-zone install in 1 day. $5,500-$8,000 net.

Master bedroom too hot upstairs.

Add a single-zone head to the problem room. Costs less than rebalancing the whole forced-air system, fixes the comfort problem permanently.

Common questions before you call

Quick answers before you call.

01 /

How long does mini-split installation take?

Single-zone is typically 1 day. 3-zone is 2 days. 5-zone whole-home is 3 days. Most of the time is line set routing and electrical.

02 /

Do mini-splits work in Seattle winter?

Yes — when speced to Hyper-Heat (Mitsubishi M-Series or Fujitsu LZAH1). Rated capacity to -15°F. We never install lower-spec units in PNW homes.

03 /

How loud are the indoor heads?

Mitsubishi wall-mounts run 19 to 21 dB on low fan (quieter than a whisper). Higher fan speeds run 32 to 38 dB.

04 /

Can I add zones later?

Yes, IF the original outdoor unit was speced for multi-zone capacity. We size with future zones in mind on every install.

05 /

Do mini-splits qualify for PSE rebates?

Yes, when they're the primary heat source for the area covered. We confirm at consult. The $1,200 rebate applies to whole-home replacements; smaller rebates ($400-$800) apply to single-zone primary-heat installs.

06 /

What about ceiling cassettes?

Available on most lines. Add ~$400-$800 per zone vs wall-mount. Best for spaces where a wall-mount would look out of place (kitchens, finished basements).

Schedule your consult

Free on-site evaluation. Written quote in 24 to 48 hours.

Same-day diagnostic for furnace, AC, or electrical service calls within our primary area. King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Call (206) 200-9134 → Schedule online

Hours Mon-Sun · 7 AM – 8 PM

Service area King · Pierce · Snohomish

Email blacklotushvac@icloud.com

Three Seattle-born partners. 30+ years combined HVAC experience. Master electrician on every consult. PSE Trade Ally with the $1,200 rebate priced into your quote.

Ductless mini-split installation in Seattle.

Number of zones, head style, line set, and electrical.

Number of zones

Head style

Line set routing

Electrical