Ductless Cooling for Garage Apartments and Carriage Houses
Updated September 2026
Living space above or beside a garage takes the full brunt of Central Texas heat. The roof bakes under direct sun, hot cars radiate heat from below, and running ductwork from the main house is rarely practical.
A ductless mini split handles the space independently. We post our flat prices plainly with no sales pitch: 1 zone is $2,000, 2 zones are $3,700, and 3 zones are $5,400 for complete new installations.
Independent Comfort Above the Garage Floor
A garage apartment has thermal demands unlike any standard bedroom. Heat rises from unconditioned garage space below while the roof catches unrelenting sun all afternoon. Tying into the main home central system rarely balances the load because the main thermostat cannot read the temperature in an accessory dwelling.
Ductless mini splits operate as dedicated heat pumps for the living space. They deliver powerful cooling during 105-degree summer spikes and reverse cycle to heat the apartment during winter without needing a furnace or ductwork.
Clear Pricing with No Standoffs
Most Central Texas HVAC contractors charge $3,000 to $6,000 per zone for a ductless system after an in-home sales consultation. We put our flat rates right out in the open so you can plan your build or remodel without guesswork.
Our flat price includes the equipment, labor, line set, standard electrical hookup, refrigerant, testing, cleanup, and even a run for touch-up paint. Honest exceptions are stated plainly: an unusually long line set, difficult exterior mounting, or a panel upgrade that your property already required from a licensed electrician.
Sizing for Studios, Lofts, and Multi-Room ADUs
A compact studio above a two-car garage stays comfortable on a single zone for $2,000. If your accessory unit includes a separate bedroom and living area, a 2-zone system for $3,700 lets occupants control each space on its own schedule.
Installations are handled by licensed contractors who get the job done right the first time. Keep in mind that our posted prices cover new complete installations only, not repairs or service calls on older hardware. Start your project by visiting /#quote.
How we compare
| Factor | Old West Minisplits | The usual contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $2,000 for 1 zone, $3,700 for 2 zones, posted plainly. | Usually $3,000 to $6,000 per zone on a custom bid. |
| Sales Process | Instant flat pricing online without in-home sales visits. | Requires high-pressure visits before revealing a price. |
| What Is Included | Equipment, labor, standard electrical, testing, and touch-up paint. | Frequent extra charges for electrical work, permits, or cleanup. |
| System Type | Dedicated heat pump heating and cooling designed for ADU demands. | Often recommend costly duct extensions that fail to cool evenly. |
Straight answers
What does a garage apartment mini split installation cost?
Our flat price for a new complete installation is $2,000 for 1 zone, $3,700 for 2 zones, and $5,400 for 3 zones. Four or more zones are quoted individually. You can get started directly at /#quote.
Does the flat price include all necessary electrical work?
Standard electrical hookup from the unit to the existing disconnect is included. If your garage subpanel requires a heavy-up or new service run from the main home panel, you will need to arrange that with a licensed electrician.
Can a mini split keep a garage suite warm in winter?
Yes. Mini splits are true heat pumps. They provide quiet, efficient heating throughout mild Central Texas winters without requiring gas lines or ductwork.
Do these flat rates apply to maintenance or repairs?
No. Our flat prices apply strictly to new installations. We do not offer repair services or service calls for existing equipment.
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