Before the Heat Arrives: Your Pre-Summer Mini Split Checklist
Central Texas summers don’t warn you. One day it’s 85, the next it’s 105 and your old AC is gasping. A ductless mini split keeps the house cool without the ductwork hassle, but waiting until July to install means sweating through a contractor’s backlog.
Old West Minisplits posts the price up front: 1 zone $2,000, 2 zones $3,700, 3 zones $5,400. No in-home visit, no standoff over the bill. Schedule now and the system will be ready before the first triple-digit day.
Clear the Path for Install Day
Walk the exterior wall where the outdoor unit will sit. Trim bushes, move firewood, and clear at least three feet of space so the crew can work without delays. If the unit needs to sit on a pad, have one poured or a pre-cast slab delivered before the install date.
Inside, pick the wall for the indoor unit. Avoid spots where furniture or curtains will block airflow. If you’re adding multiple zones, mark each room with painter’s tape so the crew knows exactly where to mount the heads without second-guessing.
Check the Electrical Panel Beforehand
Mini splits need a dedicated circuit. If your panel is already full or the breakers are old, hire a licensed electrician to upgrade it before install day. Old West Minisplits’s flat price includes standard electrical work, but a panel swap is a separate job.
If the panel is in a tight closet or garage, clear the area so the electrician can access it without moving stored items. A smooth electrical setup means the install crew can focus on mounting and testing instead of waiting for power.
Plan for the Small but Critical Details
Decide where the condensate drain will run. If it needs to exit through a wall, have a hole drilled ahead of time. If it will drain into a utility sink or laundry standpipe, make sure the path is clear and the pipe is properly vented.
Touch-up paint is included in the flat price, but buy a quart of the right color before the crew arrives. They’ll handle the final coat, but having the paint on hand saves a trip to the store and keeps the job moving.
How we compare
| Factor | Old West Minisplits | The Usual Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | 1 zone $2,000, 2 zones $3,700, 3 zones $5,400. Price posted online, no surprises. | Typically $3,000-$6,000 per zone. Requires in-home visit to quote, often with trip fees. |
| Install Timeline | Scheduled within days, completed in one visit. No waiting for parts or multiple crews. | Often 2-3 visits: measure, order, install. Delays for parts or subcontractors are common. |
| What’s Included | Equipment, labor, line set, refrigerant, standard electrical, testing, cleanup, touch-up paint. | Base price often excludes refrigerant, electrical, or cleanup. Upcharges added after the fact. |
| Cooling Ready Before Summer | System tested and running before the first 100-degree day. No backlog, no sweat. | Summer rush can mean weeks of waiting. Last-minute installs risk overheating while you wait. |
Straight answers
What if my panel needs an upgrade?
Old West Minisplits’s flat price covers standard electrical work, but a full panel upgrade is a separate job. Hire a licensed electrician beforehand to avoid delays on install day.
Can I add zones later if I start with one?
Yes, but it’s cheaper to install multiple zones at once. Adding a zone later means new line sets, refrigerant, and labor, so plan ahead if you think you’ll need more cooling.
Do I need to be home for the install?
Someone over 18 needs to be present to let the crew in and approve the final placement. The install takes 4-6 hours, so plan accordingly.
What’s not included in the flat price?
Honest exceptions: unusually long line sets, a panel upgrade the house already needed, or difficult mounting (e.g., brick veneer or second-story work). Those are quoted up front, never as a surprise.
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