This guide is not a calculator that spits out a number. It is a way of thinking through your home so you can have a clearer conversation with an installer. Instead of guessing square footage alone, you will learn to break your space into zones, consider how each room is used, and spot the factors that add complexity to an installation. In Central Texas, where summers run long and homes range from 1950s bungalows to new builds, this approach saves time and confusion.
This guide is not a calculator that spits out a number. It is a way of thinking through your home so you can have a clearer conversation with an installer. Instead of guessing square footage alone, you will learn to break your space into zones, consider how each room is used, and spot the factors that add complexity to an installation. In Central Texas, where summers run long and homes range from 1950s bungalows to new builds, this approach saves time and confusion.
At Jester Climate, we keep pricing simple. A standard installation is a flat $2,400 for materials and labor. One day each week is our Joker Day, and that price is lower than $2,400. The exact Joker Day number changes weekly and is only shown on our homepage. A $400 deposit books your install day, and the remaining balance is due on completion once you see the system running. Payment is by card through secure checkout. No loans, no financing, no hidden fees.
A mini split system works by placing an indoor unit (head) in each zone you want to heat or cool. A zone can be one room, two connected rooms, or a large open area. The number of zones you need depends on the floor plan, not the total house size. For example, a 1,500 square foot open concept home might need just two zones. But a 1,200 square foot home with separate bedrooms, a hallway, and a living room might need three or four.
In Austin area homes, zoning is especially useful for houses with additions, converted garages, or bonus rooms that central ductwork cannot reach. Start by walking through your house and grouping rooms that share a common space or have a similar sun exposure. Each group is a potential zone. This step alone helps you avoid buying more equipment than you need.
Different rooms have different cooling and heating demands. A master bedroom used only at night does not need the same capacity as a south facing living room used all afternoon. Bedrooms often need a smaller unit, while living rooms, home offices, and media rooms may need a larger one. Rooms with many windows, high ceilings, or poor insulation will also require more capacity.
For detached structures like garages, workshops, or she sheds, a mini split is often the best option because ductwork would be impractical. However, these spaces may need a different type of indoor unit, such as a ceiling cassette or a floor mounted console. And because they are separate from the main house, the line set (the tubing that connects indoor and outdoor units) will be longer. That adds a bit to cost. A standard flat rate covers typical lengths, but an unusually long run or a thick concrete wall may change the price. We will tell you upfront.
A standard installation for Jester Climate covers one indoor unit, one outdoor unit, a line set up to 50 feet, simple wall mounting, and connection to a standard electrical panel. This works well for single story homes with attic or crawlspace access. Things that increase complexity include: multiple stories where the outdoor unit must go on the ground and the indoor unit is upstairs, brick or stone exterior walls that require special drilling, or a very long line set run (over 50 feet).
Another factor is the electrical work. If your panel is full or far from the outdoor unit, you may need a subpanel or a longer electrical run. That is not included in the standard flat rate. We are honest about this because we want you to know exactly what you are getting. And if your installation is straightforward, you pay the flat $2,400 plus the $400 deposit. If it is complex, we give you a firm quote before any work begins. No surprises.
Count the rooms you actually want to heat and cool. If two rooms are open to each other with no door, they can share one zone. Separate bedrooms with doors usually need their own zone. Also consider any room that is far from the main living area, like a home office in a converted garage. A good rule of thumb: if the room has its own thermostat for central air now, it likely needs its own mini split zone. We can help you finalize this during a site visit.
The $2,400 flat rate covers a standard installation in a typical wood frame home with easy access. Brick, stone, or concrete walls require specialty bits and more labor to drill through. That is not included in the standard flat rate. However, we will give you a fixed quote for that additional work before we start. The same applies to electrical panel upgrades or very long line set runs. You will always know the total cost before you pay the deposit.
A detached structure works well with a mini split. You will need an outdoor unit placed near the garage, and the indoor unit mounted inside. The line set will run from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, possibly along an exterior wall or buried in conduit. This usually requires a longer line set, which can add cost beyond the standard flat rate. Also, the electrical run from your main panel to the garage may be significant. We will quote that separately. The result is a quiet, efficient climate for your workshop or garage without ductwork.
One day each week we offer a lower installation price than our standard $2,400 flat rate. That day is called Joker Day. The exact dollar amount changes every week and is posted only on our homepage atxminisplitjester.com. You can check the site to see the current Joker Day price. If you book an installation on that day, you pay that lower price. The $400 deposit still applies to hold your spot. There is no coupon code or secret trick. It is simply the price we offer on that day. Check back weekly to see if the Joker Day price works for you.
Call (512) 297-7493 or visit our homepage to see this week's Joker Day price. Our standard install starts at a flat $2,400 with a $400 deposit to book your day.