Shop and workshop mini split installation.

Updated September 2026

Central Texas metal shops, barns, and detached workshops heat up fast in our climate and typically have no existing ductwork. A mini split heat pump solves both problems: it delivers heating and cooling directly into the space without ducts, and mounts on the wall or ceiling to stay out of the way. Our flat-rate pricing includes materials, labor, and a TDLR-licensed install—usually done the same day.

Flat pricing, same everywhere we work

Every install is wired to code by our TDLR-licensed contractor. Long line-set runs, panel upgrades or unusual mounting can add cost, and we tell you up front, before any work starts. For market context, see our Austin mini split cost guide: typical Central Texas quotes run $3,000 to $5,000 for a single zone.

Why a Mini Split Works for Metal Buildings

Metal panels and slab floors turn any shop or barn into a heat sink. In direct sun, interior temperatures can climb 20–30 degrees above outside air within an hour. Traditional window units or portable ACs struggle to keep up and block valuable wall space. A ductless mini split mounts high on a wall or hangs from the ceiling, pulling warm air from above while the heat pump moves that heat back outside. In winter, the system reverses—pulling heat from the outdoor air and delivering it inside, even when temperatures drop into the 30s. No ducts mean no cutting into your existing structure, and no lost space.

What Our Install Includes

Every install is flat-rate and turnkey. For $1,500 (one zone), $2,500 (two zones), or $3,500 (three zones) you get the mini split unit, a wall-mount bracket or ceiling-hang kit, line-set tubing, electrical whip, and a dedicated 220V circuit if required. Our TDLR-licensed technicians mount the indoor head, connect the outdoor compressor, pressure-test the system, and pull a vacuum before releasing the refrigerant. Same-day installs are standard for most metal-shop layouts. We handle the permits and final inspection in your jurisdiction—no hidden fees for runs up to 50 feet line-set distance.

Sizing and What Affects Final Price

Flat pricing covers typical one-zone (up to 600 sq. ft.), two-zone (up to 1,200 sq. ft.), and three-zone (up to 1,800 sq. ft.) installations in metal buildings with 8- to 12-foot ceiling heights. The price assumes an exterior wall accessible from ground level and a standard 110V or 220V outlet within 10 feet of the outdoor unit. If your shop has spray-foam insulation, we can often use a smaller capacity unit—meaning lower operating cost. If the building is uninsulated or has high-bay ceilings above 14 feet, we may recommend a larger unit, and the flat price will adjust accordingly. We won’t quote below the minimum required to cool your shop in a Central Texas August.

Questions

Will a mini split work in a barn with no insulation?

Yes, but you’ll likely need an oversized unit or multiple zones. A metal barn with a slab floor and no ceiling insulation will require roughly 2x the cooling capacity of the same square footage in a house. Our flat pricing starts with standard conditions; for uninsulated buildings we calculate required tonnage and give a firm quote before any work begins.

Can you install in a shop with lean-to roofs or angled eaves?

Often yes. We mount the indoor head to the structural wall or ceiling joists, not the metal paneling. For angled eaves, we bracket the outdoor unit on a concrete pad or stand-off frame. If the mounting surfaces are metal-only without wood framing, we add a steel-reinforced mounting plate at no extra cost within the flat price.

What if my shop is on acreage with a long run from the main panel?

The flat price includes up to 50 feet of line-set and electrical conduit. If your shop is farther from the main power source, we quote the additional wire run separately before the install date. For remote buildings over 100 feet from the house panel, we recommend a dedicated sub-panel and will include that in your estimate.

We install across Central Texas — see the full service area or the Austin cost guide.