I recently got bids for installing a high efficiency ductless mini split system.
The bids were so far out of line it was ridiculous. The lower cost option was in the $15,000 range, better stuff was $20,000. All of the electrical was already in place.
I did all my research, then purchased the tools and mini split system and installed it myself. All-in it was less than $4,000 for everything. I did give up the warranty doing it this way, but I could do it 4 times over and still be ahead. Had I called in an HVAC technician to do the charging and startup, the warranty would be intact.
Since it came in well under budget, and it was so easy to install, I ordered another system for my shop.
If you visit forums discussing mini split installations this is a common complaint. The labor to install such a simple system is frequently quoted so high it's a more of a scam. Being relatively new to the US market homeowners don't know what's involved.
The system cut my cooling bill in the summer by $50 per month. Heating in the winter appears to be tracking at about $150 per month less.
It's also more comfortable because it's not turning on and off constantly, it ramps up and down as needed to keep a constant temperature.