Do your homework on manufactures. While their are many brands, warranty service is another issue all together. I will not name companies or brands, but there are only two systems I will sell my clients because of difficulty in getting repair parts for the others. Remember you get exactly what you pay for.

There are systems made now that have picture frames covering the indoor part of the system. Unique idea, but steer clear of them. I have removed a few of these systems in the past because of part issues not available in my area. They also have poor air flow. They do not push the air out across the room and only blow it out sideways. If the room is larger you want the air to move around to get the best effect from them.

On cost, these systems cost more then a new system for central AC does. equipment alone. Your not really saving much with mini-split other then to not having to install ducts in the rooms which is often difficult with head room in a basement.

Good luck.

Yes, it has become a issue over the last few years. We have seen an up-tick in the amount of theft in all copper coming out of home. With the coil of a household A/C unit having 30 to 100 lbs of copper and 5 to 10 lbs of lead it has been a target.

Depending upon your states energy star program your monthly savings should be more then it would cost you to finance the project combined with the new energy bills. In other words done correctly with the rebate programs, your combined finance loan with the new utility bills should be less then what your currently paying now for your energy use without doing any of the work. Paybacks can be as little as 7 years. This is what folks in my area have been experiencing with the work I do.