How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ductwork in 2024?

Getting new ductwork for your HVAC system can set you back between $1,430 and $5,550. Here, location, material, and home size make for the main pillars of your outlay. Once these cost-shaping factors change, your expenses can lower to $900 or soar over $8,000. However, the average ductwork replacement cost is about $3,480. Below, we’ll examine aspects of the replacement project you should factor in when budgeting. 

The price of ductwork replacement

Average cost	$3,480
Low-end cost	$900
High-end cost	$8,000+
Typical cost range	$1,430 - $5,550

Cost to Replace Ductwork per Linear Foot 

You should be ready to fork out from $24.50 to $56 per linear foot when replacing ductwork. The price is shaped by its material, location within the house, and labor rates. If the required ductwork must be over 100 linear feet long, you may have to spend a fortune. 

The ductwork cost per linear foot

Length (lin.ft.)	Average cost
40	$980 - $2,240
60	$1,470 - $3,360
100	$2,450 - $5,600
130	$3,185 - $7,280

Cost to Replace Ductwork per Duct 

Some contractors estimate the overall cost per duct – between $272 and $510. These numbers are eligible for projects in attics or basements. 

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The ductwork replacement cost per duct

Number of ducts	Average cost
2	$544 - $1,020
4	$1,088 - $2,040
6	$1,632 - $3,060
8	$2,176 - $4,080
10	$2,720 - $5,100

New Ductwork Installation Cost

Installing ductwork from scratch is costlier than replacing it—from $41 to $67 per linear foot. Most homeowners spend between $2,450 and $6,700. The low-end duct installation cost can be about $1,640, while the top-end project can run at $10,000. In addition to the home size and ductwork type required, contractors make allowances for layout and whether ductwork needs to be installed in hard-to-reach places like a crawl space. Once you add dampers and a zoning system, the total expenses can increase. 

The price of ductwork installation

Average cost	$4,300
Low-end cost	$1,640
High-end cost	$10,000
Typical cost range	$2,450 - $6,700

Ductwork Replacement Cost Calculator

Do you want to replace your ductwork to upgrade the HVAC system for efficiency or address its wear and tear? Whatever the reason, you should discover the main cost implications for effective budgeting. We’ve created a go-to tool for estimating the expenses associated with the project to make the planning process a breeze. 

Air Duct Replacement Cost by Home Size

Ductwork replacement expenses fluctuate based on the residence size from $1,300 to $9,000. Bigger properties necessitate more materials and workforce, leading to higher costs for a full duct system overhaul. Your outlay can stretch up with each additional square foot. Furthermore, contractors can charge more for multi-leveled homes than one-story ones because of the increased complexity and safety measures required. Hence, before scheduling an appointment with an HVAC specialist and asking questions like, “How much to replace ductwork for my home?” you need to verify your home size. 

The price of ductwork replacement by home size

Square feet	Average cost
1,000 - 1,500	$1,450 - $3,450
1,500 - 2,000	$2,150 - $4,550
2,000 - 2,500	$2,860 - $5,650
2,500 - 3,000	$3,450 - $6,750
3,000 - 3,500	$4,250 - $7,860
3,500 - 4,000	$4,960 - $9,100

Ductwork Replacement Cost by Duct Location

The accessibility of the ducts that need replacement can make or break your budget, as your outlay can fluctuate from $1,000 to $7,400 based on it. Suppose the ducts are situated in areas that are difficult to access, for example, crawl spaces, attics, within walls, or above ceilings. In that case, specialists may have to go all out to maneuver and work in restricted or challenging spaces. Consequently, new ductwork costs can soar because the project can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. Let’s discover your potential expenses based on the exact duct location.

Cost to Replace Ductwork in the Basement

If you are about to replace ductwork in an unfinished basement, you can spend as little as $1,300, as specialists won’t face trouble reaching the ducts. However, charges can surge to $4,000 once the space is done. Hence, you should undertake duct replacement before finishing the basement renovation project to minimize expenses. 

Cost to Replace Ductwork in the Crawl Space

If your ductwork is located in a crawl space, its replacement can set you back $2,600 to $7,000. Usually, contractors can factor in the dimensions, condition, and ease of access. The confined nature of crawl spaces often calls for special equipment for entry and add-on services like cleaning, pushing the costs for ductwork replacement to the higher end of the spectrum. Scheduling combined repair + cleaning services can add $2,200 to $8,000 to the final bill. 

Cost to Replace Ductwork in an Attic

Again, accessibility comes to the fore in price formation. Replacing ductwork in the attic costs from $2,100 to $5,730 on average. Many homeowners seize a chance to improve their home energy efficiency and relieve strain on AC units by insulating ducts in unconditioned attics. However, such services can add between $800 and $1,570 to the final bill. 

Cost to Replace Ductwork in Wall/ Ceiling

Accessing ductwork behind finished walls can cost you a pretty penny – up to $4,100. The fee accounts for the work required to reach the ducts and repair the drywall afterward. Technicians can charge more because it is a labor-intensive job that calls for extra precision. If drywalls are not in place, your expenses can be around $1,000.

Exposed Ductwork Replacement Cost 

Exposed ducts are easily accessible and allow for smoother replacement than hidden ones. That’s why contractors usually charge $10.20 to $34 per linear foot, translating into $550 to $3,000 per project. The installation location and the specific length of ductwork required will shape the price. 

The duct replacement cost by duct location

Location	Average cost
Basement	$1,300 - $4,000
Crawl space	$2,600 - $7,000
Attic	$2,100 - $5,730
Wall/ ceiling	$1,000 - $4,100
Exposed ductwork	$550 - $3,000

Duct Replacement Cost by Material 

The modern market offers a slew of duct materials, with price points ranging from $1 to $14 per linear foot. Your choice will influence your expenses and the system’s durability. For instance, you may cut corners and go for flexible ducts with lower price tags. While you can save a penny upfront, you may waste more on repairs down the line. 

Flexible (Non-Insulated)

Non-insulated flex ducts are less expensive than their insulated counterparts—$1 to $3 per linear foot. They offer superior flexibility, accommodating tight spaces and complex layouts. Typically reinforced with wire and shielded by plastic or aluminum, these ducts are lightweight and straightforward to install. However, they are vulnerable to tears, pest damage, and moisture and can result in reduced airflow if not installed correctly. 

Flexible (Insulated)

Insulated flex ducts cost $2 to $4 per linear foot. They are durable and lightweight, effectively blocking contaminants like asbestos from infiltrating your air supply. However, they don’t have the longevity of metal ducts. They are also prone to moisture damage and mold growth.

Fiberglass 

You can get a more tranquil home environment by installing fiberglass ductwork ($4 to $7 per linear foot), as it can dampen noise from your HVAC system. It needs fewer supports than metal ones and doesn’t require extra insulation, making it the best bet for long duct lines. However, its lifespan is shorter compared to other materials.

Sheet Metal

A new ductwork can cost $7 to $14 per linear foot, depending on whether it is constructed from galvanized steel or aluminum. These ducts are ideal for straight runs or exposed ductwork and can be fitted with a fiberglass lining for added insulation and durability. Sheet metal ducts generally have the longest service life and perform optimally with external duct insulation. While the initial investment may be higher, their mold resistance and efficiency can provide cost savings over time.

The air conditioning duct replacement by material 

Material	Average cost per lin.ft.
Flexible (non-insulated)	$1 - $3
Flexible (insulated)	$2 - $4
Fiberglass	$4 - $7
Sheet metal	$7 - $14

Labor Cost to Replace Ductwork

When it comes to ductwork replacement, HVAC specialists can offer a flat hourly rate between $52 and $115. If everything goes as planned, it can take a technician up to seven hours to complete the job. As a rule of thumb, labor costs consume about 60% of the overall bill in a standard scenario. However, HVAC ductwork replacement professionals can raise their rates if complexities are encountered during the job. Mold growth, asbestos, or damages can push the final cost beyond the initial estimate. Plus, you need to check in with your contractor whether they have any restrictions, such as working in hard-to-access areas. 

The AC duct replacement cost by labor

Labor costs per hour	$52 - $115
Labor costs per project	$700 - $2,800

Additional Services Included in the Duct Replacement Cost

When updating your ductwork, you need to account for additional costs beyond simple replacement. First off, you need to evaluate the state of your existing ductwork, identify any problems, and the efficiency of your HVAC system by scheduling inspection and home energy audit services. You can’t do without professional intervention if any mold is detected. 

Homes with older duct systems may harbor asbestos, requiring professional testing and possibly extensive removal procedures. Altering the route of your ductwork and increasing the number of vents can improve your system’s airflow and overall efficiency but lead to additional charges. Moreover, your local area may require permits, impacting the project’s cost and schedule.

The HVAC duct replacement cost by extra services 

Extra services	Average cost
Inspection	$150 - $300
Home energy audit	$200 - $550
Permits	$240 - $1,500
Mold remediation	$500 - $8,000
Asbestos testing and removal	$255 - $860
Duct movement	$25 - $57 per lin.ft.
Adding a vent to existing ductwork	$240 - $550

Ductwork Insulation Cost

Including materials and labor, the average cost for insulating air ducts ranges from $830 to $2,200. This outlay breaks down to about $1 to $8 per square foot. However, your final bill can be higher or lower depending on the insulation type used and the house’s size.

When selecting the proper insulation for your ductwork, you should be guided by location and duct material. If you reside in a cold climate, you should go for the heaviest option, while homeowners in warm states can opt for any type. 

The cost to replace HVAC ductwork by insulation type

Insulation type	Average cost per sq.ft.
Fiberglass (flexible)	$1 - $4
Fiberglass (rigid / foam board)	$4 - $8.50
Mineral wool (flexible)	$2 - $4